Sheet Grouping Control for Mixed-Size Double-Sided Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face reduced printing efficiency when handling mixed sheets of different sizes, particularly in double-sided batch image formation modes.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that groups sheets by a predetermined size not less than the maximum sheet size in a job, allowing for efficient double-sided printing by controlling sheet feeding and refeeding on a conveyance path, enabling multiple groups to be conveyed simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If double-sided batch image formation mode is used for mixed sheet sizes, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but printing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the batch of sheets into multiple groups based on sheet size, with each group containing sheets of the same size. This segmentation allows each group to be processed independently through the conveyance path, enabling efficient double-sided printing while maintaining adaptability to mixed sheet sizes. The grouping unit divides sheets into groups where the predetermined size is not less than the maximum sheet size used in the job.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the sheet feeding and refeeding operations based on the group configuration. The control unit controls feeding and refeeding for each group separately, allowing the system to adapt its operation mode according to the specific sheet sizes and quantities in each group, thereby optimizing printing efficiency while maintaining double-sided printing capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If sheets of different sizes are processed individually, then printing accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sheets of the same size into groups that can be processed together through the conveyance path. By combining multiple sheets of identical size into a single group, the system maintains printing accuracy through consistent handling while reducing processing time compared to individual sheet processing. Groups are conveyed simultaneously through the printing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sheet grouping from individual processing to group processing, where the predetermined group size is determined based on the maximum sheet size in the job. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between processing speed and printing accuracy by processing multiple sheets of the same size together under controlled conditions.
3Device complexity
If conventional sheet feeding method is used, then simple control is maintained, but conveyance speed varies causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control unit that monitors and controls the feeding and refeeding operations for each group. This feedback mechanism ensures that sheets are fed and refed at appropriate timings to maintain constant conveyance speed throughout the printing process, preventing speed variations that would reduce efficiency while keeping the control system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous conveyance of sheet groups through the printing apparatus by coordinating feeding and refeeding operations. The control unit manages the continuous flow of groups through the conveyance path, eliminating idle time and maintaining constant conveyance speed, thereby improving overall printing efficiency without excessive control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a grouping unit configured to divide a plurality of sheets, each associated with a plurality of pages included in a processing target job into groups, and a control unit to control feeding of a sheet from a feeding unit onto a conveyance path and refeeding of a sheet that has been conveyed on the conveyance path onto the conveyance path. The grouping unit sets a group size that is not less than a maximum sheet size used in the processing target job, and the grouping unit decides the group of the predetermined page as the first group. The grouping unit also decides the group of the predetermined page as a second group different from the first group, and the control unit controls feeding and refeeding for each group grouped in the grouping unit.