Print System Ejection Order Control via Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print systems face challenges in maintaining the order of ejection of printed sheets when images are rasterized by another information processing apparatus, leading to potential inconvenience in post-processing steps.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus is configured to receive print instructions, associate them with specific ejection destinations, and manage the printing process to ensure that only subsequent recording media are printed to ejection destinations waiting for further ejection, thereby maintaining the order of ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rasterized images are sequentially sent to be printed in the order of reception from another information processing apparatus, then processing speed is improved, but the order of ejection of printed pieces of recording medium is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking the ejection status of recording media before executing print instructions. The controller verifies whether a recording medium has been fully ejected to the designated destination before allowing subsequent printing, preventing out-of-order ejection while maintaining continuous processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the ejection status of recording media and using this information to control the execution of print instructions. The controller receives feedback on whether ejection is complete and adjusts printing operations accordingly, ensuring order is maintained without sacrificing processing speed
2Productivity
If print instructions are executed without checking ejection status, then processing speed is improved, but post-processing steps are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of ejection status before executing print instructions. The controller checks whether the recording medium has been fully ejected to the designated destination before allowing the next print operation, ensuring post-processing reliability while maintaining efficient processing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing print instructions from being executed when the ejection status indicates potential disruption to post-processing. The controller blocks out-of-order printing operations before they can occur, protecting the integrity of post-processing steps
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: receive a print instruction to print an image rasterized by another information processing apparatus; associate the print instruction with any one of plural ejection destinations to which a recording medium printed in response to the print instruction is ejected; and, in a case where the ejection destination associated with the print instruction waits for ejection of a recording medium subsequent to the already ejected recording medium, execute a print instruction for the subsequent recording medium, and not execute a print instruction for ejecting a recording medium other than the subsequent recording medium to the ejection destination.