Printer Control Unit Ending Sequence Timing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses experience productivity loss due to intermittent operation caused by the ending sequence starting before next print data is processed, especially with high-resolution and large-capacity image data, leading to inefficient use of hardware performance and increased wear on components.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a printer control unit that converts print data into job data and an engine control unit that determines if next print data is being processed, maintaining the printing status without starting the ending sequence if so, thereby preventing premature termination of the printing process and optimizing the timing of the ending sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the ending sequence is started at a predetermined timing to save energy, then energy saving is improved, but productivity is worsened due to intermittent operation and time lag in starting next print operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy savingVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of residual print data before starting the ending sequence. By checking whether next print data exists in advance, the system can make an informed decision to extend the printing status, preventing premature termination and ensuring smooth transition to energy saving mode only when safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the printing status and detects residual print data to provide feedback on whether the ending sequence should be delayed. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the ending sequence timing based on actual printing conditions, balancing energy saving and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the ending sequence is started to extend the lifetime of the image forming engine, then reliability is improved, but productivity is worsened due to premature termination of printing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifetime of image forming engineVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of residual print data before starting the ending sequence. By checking whether next print data exists in advance, the system can make an informed decision to extend the printing status, preventing premature termination and ensuring smooth transition to energy saving mode only when safe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the printing status and detects residual print data to provide feedback on whether the ending sequence should be delayed. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the ending sequence timing based on actual printing conditions, balancing energy saving and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the process interval is set to be sufficient for printing whole page data, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time is worsened due to excessive waiting time before ending sequence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting precisionVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the process interval timing based on actual printing conditions. Instead of using a fixed predetermined time, the control unit monitors residual print data and extends the printing status only when necessary, making the time interval adaptive to actual printing needs rather than following a rigid schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of the ending sequence based on detection results. When residual print data is detected, the system extends the printing status by modifying the effective process interval, thereby optimizing the balance between printing precision requirements and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2018039B1Image forming apparatus and printer control method

Publication Date: 2011.05.11 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a printer control unit (230) that converts received print data into job data that can be printed on a recording medium; and an engine control unit (240) that receives the job data from the printer control unit (230), performs a printing operation corresponding to the job data, and upon finishing the printing operation, starts an ending sequence for ending an image forming process. Upon finishing the printing operation, the engine control unit (240) determines whether the printer control unit (230) is in processing next print data to be printed out, and if it is determined that the printer control unit (230) is in processing the next print data, maintains a printing status without starting the ending sequence.