Printing Apparatus Saddle-Stitch Page Order Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-processing apparatuses face limitations in saddle-stitching processes, leading to incorrect page orders and requiring high user operation skills due to varying discharge destinations and limitations in the number of sheets that can be processed, especially when thick paper is used as a cover, which cannot be subjected to double-sided printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a conveying unit, determination unit, and control unit that switches the order of image formation based on the designated saddle-stitching process and the number of sheets, ensuring correct page order and consistent image layout across different discharge destinations by controlling the order of sheet discharge to either a stacking tray or a saddle-stitched product tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sheets are conveyed through a common conveying path for both stapling and saddle-stitching processes, then the post-processing apparatus achieves downsizing, but the saddle-stitching process cannot be executed on sheets discharged to a stacking tray
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying path is divided into two separate paths: a first conveying path for sheets discharged to the stacking tray, and a second conveying path for sheets discharged to the saddle-stitched product tray. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A sheet switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two conveying paths, enabling flexible routing of sheets to either the stacking tray or the saddle-stitched product tray based on the selected finishing process. This mediator resolves the conflict between apparatus compactness and processing versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the saddle-stitching process is executed after switching back sheets having images printed thereon, then the post-processing apparatus can handle various sheet types, but it is impossible to obtain a brochure in the correct page order
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines the discharge destination before the saddle-stitching process is executed. By预先 deciding which sheets will be saddle-stitched and routing them through the second conveying path, the system ensures correct page order is maintained while still accommodating various sheet types including thick paper covers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of switching back sheets after printing as in conventional systems, this invention routes sheets to different conveying paths before the saddle-stitching process. This inverted approach maintains image orientation while achieving correct page sequencing in the final brochure.
3Quantity of substance
If the discharge destination is switched based on the number of sheets to prevent exceeding saddle-stitching limits, then the apparatus can handle large volumes, but sheets are discharged to a stacking tray not used for saddle-stitching, resulting in incorrect page order
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge destination based on the number of sheets requiring saddle-stitching. When the sheet count exceeds the apparatus capacity, the control unit automatically switches the discharge destination to the stacking tray through the first conveying path, while maintaining correct page order by controlling the image formation order accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the parameter of discharge destination based on the sheet quantity parameter. By monitoring the number of sheets and dynamically changing which tray receives the output, the system handles large volumes while maintaining manufacturing precision through coordinated image formation control.
4Ease of operation
If the user designates printing while being conscious of discharge destination, then high-level operation skill is required, but the user cannot always obtain a desired print product even with high-level operation skill
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the appropriate discharge destination and controls the image formation order based on the saddle-stitching requirements and sheet count. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to have high-level operation skills while ensuring consistent product quality through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the saddle-stitching process requirements and sheet quantity to automatically adjust the discharge destination and image formation control. This closed-loop control ensures that users obtain desired print products consistently without needing to manually account for complex discharge destination decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism that makes it possible to output a saddle-stitched brochure in a correct page order when a post-processing apparatus that executes a saddle-stitching process by switching back a sheet is caused to execute the saddle-stitching process. Sheets discharged from a printing apparatus are switched back by reverse rotation of a conveying roller pair, and are conveyed into a conveying path for a saddle-stitch bookbinding process. The sheets are accumulated in an accumulation tray for the saddle-stitch bookbinding process. When the saddle-stitch bookbinding process is caused to be executed on the accumulated sheets by the post-processing apparatus, the order of image formation is decided such that the order of pages of images printed on the saddle-stitched sheets becomes correct. The images are printed on the sheets in the decided order of image formation.