Controller Sheet Type Detection Test Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in accurately specifying the type of sheet used, as media sensors may not always narrow down to a single type due to limited detectable characteristics, leading to difficulties in determining optimal image forming conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a first detector for recording material information, a storage unit for the recording material, and a controller that specifies the sheet type based on test printing results under various conditions, allowing for accurate identification even when multiple types are candidates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If media sensor detection is used to identify sheet type, then automatic sheet type detection is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates when multiple sheet types have similar characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs test printing as a preliminary action before final sheet type determination. By printing test images on the sheet and detecting the printed results, the system gathers additional information about sheet characteristics that helps distinguish between similar sheet types that the media sensor alone cannot differentiate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from test printing results to refine sheet type identification. The detection unit measures characteristics of the printed test images, and this feedback information is combined with the media sensor data to accurately determine the sheet type, resolving ambiguities when multiple types are candidates.
2Measurement precision
If test printing is performed under multiple image forming conditions, then sheet type specification accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional printing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs test printing with a limited set of representative image forming conditions rather than exhaustively testing all possible conditions. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for accurate sheet type identification while minimizing the impact on productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Test printing is performed as a preliminary step only when the media sensor detection results in multiple candidate sheet types. When the media sensor can uniquely identify the sheet type, no test printing is needed, thus avoiding unnecessary productivity loss while maintaining accuracy when required.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image forming system including an image forming apparatus including a hardware processor that forms an image on a recording material, and the image forming system includes: a first detector that detects recording material information on the recording material; a recording material storage that stores the recording material; and a controller that specifies one type of the recording material from type candidates of the recording material based on an execution result of test printing, by executing the test printing under an image forming condition that is set in accordance with one or more type candidates of the recording material, the one or more type candidates being extracted based on the recording material information detected by the first detector.