Discharge Timing Signal Waveform Encoding for Inspection Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems require additional ports for parallel communication to notify post-processing apparatuses of inspection results, limiting the flexibility in combining devices and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a discharge timing signal with varying pulse widths or pulse numbers to convey inspection results, allowing the post-processing apparatus to determine the appropriate action without the need for additional signal lines, thereby integrating inspection results into existing communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If parallel communication is used to notify post-processing apparatus of inspection results, then inspection results can be transmitted, but additional ports and signal lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection result notification function with the existing discharge timing signal transmission function. The inspection result is encoded by modulating the discharge timing signal waveform (changing pulse width or adding pulses), allowing both sheet discharge timing and inspection result information to be transmitted through a single signal line, thereby eliminating the need for additional ports and signal lines
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge timing signal is given multi-functionality: it simultaneously serves as both a sheet discharge synchronization signal for post-processing apparatus and as a carrier for inspection result information. This universal signal performs dual functions, reducing the need for dedicated separate communication channels
2Loss of information
If additional ports are provided for inspection result notification, then inspection results can be communicated, but device combination flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining inspection result notification with the existing discharge timing signal transmission through waveform modulation, the system maintains adaptability and versatility. No additional ports are needed, allowing the post-processing apparatus to be flexibly combined with different image forming apparatus while using the same standardized signal interface
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus connectable to a post-processing apparatus includes an image reading unit for transmitting image data to an inspection processing unit, and a communication unit for outputting a sheet discharge timing signal to the post-processing apparatus through a signal line. The communication unit outputs the sheet discharge timing signal having different waveforms to the post-processing apparatus on the basis of an inspection result of a sheet obtained from the inspection processing unit such that the sheet discharge timing signal includes a first waveform when the sheet determined by the inspection processing unit as that there is no image abnormality is discharged and such that the sheet discharge timing signal includes a second waveform different from the first waveform when the sheet determined by the inspection processing unit as that the image abnormality occurs is discharged.