Print Job Separation via Orientation Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing devices output all print jobs into a single tray, leading to pages becoming lost, decollated, or mixed, as they lack effective separation methods, increasing device costs and complicating the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A print controller and orientation selector system that outputs sheets in either a straight or askew orientation, with the option to intersperse or alternate between these orientations to separate print jobs, reducing the need for separator sheets and minimizing paper usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple output trays are used to separate print jobs, then print job separation is improved, but device cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments print jobs by outputting them in alternating orientations (straight and askew) rather than using separate physical trays. This divides the single output tray into functional zones through orientation-based separation, achieving print job separation without additional hardware cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orientation as a new dimension for separation instead of using multiple physical trays. By varying the output orientation (straight vs. askew angles), the system creates separation in the angular dimension rather than expanding in the spatial dimension of multiple trays.
2Device complexity
If all print jobs are output in the same orientation into a single output tray, then device cost is reduced, but pages become lost, decollated, or mixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the output orientation by alternating between straight and askew angles. This asymmetric output pattern creates visual and physical differentiation between print jobs, allowing users to easily distinguish and separate them while using a single output tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses orientation changes as a visual indicator similar to color coding. By outputting pages at different angles, the system creates visual differentiation that helps users identify and separate print jobs without requiring physical separators or multiple trays.
3Reliability
If separator sheets are used to separate print jobs, then print job separation is improved, but paper usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the print jobs themselves serve as separators by alternating their orientations. The askew pages naturally create visual and physical separation between straight-oriented print jobs, eliminating the need for separate separator sheets and reducing paper consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the output pages serve dual functions: both as the printed content and as separation indicators. The same pages that carry the printed information also provide the separation function through their orientation, eliminating the need for dedicated separator sheets.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed for separating print jobs. Print jobs may be separated by alternating between outputting entire print jobs in straight and askew orientations. Print jobs may also be separated by outputting jobs in a straight orientation and outputting a separator page between each print job in an askew orientation. In one embodiment, separator pages may be input from a specified input tray that may contain sheets of a different color than that used for print jobs.