Printer Stapling Control via Sheet Type Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses with a single staplable position face challenges in sheet discharge and paper jam issues due to the need for reversing sheets, which can cause creasing or breaking, especially with certain sheet types, leading to user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus and method that includes a controller unit connected to host computers via a network, which controls sheet conveyance and stapling by determining the sheet type and orientation, allowing for selective sheet type changes and stapling position adjustments to prevent paper jams and ensure proper sheet handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reverse printing is performed to enable stapling at different positions with a single staplable position finisher, then the number of staplable positions is increased, but sheet curvature and roller influence may crease or break the sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of staplable positionsVSAvoidsheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of sheet type before printing and stapling operations. Based on the identified sheet type, the controller pre-determines the appropriate stapling position and printing method (forward or reverse) to avoid sheet damage while achieving the desired stapling outcome.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a mapping between desired stapling positions and actual physical stapling capabilities. By copying the function of multiple physical stapling positions through software control and sheet type-based routing, the system achieves versatility without requiring multiple physical staplers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If sheets are reversed for one-sided reverse printing, then stapling can be performed, but paper jam may occur causing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestapling capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sheet type information to copy the functionality of multiple stapling positions through software control. By mapping user-selected stapling positions to appropriate physical positions based on sheet type, the system maintains ease of operation while preserving stapling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If a single staplable position finisher is used, then cost is reduced, but the number of available stapling positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidnumber of stapling positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The finisher is designed with a universal single stapling position that can serve multiple stapling purposes through intelligent sheet routing and type-based control. The system makes the single physical position perform multiple functions by adjusting sheet conveyance paths and stapling timing based on detected sheet types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as sheet conveyance direction, stapling position selection, and printing method based on detected sheet type parameters. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows a single stapling position to effectively provide multiple stapling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2687911B1Printing apparatus and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 CANON KK
  • EP2687911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2687911B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2687911B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method for controlling a printing apparatus includes printing an image on a sheet, receiving a position subjected to post-processing from a user, controlling, in a case where the received position subjected to post-processing is a first position, to perform post-processing to the received position on the sheet without reversing the sheet on which the image is printed, and, controlling, in a case where the received position subjected to post-processing is a second position, to perform post-processing to the received position on the sheet after reversing the sheet on which the image is printed, and displaying, in a case where the type of the sheet subjected to image printing is of a type unsuitable for reversal, a screen for changing the type of the sheet to be used for printing.