Print Control Apparatus for Continuous Duplex Sheet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies require multiple sheet turns and cuts when handling duplex print jobs on continuous sheets, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A print control method and apparatus that allows continuous printing on both sides of a continuous sheet by determining if subsequent print jobs share the same sheet type and settings, enabling concatenated printing without intermediate cuts, and reversing the sheet only once for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple duplex print jobs are executed by turning over the sheet after each job, then each print job can be completed with proper duplex printing, but the number of sheet turns, cuts, and rewinds increases significantly, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple print jobs into a single continuous printing process by concatenating front surface printing of multiple jobs followed by a single back surface printing operation. Instead of completing one duplex job at a time with intermediate turns and cuts, the system combines multiple jobs' front surfaces, prints them continuously, then turns the sheet once and prints all back surfaces sequentially, significantly reducing handling operations while maintaining duplex printing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by determining the print order of multiple jobs in advance and grouping them by sheet type and settings before actual printing begins. The control unit pre-calculates the optimal sequence, identifies which jobs can be concatenated on the same sheet, and prepares the printing plan that minimizes turns and cuts, allowing the printing process to proceed efficiently without intermediate decision-making or handling interruptions
2Ease of operation
If the sheet is cut after each print job to enable turning over, then duplex printing can be performed on separate sheets, but the frequent cutting and rewinding operations increase processing time and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by eliminating unnecessary interruptions in the printing process. The front surfaces of multiple jobs are printed continuously without cutting or turning the sheet. After all front surfaces are printed, the sheet is turned once and all back surfaces are printed in sequence. This continuous printing approach minimizes idle time and keeps the printing unit operational throughout the process, significantly reducing total processing time compared to stopping, cutting, and rewinding after each job
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print jobs with different sheet types are handled separately, then each job receives appropriate sheet handling, but the number of sheet changes and setup operations increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining print order and grouping jobs based on their specific sheet type requirements and printing settings. Each job is analyzed individually to identify its sheet type characteristics, then jobs with matching or compatible sheet types are grouped together for concatenated printing. This allows the system to maintain adaptability to different sheet types while optimizing the overall printing sequence to minimize interruptions and maximize productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A print control apparatus configured to cause printing means which is able to perform duplex printing on a continuous sheet may comprise determination means configured to, in a case where causing the printing means to perform printing of a first print page and a second print page on a continuous sheet, determine whether a sheet type of a continuous sheet to be used for the first print page is the same as a sheet type of a continuous sheet to be used for the second print page, wherein at least one of the first print page and the second print page is duplex printing; and print control means configured to perform control to, in a case where the determination means determines that the sheet type of the continuous sheets to be used for the first print page and the second print page is the same, cause the printing means to continuously print image of the first print page to be arranged on a first surface of the continuous sheet and image of the second print page to be arranged on the first surface of the continuous sheet and cause the printing means to print one or more images of print page of duplex printing among the first print page and the second print page to be arranged on an opposite surface of the continuous sheet.