Print Control Apparatus for Consistent Sheet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies complicate the arrangement of printed sheets when switching between simplex and duplex printing on continuous sheets, leading to confusion during collection due to different discharge sequences.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus and method that synchronize the discharge sequence of simplex and duplex printed sheets by reversing the sheet after completing the first side printing, allowing the same sequence for both printing modes, thereby eliminating confusion during collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If duplex printing is performed by printing on the first side, then cutting, temporarily winding, reintroducing, and printing on the second side, then printing efficiency is improved, but the sheet arrangement sequence becomes different from simplex printing, causing user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the sheet arrangement sequence for duplex printing to match simplex printing. Specifically, when performing duplex printing, the system arranges sheets in reverse order (last page first) compared to the natural printing sequence, so that after cutting and stacking, the final discharged sheets have the same ascending sequence as simplex printing. This resolves the contradiction by making the output sequence consistent across both printing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-planning and pre-arranging the sheet sequence before the printing and cutting process completes. The control unit determines the appropriate arrangement sequence in advance based on whether simplex or duplex printing is selected, and adjusts the discharge order accordingly. This ensures that the final sheet sequence is consistent from the beginning, preventing user confusion during collection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simplex printing discharges sheets face-up and duplex printing discharges sheets face-down, then printing functionality is achieved, but the different discharge orientations complicate sheet collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the sheet discharge orientation consistent across both simplex and duplex printing modes. The control unit is designed to handle both printing modes with a unified discharge mechanism that always discharges sheets in the same orientation (either both face-up or both face-down). This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain consistent behavior regardless of the printing mode selected, resolving the contradiction between mode flexibility and collection consistency.
3Productivity
If the sheet arrangement sequence is optimized for duplex printing, then duplex printing efficiency is improved, but simplex printing sequence becomes inconsistent, creating complexity in the control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sheet arrangement sequence adjustable and dynamic based on the selected printing mode. The control unit dynamically changes the discharge sequence configuration: for simplex printing, it uses one arrangement sequence, and for duplex printing, it switches to a different arrangement sequence. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for each mode while maintaining overall simplicity through a single control unit that handles both configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In printing data of a plurality of pages on a continuous sheet, it is determined whether the data is to be printed on a single side of the continuous sheet or on both sides thereof. A first sequence of pages arranged on a first side of the continuous sheet occurring when it is determined that the data is to be printed on the single side and a second sequence of pages arranged on the first side of the continuous sheet occurring when it is determined that the data is to be printed on the both sides such that the first and second sequences are opposite to each other. Each of the first and second sequences indicates whether the pages are arranged in descending order or in ascending order.