Mixed Simplex-Duplex Print Control for Correct Sheet Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for printing on both sides of sheets struggle to ensure the correct orientation of printed products, especially when mixing simplex and duplex printing, leading to unintended product directions and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a feeding unit, refeeding unit, and control unit that selectively switches between print control operations based on printing order and sheet attributes, ensuring correct orientation and improved performance by restricting certain operations for sheets with specific discharge directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic switching between simplex-duplex mixture duplex printing control methods is implemented to improve performance, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect sheet orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the printing control method based on real-time detection of sheet attributes. The control unit automatically switches between different printing modes (first printing mode for normal sheets, second printing mode for specific direction discharge sheets) based on the detected sheet characteristics, thereby maintaining both high productivity and correct sheet orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects sheet attributes (such as presence of pre-printed content or specific discharge requirements) and uses this information to adjust the printing control method. This feedback loop ensures that the correct printing mode is selected, preventing orientation errors while maintaining optimal printing performance.
2Productivity
If the second printing control operation is applied to all sheets to improve mixing of simplex and duplex printing, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to unintended product direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different printing control operations to different sheets based on their specific attributes. Normal sheets receive the second printing control operation (optimized for mixing simplex and duplex printing), while specific direction discharge sheets receive the first printing control operation (which ensures correct orientation). This localized quality approach eliminates the harmful effect of incorrect discharge direction while maintaining productivity improvements.
3Loss of time
If simplex printing is performed in parallel with duplex conveyance to reduce total printing time, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute the first printing control operation for normal sheets, the second printing control operation for specific direction discharge sheets, and coordinate parallel simplex printing with duplex conveyance. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified control architecture that detects sheet attributes and automatically selects the appropriate operation mode, thereby reducing total printing time without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for a printing apparatus capable of executing a print job including a mixture of simplex printing and duplex printing performs, while selectively switching based on predetermined conditions, a plurality of print control operations including at least a first print control operation which performs simplex printing and duplex printing and a second print control operation which applies, to a sheet for simplex printing present between a plurality of sheets for duplex printing, conveyance control equivalent to that for a sheet for duplex printing in such a way as to cause the sheet for simplex printing to be conveyed through a conveyance path for duplex printing after simplex printing, and, in a case where, in sheets for feeding, a predetermined sheet designated in such a manner that, when being discharged, a predetermined surface thereof faces in a predetermined direction is included, restricts application of the second print control operation.