Managing Apparatus for Continuous Paper Print Speed Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses generate unused regions on continuous paper strips when print jobs with different print speeds are performed sequentially, leading to wasted space and inefficient paper usage.

Innovation Solution

A managing apparatus that classifies print jobs into groups based on print speed, optimizing the order and distribution of print jobs to minimize wasted space by associating each group with a suitable continuous paper strip, thereby reducing the length of unused regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If print jobs with different print speeds are performed sequentially on a continuous paper strip, then all print jobs can be processed in the order received, but unused regions (wasted portions) are generated between images formed by print jobs with different print speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job processing efficiencyVSAvoidunused region on continuous paper strip

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The managing apparatus segments print jobs into distinct groups based on their print speed characteristics. Each group contains print jobs with the same print speed, allowing the system to process homogeneous groups sequentially on the continuous paper strip. This segmentation eliminates unused regions between images because all print jobs within a group maintain consistent speed, and groups are processed in succession without speed changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the organization parameter of print jobs from chronological order to speed-based grouping. By reorganizing print jobs according to their speed parameter, the managing apparatus ensures that print jobs with identical speed parameters are processed together on the continuous paper strip, eliminating the unused regions that would otherwise occur when speed changes between adjacent print jobs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If print jobs are classified into groups by print speed, then unused regions are minimized, but the complexity of job management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunused region on continuous paper stripVSAvoidprint job classification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The managing apparatus applies parameter-based classification by organizing print jobs according to their speed parameter. This approach, while introducing classification logic, uses a simple and intuitive parameter (print speed) that is already inherent in each print job. The classification process automatically groups jobs with identical speed parameters, minimizing unused regions without requiring complex multi-dimensional sorting or optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11782664B2Image forming apparatus having managing apparatus which creates print groups according to speed and associates print groups to a continuous paper strip

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A managing apparatus includes a processor configured to use continuous paper strips as recording media, receive multiple print jobs having different print speeds, and create print groups into which the multiple print jobs are classified according to print speed.