Print Controller Dual-Sequence Refeeding for Multi-Copy Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print controllers do not efficiently manage the refeeding of multiple output printing media with sequentially printed page images, particularly in changing printing sequences, which can lead to confusion and inefficiency in printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A print controller with first and second print command units that allow page images to be printed in either a leading-to-final or final-to-leading sequence, while maintaining the output orientation of printing media, enabling seamless refeeding and continued printing without altering the media's orientation or stacking sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printing is performed in a fixed sequence (leading to final page image) on multiple printing media, then the printing process is simple to control, but the user operation becomes inefficient when refeding multiple output printing media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic printing sequence control that automatically switches between first sequence (leading to final page image) and second sequence (final to leading page image) based on the number of copies to be printed. When the number of copies is two or more, the system alternates between the two sequences to enable efficient refeding operations without requiring manual intervention or complex user coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-plans the printing sequence before actual printing begins. The control unit determines whether to use the first or second sequence based on the copy count, and prepares the corresponding page image arrangement in advance. This preliminary determination eliminates the need for real-time sequence switching during printing, maintaining simple control while achieving efficient multi-copy refeding operations.
2Productivity
If the printing sequence is changed for efficient refeding, then user operation efficiency improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternation between the first and second printing sequences when the number of copies is two or more. The control unit systematically switches sequences in a periodic pattern (first sequence for odd copies, second sequence for even copies, or vice versa), which enables continuous efficient refeding operations while maintaining a regular, predictable control rhythm that does not require complex real-time decision-making.
3Reliability
If multiple page images are printed sequentially on multiple printing media, then complete page images can be formed, but the refeding process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by using the second printing sequence (final page image to leading page image) in alternating cycles with the first sequence. This reverse printing approach creates a complementary pattern where the output from one sequence can be directly refed for the next sequence, reducing refeding errors and improving reliability while maintaining simple user operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A print controller includes a first print command unit, an output command unit, and a second print command unit. The first print command unit prints multiple page images onto multiple printing media in either one of a first sequence, in which the page images are printed starting from a leading page image toward a final page image, and a second sequence, in which the page images are printed starting from the final page image toward the leading page image. The output command unit gives a command for outputting the printing media to an output destination of a printing apparatus in a state where a printed face of each printing medium faces upward. The second print command unit gives a command for further printing the page images onto the printing media, which are fed to a feed destination of the printing apparatus while being kept in the upward-facing output state in the output destination, such that the printing is performed in the other one of the first sequence and the second sequence.