Printing Apparatus Envelope Offset Control for Auto Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses require manual measurement and registration of envelope dimensions to use the auto paper selection function, which limits the ability to automatically select and print on envelopes with varying flap widths, leading to potential misregistration of images.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a size setting unit, offset setting unit, selection unit, and printing control unit that allows for automatic selection and positioning of envelopes based on designated standard sizes and offset amounts, enabling correct image placement on envelopes with varying flap widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If envelopes are fed with long-edge feed to shorten printing time, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to varying flap widths causing image misregistration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting offset amounts for different envelope types in the control unit. Before printing, the system identifies the envelope type and retrieves the corresponding pre-calculated offset amount, allowing the image position to be automatically adjusted without manual measurement or registration during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of image position by applying different offset amounts based on envelope type. The control unit adjusts the sub-scanning direction position of the image data according to the selected offset amount, which compensates for varying flap widths and ensures accurate image registration on different envelope types.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement and registration of envelope dimensions is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying the envelope type and selecting the appropriate offset amount without user intervention. The control unit automatically adjusts the image position based on the pre-set offset amounts, eliminating the need for users to manually measure, calculate, or register envelope dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing offset amounts for various envelope types in the control unit. This preparation is done in advance, so during actual printing, the system simply retrieves and applies the appropriate offset, eliminating the need for users to perform manual measurements and calculations.
3Ease of operation
If auto paper selection function is used with user-defined size, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to account for flap offset
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by making the offset amount setting applicable to all envelope types. The control unit stores multiple offset amounts corresponding to different envelope types, and the system automatically selects the appropriate offset based on the identified envelope type, allowing the auto paper selection function to work correctly for all envelope variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the image position parameter by applying different offset amounts based on envelope type. When the auto paper selection function selects an envelope, the control unit automatically adjusts the sub-scanning direction position of the image data according to the corresponding offset amount, ensuring accurate registration regardless of envelope type.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a printing apparatus and control method thereof. The standard size of an envelope to be stored in each of a plurality of paper storage units configured to store an envelope to be used in printing is set. An offset amount to be used to print an image on an envelope of the set standard size is set. A paper storage unit which stores an envelope to be used in printing is selected from the plurality of paper storage units based on a standard size of an envelope that is designated by a user. The position of an image is shifted in accordance with the set offset amount, and the image is printed on an envelope fed from the selected paper storage unit.