Automatic Paper Registration in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require manual registration of paper types before printing, which is time-consuming and decreases efficiency, especially when various types of paper are used, as they cannot feed unregistered paper unless it is set as default, leading to canceled or rerun print jobs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus automatically registers paper types by searching for matching attributes in a paper management table or provisionally registers paper based on designated attributes, allowing for seamless selection and use of desired paper without prior registration, reducing operator workload and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual paper registration is required before printing, then paper type control precision is improved, but printing productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming registration work
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic paper registration by having the apparatus itself detect paper attributes using a medium sensor and automatically register the paper information in the paper management table, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in the paper registration process while maintaining accurate paper type control
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-registers paper information in the paper management table by detecting paper attributes before printing jobs are submitted, so that when a print job arrives, the paper is already registered and ready for use, eliminating the need for registration at the time of printing
2Adaptability or versatility
If various types of paper are used, then paper selection versatility is improved, but registration work complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects paper attributes using the medium sensor and registers paper information without requiring operator intervention, so that even when various types of paper are used, the registration process remains simple and automatic rather than becoming more complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from manual parameter input to automatic parameter detection by using the medium sensor to detect paper attributes, allowing versatile paper selection while keeping the registration process simple through automated parameter acquisition
3Reliability
If paper registration is required before printing, then paper feeding reliability is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs paper registration in advance by detecting paper attributes and storing them in the paper management table before print jobs are submitted, so that paper feeding reliability is ensured while eliminating the time loss that would occur if registration had to be done at the time of printing
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs paper registration using the medium sensor without requiring operator time, maintaining reliable paper feeding through automatic detection and registration while minimizing the time operators need to spend on registration tasks
Data Source
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AI summary
Attribute information representing the attributes of a printing medium is stored for each printing medium. Upon receiving a print job which designates the attributes of a printing medium, it is determined whether attribute information representing the attributes designated by the print job is stored. When it is determined that the attribute information is not stored, the attribute information representing the attributes designated by the print job is newly registered.