Printing System Dummy Data Insertion for Speed Fluctuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In printing systems, waiting times in post-processing machines can lead to fluctuations in printing speed, causing print quality issues and increased costs due to the need for acceleration/deceleration capabilities and quality correction circuits, especially when the printing device does not support these functions.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes a dummy data insertion unit to print dummy pages based on predicted waiting times in post-processing devices, and a dummy page removing unit to prevent these pages from reaching post-processing machines, allowing the printing device to maintain consistent speed without reducing quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the printing device directly connects to the post-process machine in an in-line configuration, then productivity is improved by continuous automatic processing, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to waiting time and speed fluctuations causing print quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by inserting dummy data into the print data before printing occurs. This allows the printing device to maintain constant speed while the post-process machine experiences waiting time, preventing speed fluctuations that would compromise print quality. The dummy data is prepared in advance and inserted at calculated positions based on predicted waiting times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Dummy pages act as an intermediary element between the printing device and the post-process machine. These dummy pages absorb the timing difference and speed mismatch between the two devices, allowing the printing device to operate at constant speed while the post-process machine processes actual pages without causing print quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the printing device supports acceleration/deceleration printing to match post-process machine speed variations, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to the need for acceleration/deceleration capabilities and quality correction circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint quality consistencyVSAvoidacceleration/deceleration control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the speed-matching function from the printing device itself and transfers it to the data processing system. Instead of modifying the printing device to support acceleration/deceleration, the solution removes the need for such capabilities by using dummy data insertion, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining print quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical solution of acceleration/deceleration control with an information-based solution. Instead of physically adjusting printing speed through mechanical or electronic control systems, the invention uses data manipulation (dummy data insertion) to achieve the same effect of matching processing speeds, thereby eliminating complex control circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If waiting time occurs in the post-process machine during set transitions, then manufacturing precision deteriorates due to printing speed fluctuations, but loss of time increases due to the waiting period itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoidwaiting time in post-process machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of print data by inserting dummy data at specific positions. This parameter change in the data domain allows the physical printing process to continue without interruption or speed change, while the post-process machine experiences the necessary waiting time for set transitions, thereby maintaining print quality without actual time loss in the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11775234B2Printing system for continuous processing from printing to binding and printing method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD

AI summary

A printing system is provided with a dummy data insertion unit configured to insert dummy data into print data based on waiting time occurring when post-processing is performed by a post-processing device (for example, a collating machine). In a printing unit, a dummy page is printed on the basis of the dummy data. A dummy page removing unit configured to remove a dummy page from printed printing paper so that the dummy page is not supplied to the post-processing device is provided between the printing device and the post-processing device.