Printing System Post-Process Segmentation for Partial Job Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems in the POD market lack the ability to flexibly select and combine post-process settings for entire and partial print jobs, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary output of printed materials.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a first setting unit for post-processes on entire sheets, a second setting unit for post-processes on partial sheets, and a control unit to execute these settings, allowing for flexible execution of post-processes on both entire and partial print jobs while minimizing unnecessary output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to flexibly select and combine post-process settings for entire and partial print jobs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides post-process settings into two independent segments: a first setting unit for entire print jobs and a second setting unit for partial print jobs. This segmentation allows flexible combination of different post-process types (binding, cutting, folding) on different portions of printed materials without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically selects and executes post-process settings based on the specific requirements of each print job. The system can adaptively combine first and second post-process settings in various configurations, allowing the same hardware to handle diverse post-processing needs without physical reconfiguration, thereby enhancing versatility.
2Loss of substance
If all post-process settings are applied to entire print jobs, then the control logic is simple, but unnecessary printed materials are output when partial post-processes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different post-process settings to be applied to different portions of printed materials. The second setting unit enables selective post-processing of specific sheets or groups of sheets within a print job, so that only the necessary portions receive specific treatments (e.g., binding only certain pages), thereby preventing unnecessary material output while managing complexity through localized control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complete post-process application to entire jobs, the system allows partial action by applying post-processes only to specific portions when needed. The control unit can select to apply first post-process settings to entire jobs or second post-process settings to partial portions, avoiding excessive action on unnecessary materials while maintaining flexibility.
3Productivity
If multiple post-process settings are combined within one print job, then productivity is improved, but the risk of incorrect settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify and manage post-process settings. When multiple first and second post-process settings are combined, the control unit monitors and coordinates their execution to ensure consistency and accuracy, preventing incorrect settings while maintaining high productivity through automated multi-step processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system for controlling to allow various settings by one job and reducing output of unnecessary printed materials is provided. To accomplish this, the present invention sets a post-process to be executed for a plurality of sheets that are printed by execution of a job as a first setting, sets a post-process to be executed for part of the sheets included in the plurality of sheets as a second setting, and causes a post-processing unit to execute post-processes according to the setting of the post-processes set as the first setting and the second setting.