Print Data Transmitting Apparatus Tab Paper Set Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with excess special paper generation when the number of sheets to be inserted is not an integral multiple of the sheets in a set, leading to poor usability and printing failures, as they only detect and remove excess paper after printing, making it difficult for users to prevent excess paper insertion.
Innovation Solution
A print data transmission apparatus that acquires the number of sheets in a set and guides users to designate page positions such that the total number of sheets inserted is an integral multiple of the set, using input columns and warnings to ensure accurate insertion, and forces re-designation if the sheet count changes, preventing excess paper generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus only detects and removes excess tab paper after printing, then the printing process can continue without interruption, but the user cannot prevent excess paper insertion in advance and must manually remove excess sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the required number of tab paper sheets before printing begins. The system determines how many complete sets of tab paper are needed based on the number of pages requiring chapter separation, and only loads that precise quantity into the manual tray, preventing excess paper from being fed in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the system detect the actual number of tab paper sheets loaded into the manual tray and compare it against the calculated required amount. When a discrepancy is detected, the system provides feedback to the user through warnings or errors, allowing correction before printing starts.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus removes excess tab paper automatically, then printing failures can be prevented, but the user cannot take previous measures to prohibit excess sheet insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the exact number of tab paper sheets needed before the printing job starts. Based on the number of pages requiring chapter separation and the fact that tab paper comes in sets of 5 sheets, the system determines the precise quantity to load, eliminating the need for post-printing corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically calculating and determining the correct number of tab paper sheets to load, eliminating the need for manual calculation and intervention by the user. The system handles the complexity of set-based paper management autonomously.
3Device complexity
If tab paper sheets are arranged in a fixed order in a set, then the paper feed process is simplified, but printing failures occur when the number of sheets to be inserted is not an integral multiple of the set size
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation to determine the exact number of complete tab paper sets needed based on the number of pages requiring chapter separation. By loading only the precise number of complete sets required, the system ensures that the fixed arrangement order of sheets in each set will be fully utilized without leaving partial, unused sheets that would cause feeding errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of the number of tab paper sets loaded into the manual tray based on the calculation results. Instead of loading a fixed or arbitrary number of sets, the system adjusts this parameter to match the exact requirement derived from the number of pages needing chapter separation, ensuring compatibility with the fixed sheet arrangement order.
4Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus uses a fixed tab paper feed source, then the paper feed structure is simplified, but the system cannot adapt when the number of sheets to be inserted varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic adaptability by calculating the number of tab paper sets to load based on the actual printing requirements. The manual tray, which was previously a static fixed-capacity holder, becomes dynamically configurable where the system determines the appropriate number of sets to load, allowing adaptation to varying sheet requirements while maintaining the simple fixed feed source structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A print data transmitting apparatus for transmitting print data to an image forming apparatus having a function of creating a printed material including a plurality of pages by inserting a plurality of sheets of special paper constituting one set into a predetermined position one by one. The print data transmitting apparatus comprises a number-of-constituent-sheets acquiring section for acquiring the number of sheets constituting one set of special paper, and an insertion information inputting section for receiving designation of insertion page position where special paper is to be inserted in the printed material, with using a unit of number of the page positions, the number of the page positions being equal to the number of sheets constituting one set of special paper.