Multilayer Print Data Assignment for Double-Sided Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies do not effectively control multilayer printing to produce a printed matter equivalent to double-sided printing based on the presence or absence of data on the front and back surfaces of print data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a processor and memory that controls multilayer printing by assigning print data to hierarchical layers based on the presence of data on the front and back surfaces, generating image data, and controlling a print unit to perform multilayer printing on a print medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multilayer printing is performed without controlling data assignment to hierarchical layers, then printing flexibility is maintained, but the printed matter cannot be controlled to be equivalent to double-sided printing
Solution Approach 1:
The print data is segmented into front surface data and back surface data based on the presence/absence of data for each surface. This segmentation enables precise control over which layers are printed on which surfaces, allowing the printed matter to be controlled to be equivalent to double-sided printing while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The data control unit performs preliminary assignment of print data to hierarchical layers before the actual printing process. By pre-determining which front surface data and back surface data correspond to which hierarchical layers, the system establishes the printing control structure in advance, enabling precise control of the printed matter without increasing operational complexity during execution.
2Productivity
If print data is assigned to hierarchical layers without considering surface presence/absence, then processing is simplified, but the output cannot match double-sided printing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The data control unit dynamically determines the hierarchical layer assignment based on the actual presence/absence of front surface data and back surface data in the print data. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to process different print data structures flexibly, maintaining high printing output quality while avoiding unnecessary processing time by only performing assignments when data is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the assignment parameters of hierarchical layers based on the presence/absence parameters of front and back surface data. By adjusting the data assignment strategy according to what data is actually available, the system achieves printing output quality equivalent to double-sided printing without wasting processing time on absent data elements.
3Reliability
If multilayer printing control is implemented, then printed matter can be controlled to match double-sided printing, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The data control unit creates a controlled copy of the hierarchical layer assignment based on the presence/absence of front and back surface data. This copying mechanism allows the system to replicate the reliable output of double-sided printing through multilayer printing by systematically assigning data to appropriate layers, achieving reliability without requiring a completely new complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The data control unit serves multiple functions: it determines hierarchical layer assignment, identifies front surface and back surface data, and controls the printing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, achieving reliable printed matter equivalence while minimizing the overall complexity of the control system through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire print data and print setting information; a data control unit configured to control assignment to each hierarchical layer in multilayer printing based on presence/absence of data corresponding to at least any of a front surface and a back surface in the print data when double-sided printing is set for the print data in the print setting information; a generation unit configured to generate image data by executing image processing on hierarchical data on which the assignment is performed under control by the data control unit; and a print control unit configured to control a print unit so as to perform printing by the multilayer printing on a print medium based on the image data generated by the generation unit.