Virtual Sheet Feeding Unit Selection for Variable Media Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing job submission software requires users to manually select a sheet feeding unit for printing, which is labor-intensive, especially when dealing with sheets of variable lengths like roll sheets, as existing systems do not allow for selecting a single unit from multiple units.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that integrates multiple sheet feeding units into a virtual unit based on sheet characteristics, allowing users to select a virtual sheet feeding unit that combines compatible units, automatically selecting the optimal physical unit for printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sheet feeding units are provided in the printing apparatus, then the versatility and sheet type variety are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must manually select the appropriate sheet feeding unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sheet feeding units into a single virtual sheet feeding unit in the software interface. This virtual unit represents multiple physical sheet feeding units and allows users to select one without needing to manually choose from multiple individual units, thereby reducing manual selection labor while maintaining access to various sheet types
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual sheet feeding unit acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple physical sheet feeding units. It provides a simplified interface that mediates the selection process, automatically managing the mapping between the virtual unit and physical units based on sheet characteristics and print job requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If roll sheets with variable lengths are used, then the adaptability to different print documents is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is not possible to select one sheet feeding unit from among multiple units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sheet feeding units that contain roll sheets with variable lengths into a single virtual sheet feeding unit. This allows users to access and select roll sheets without needing to manually choose from multiple individual units, maintaining sheet length flexibility while simplifying the selection process
3Ease of operation
If a simple configuration limiting print settings to one sheet feeding unit is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different sheet types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual sheet feeding unit provides multi-functionality by representing multiple physical sheet feeding units within a single software interface element. This allows the simple configuration to accommodate multiple sheet types and feeding units, achieving both ease of operation and adaptability simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus capable of reducing labor required for a user to set a sheet feeding unit is provided. The control apparatus that sets a sheet feeding unit to be used in a printing processing performed by an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units includes at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as an obtaining unit that obtains information about sheets, which have been fed into the plurality of sheet feeding units, and a display control unit that displays a setting screen for allowing a user to select the sheet feeding unit to be used in the printing processing. Information about a virtual sheet feeding unit obtained by integrating two or more sheet feeding units, into which sheets satisfying a predetermined condition have been fed, into one is displayed.