Print Data Rewriting for Shorter Conveyance Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face delays in obtaining prints due to the time it takes to select a cassette as a feed source or a tray as a discharging destination in image forming apparatuses, especially when default settings lead to longer conveyance paths.
Innovation Solution
A system that rewrites print data to designate the shortest sheet conveyance path within the image forming apparatus, prioritizing the in-body tray as the discharging destination when no specific post-processing is set, thereby reducing the conveyance distance and time to obtain prints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system uses default tray settings for discharging printed sheets, then the image forming apparatus can operate with standardized configurations, but the conveyance path becomes longer and printing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the tray designation parameter in print data from default settings to optimized settings that specify the in-body tray as the discharging destination, thereby shortening the conveyance path and reducing printing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary rewriting of print data before printing occurs, modifying the tray information to designate the optimal discharging destination (in-body tray) in advance, which ensures the shortest conveyance path is used from the outset
2Loss of time
If the system designates the finisher tray as the discharging destination, then post-processing functions are available, but the conveyance distance increases and printing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the destination parameter in print data from the finisher tray to the in-body tray, which reduces the conveyance path length and enables faster retrieval of printed sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively rewrites the tray information in print data before the printing process begins, designating the in-body tray as the destination in advance to minimize conveyance time and enable quicker access to prints
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a printing system comprises a memory, a processor and an interface. The processor rewrites the first information contained in the print data stored in the memory and designating a sheet stacking section at an end of a conveyance path of an image forming apparatus. The interface sends the rewritten print data to the image forming apparatus.