Document Sorting by Length Detection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack an efficient method to sort printed documents by size and characteristics, especially when documents of different sizes are mixed, leading to inefficiencies in document recovery and bookbinding processes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a paper feeding part, registration roller pair, detecting part, paper discharging part, multiple paper delivery trays, moving part, and control system that determines document length and sorts documents based on pre-stored characteristic information, moving trays to specific positions for accurate sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If documents of different sizes are mixed and discharged to the same destination, then the discharge process is simple, but document recovery and bookbinding efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of document lengths before discharge and pre-positions the appropriate delivery tray based on detected document characteristics. This preliminary action enables efficient sorting without adding complex post-discharge handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting system automatically detects document lengths and directs them to appropriate trays without requiring manual intervention or additional external sensors. The existing detection mechanism serves the dual purpose of process control and sorting classification.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect document size, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing detection mechanism, originally designed for process control, is utilized for dual purposes: maintaining discharge timing control and detecting document length for sorting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors while achieving precise size detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing detection resources to perform sorting functions without requiring external or additional sensing equipment. The detection part serves both the original control function and the new sorting classification function.
3Productivity
If document sorting by length is implemented, then document organization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects document lengths and determines appropriate delivery trays during the discharge process itself, before documents are actually discharged. This preliminary determination of sorting destination eliminates post-discharge sorting time while maintaining efficient document organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting detection and tray selection process occurs continuously during the normal discharge operation without interrupting or pausing the document flow. The useful action of discharge continues uninterrupted while sorting information is gathered and processed simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus and a sorting method allowing paper sheets to be sorted by size or thickness from a bundle of documents that have been already printed with no need for adding a sensor, or the like, or during the time for printing preparation, or the like. The image forming apparatus includes a first detecting part, a paper discharging part and a control part. The first detecting part detects the pass of an edge part of the document. The control part determines the length of a document along the direction of conveyance from the time required from the moment when the document reaches the first detecting part to the moment when it pass the first detecting part, determining the sorting destination.