Print Job Wait-Time Control for Reduced Sheet Margins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses face inefficiencies in reducing sheet margins when printing multiple images due to fixed printing job reception wait times, which do not account for resource availability, leading to unnecessary delays and waste.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that dynamically extends printing job reception wait times based on resource availability, allowing for optimal arrangement of images in the sheet's lateral direction, even when printing cannot commence immediately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the printing job reception wait time is extended to arrange more images in the sheet lateral direction, then sheet waste is reduced, but printing start is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reception wait time adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically extends or shortens the wait time based on real-time determination of whether printing can be started, creating a flexible system that optimizes between sheet utilization and printing speed according to actual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reception wait time based on the printing state. When the apparatus determines that printing cannot be started (e.g., due to resource unavailability), it extends the wait time to accumulate more printing jobs for better sheet utilization. When printing can start immediately, it shortens the wait time to reduce delay, thus adapting the time parameter to system conditions
2Device complexity
If the reception wait time is determined irrespective of printing availability, then the determination process is simple, but idle wait time cannot be utilized to reduce margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor the printing state (whether printing can be started) and use this information to adjust the reception wait time. The system receives feedback about resource availability and printing readiness, then adapts the wait time accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes sheet utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines whether printing can be started and adjusts the reception wait time without external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making autonomous decisions about wait time extension, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a reception unit that receives a printing job, a generation unit that generates printing image data that a plurality of pieces of image data corresponding to a plurality of printing jobs received in a predetermined wait time by the reception unit are allocated in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveyance direction, and a control unit that controls a printing apparatus to execute printing processing based on the printing image data. In a case where the printing apparatus is in a predetermined state in which it cannot perform printing, the control unit extends the predetermined wait time.