Printing Data Generation Device for Dynamic Page Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for printing booklets of different page sizes on a single line require frequent adjustments of post-processing devices, increasing management costs and operator effort, as they necessitate the preparation of multiple flatplan templates and adjustments to the post-processing device for each page size.

Innovation Solution

A printing data generation device that determines the actual position of pages on a unit printing sheet based on submission data, using a layout acquisition and page position determination process to generate overall imposition information, allowing the same layout to be used for different page sizes without re-adjusting the cutting position, thus eliminating the need for multiple flatplan templates and reducing device adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flatplan templates are prepared for different page sizes, then printing of various booklet sizes can be performed, but device complexity and management costs increase due to frequent adjustments of post-processing devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting capability for various booklet sizesVSAvoidmanagement complexity of multiple templates and device adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single flatplan template that can handle multiple booklet sizes (A6, A7, B6, etc.) through dynamic page position determination. The system calculates actual page positions based on submission data dimensions and stores them in a position management table, eliminating the need for separate templates for each size. This allows one template to serve multiple functions across different booklet formats.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting page position coordinates based on the actual dimensions of submission data. The system reads the number of pages, booklet size, and page dimensions from submission data, then calculates and determines optimal page positions on the printing sheet. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the same template to adapt to various booklet sizes without requiring physical template changes or device reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If flatplan designing is performed for each page size, then cutting positions can be optimized for each size, but operator effort and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position accuracyVSAvoidtime for flatplan designing and device adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing page position information in a position management table before actual printing. The system determines optimal page positions based on submission data characteristics and stores these calculations in advance. When printing different booklet sizes, the system simply retrieves pre-determined positions from the table rather than performing new flatplan designing, significantly reducing operator effort and time while maintaining cutting position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the post-processing device is re-adjusted for each booklet size, then cutting precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent stoppages and adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidprinting line throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic page position determination system that automatically adjusts page positions based on submission data without requiring physical device reconfiguration. The system reads booklet size and page dimensions from submission data, calculates appropriate positions, and updates the position management table in real-time. This dynamic digital adjustment eliminates the need for stopping the printing line to re-adjust cutting devices, maintaining both cutting precision and continuous production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3531269B1Printing data generation device, printing data generation method, storage medium, and printing data generation program
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP3531269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A print job data generation portion generates print job data, including flatplan information that specifies an actual position of each of pages on a unit printing sheet, based on submission data and a flatplan template. In the case where a page size in the submission data is smaller than a page size defined by the flatplan template, the print job data generation portion reduces the size of each of pages in a layout defined by the flatplan template in accordance with a lateral size of the page included in the submission data, while fixing one end or the other end, in a lateral direction of the unit printing sheet, of each of the pages in the layout, and determines the actual position of each of the pages.