Printing Control Unit Switching Order to Staple Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses face delays and inefficiencies when printing large numbers of sheets, as they can only staple a limited number of sheets at a time, leading to wasted time in reverse order printing due to the need to store all image data before starting, and manual bundling is required when the sheet limit is exceeded.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a control unit that starts printing in page order if the specified number of sheets exceeds the stapling limit during reverse order printing, allowing for immediate printing without waiting for all image data to be stored, thereby reducing unnecessary delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reverse order printing is executed to enable stapling at the desired position, then stapling functionality is improved, but printing start time is delayed because all image data must be stored first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by switching from reverse order printing to normal order printing when the sheet count exceeds the stapling limit. This resolves the contradiction by abandoning the stapling-oriented reverse printing approach in favor of immediate normal printing, thereby eliminating the unnecessary storage waiting time while accepting that stapling may not be performed for excessive sheet counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the printing parameter (printing order) dynamically based on the sheet count condition. When the number of sheets exceeds the stapling limit, the system switches from reverse order printing to normal order printing. This parameter change resolves the time delay issue by allowing immediate printing without waiting for complete data storage, while still maintaining the ability to staple when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the stapling limit is enforced to ensure proper binding, then binding quality is improved, but manual bundling is required when the limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach by not performing stapling when the sheet count exceeds the limit, instead of attempting to enforce stapling and requiring manual intervention. The system switches to normal order printing and forgoes automatic stapling, thereby eliminating the need for manual bundling operations while maintaining acceptable document delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all image data is stored before printing to enable reverse order printing, then printing control flexibility is improved, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by switching from reverse order printing (which requires complete data storage) to normal order printing when the sheet count exceeds the stapling limit. This allows the system to print with partial data storage, thereby reducing memory usage requirements while maintaining printing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes an input unit, a specifying unit, a storing unit, a printing unit, a receiving unit, and a control unit. The specifying unit specifies a number of sheets for printing image data pieces of a plurality of pages. The receiving unit receives a binding process execution instruction. When the sheets are printed in the reverse order and the printed sheets are bound, the printing unit had started the reverse order printing after all the image data pieces were stored. When (i) the sheets are to be printed in the reverse order and the binding process is set to be executed and (ii) it is determined, while the storing unit is storing the image data pieces, that the specified number of sheets exceeds the number of sheets that can be bound, the printing unit starts printing in the page order before all the image data pieces are stored.