Controller for selective post-processing of image sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming systems cannot perform post-processing on a plurality of sheets collectively or according to specific conditions, limiting user flexibility in processing sheets from multiple jobs or within a single job.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a controller that instructs a post-processing machine to execute post-processing on sheets based on specific conditions, such as sheet type, size, or job settings, allowing for flexible execution of post-processing operations on target sheets and stacked sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If post-processing is executed for each job or each sheet according to machine specifications, then the post-processing machine can operate within its design constraints, but the system cannot respond to user demands for collective processing across multiple jobs or selective processing within a job

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in post-processing executionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts post-processing execution based on real-time conditions. The controller determines whether to execute post-processing on stacked sheets or individual sheets by evaluating job attributes, sheet conditions, and user preferences, allowing the system to adapt between collective and individual processing modes as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If post-processing is executed on stacked sheets, then processing efficiency is improved, but the system loses the ability to execute post-processing on specific sheets based on user requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-processing efficiencyVSAvoidselective processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the sheet processing into different groups: sheets that satisfy stacking conditions are grouped together for collective post-processing, while sheets that do not satisfy the conditions are processed individually. This segmentation allows the system to maximize efficiency for suitable sheets while maintaining selective processing capability for special cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the system executes post-processing on all sheets regardless of conditions, then processing is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate user demands for conditional or selective post-processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidconditional processing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies post-processing to all sheets that meet the stacking conditions, while selectively excluding sheets that require special handling. This partial application of the processing action maintains simplicity for the majority of sheets while providing the flexibility needed for selective processing when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12118417B2Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and control method that execute post-processing on a plurality of sheets

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus connected to a first post-processing machine that executes first post-processing on at least one of a plurality of sheets includes: an image forming device that forms an image on each of the sheet; and a controller that instructs, in response to an output of a target sheet that satisfies a specific condition from the image forming section, the first post-processing machine to execute the first post-processing on the target sheet and a stacked sheet among the sheets.