Variable Data Printing Apparatus Grouping Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In variable data printing, existing image forming apparatuses struggle to create plural printed matters with respective different print output characteristics, such as sheet types and color profiles, despite changes in the content of the images to be printed.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a print data acquiring unit and a variable-data-printing processing unit that acquires and processes print data with common document data and insert data, replacing identifiers with corresponding values to determine and apply specific print sheets and color profiles for each printed matter based on print output characteristic data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable data printing is performed with common document data and insert data, then productivity is improved by enabling batch printing of multiple printed matters, but the ability to create printed matters with different print output characteristics deteriorates as all printed matters are processed uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different print output characteristics (such as color profiles and sheet types) to be assigned to different regions or groups within the batch of printed matters. Specifically, the system divides the printed matters into multiple groups based on identifier values, and applies different print settings to each group, enabling localized customization within the batch processing framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the print output characteristics changeable and adaptable based on the identifier values in the insert data. The system dynamically selects appropriate color profiles, sheet types, and other print parameters for each group of printed matters, transforming a static uniform processing approach into a dynamic adaptive one that responds to the content of the insert data.
2Device complexity
If uniform processing is applied to all printed matters in variable data printing, then device complexity is reduced by simplifying the processing flow, but the manufacturing precision of print output characteristics deteriorates as individual customization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the batch of printed matters into multiple groups based on identifier values. Each group is then processed with appropriate print output characteristics. This segmentation approach maintains manageable processing complexity while achieving precise customization, as the system handles each group separately rather than attempting to customize every single item individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-categorizing the printed matters into groups based on their identifier values before the actual printing process. The print output characteristics are also prepared and associated with each group in advance. This preliminary classification and preparation work enables precise manufacturing of print characteristics without adding significant complexity during the execution phase.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a print data acquiring unit acquires variable-data-printing print data that includes common document data and insert data. The common document data includes a common part common to plural printed matters. The insert data is for a variable part individually set for each of the plural printed matters. The common document data includes one or plural identifiers; the identifier indicates the variable part, and the insert data includes one or plural values corresponding to the identifier. The variable-data-printing processing unit causes a printing device to perform variable data printing on the basis of print data obtained by replacing the identifier in the common document data with the value. In addition, the variable-data-printing processing unit determines a print sheet corresponding to the value used in the replacement, and causes the printing device to perform the variable data printing using the determined print sheet.