Document Feeder Calibration Mode Switching for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in calibrating image density due to environmental changes and sheet type variations, particularly with thick, coated, or recycled papers, which can lead to jam issues when using automatic document feeders.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a reader for original images on a platen glass, a document feeder, and a controller that forms and reads test patterns on sheets, allowing for two reading modes: one with sheet feeding and another without, optimizing calibration based on sheet type and grammage to prevent jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the automatic document feeder is used to convey test charts for calibration, then the operational burden is reduced, but sheets that are difficult to convey (thick paper, coated paper, recycled paper) may cause jams
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two reading modes (ADF feeding mode and platen glass mode) based on the sheet type. For sheets suitable for ADF conveyance, the system uses automatic feeding to reduce operational burden. For sheets that are difficult to convey (thick, coated, recycled paper), the system automatically switches to the platen glass mode where the user manually places the sheet, thereby preventing jams while maintaining ease of operation for appropriate sheet types.
2Extent of automation
If the ADF feeds sheets for reading test patterns, then calibration can be performed automatically, but the reading process must wait for sheet conveyance which increases calibration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by forming test patterns on multiple sheets in advance before the reading process begins. This allows the reading operation to start immediately without waiting for sheet conveyance, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining automatic calibration capability.
3Measurement precision
If test patterns are formed on multiple sheets and read sequentially through ADF, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but the process is slow due to sequential conveyance and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The system forms test patterns on multiple sheets in advance before the reading process starts. This preliminary action allows subsequent reading operations to proceed without delay, improving calibration speed while maintaining accuracy through proper timing coordination between sheet formation and reading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous operation by coordinating the timing of test pattern formation with the reading process. Test patterns are formed on subsequent sheets during or after the reading of previous sheets, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the calibration process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where a first mode, in which a reader reads test patterns while sheets are fed to the reader by a document feeder, is executed, an image forming apparatus forms a first test pattern on a first sheet and a second test pattern on a second sheet before the first test pattern on the first sheet placed on an original tray of the document feeder is read by the reader. In a case where a second mode, in which the reader reads the test patterns on the sheets without feeding the sheets by the document feeder is executed, the apparatus forms the second test pattern after a reading of the first test pattern on the first sheet is started by the reader.