Image Forming Apparatus With Divider Regions for Roll Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems fail to adequately address the need for dividing a roll-shaped printing medium into a specific number of rolls to meet the specifications of a post-processing device, leading to potential issues with setting the roll in automatic label attaching devices.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that include a setting unit for dividing a roll-shaped printing medium into multiple rolls based on the requirements of a post-processing device, using a divider region to ensure the roll meets the necessary specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a roll sheet is delivered as a single large roll, then the printing capacity is maximized, but the external size exceeds the restrictions of automatic label attaching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large roll sheet into multiple smaller rolls by setting divider regions during the printing process. The control unit calculates optimal divider positions based on the number of rolls required and the specifications of the post-processing device, ensuring each resulting roll meets the external size restrictions of automatic label attaching devices while maintaining maximum printing capacity utilization
2Volume of moving object
If the roll sheet is divided into multiple rolls manually, then the external size restriction is met, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the division operation during the printing process itself by pre-calculating and setting divider regions in the print data. The control unit automatically determines the optimal number of rolls and divider positions based on post-processing device specifications, eliminating the need for manual measurement, marking, and cutting operations after printing
3Volume of moving object
If the roll sheet is divided after printing, then the external size restriction is met, but wasteful regions are generated during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the optimal number of rolls and divider positions before printing begins. The control unit uses the print data and post-processing device specifications to determine precise divider region locations that minimize wasteful regions during the subsequent cutting operation, ensuring efficient material utilization
4Device complexity
If the number of rolls is not optimized based on post-processing device specifications, then the printing process is simplified, but the roll sheet cannot be properly set in automatic label attaching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback from post-processing device specifications into the printing process. The control unit receives information about the maximum roll diameter and other constraints of the automatic label attaching device, then automatically adjusts the number of rolls and divider positions to ensure compatibility, eliminating the need for manual verification and rework
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, comprises: a setting unit configured to set a divider region in a group of images that are continuously printed during feeding from a feeding apparatus in which a roll-shaped printing medium has been set, the divider region being for separating the roll-shaped printing medium into a plurality of rolls. The setting unit sets the divider region based on the number of rolls indicating the count of the plurality of rolls, the number of rolls being required in terms of a configuration of a post-processing device that executes post-processing with respect to the roll-shaped printing medium on which printing has been performed by the printing unit.