Dual Image Forming System Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming systems with two connected apparatuses, it is challenging to detect which apparatus is responsible for an abnormality in image formation, as both form images on the same sheet, making it difficult to isolate and diagnose issues effectively.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a first and second image forming apparatus, with reading sections positioned between and downstream of each apparatus on the conveyance path, allowing for image data inspection to determine abnormalities in each apparatus by forming images on opposite sides of the recording medium and using inspection data from these sections to identify defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If two image forming apparatuses form images on the same sheet, then productivity is improved through batch processing, but it becomes difficult to detect which apparatus caused an abnormality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation efficiencyVSAvoidabnormality detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inspection process into two separate inspection stages: first inspection between the two image forming apparatuses and second inspection after both apparatuses complete image formation. This segmentation allows identification of which apparatus caused abnormalities by comparing inspection results from different stages, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and enabling accurate abnormality detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If reading sections are installed to inspect each apparatus separately, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs reading sections that perform multiple functions: they conduct first inspection to detect abnormalities from the first image forming apparatus, and subsequently conduct second inspection to detect abnormalities from the second image forming apparatus. This multi-functionality allows accurate abnormality detection without requiring separate dedicated inspection systems for each apparatus, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240394497A1Image forming system, image forming method and non-transitory computer readable recording medium encoded with image forming program
Publication Date: 2024.11.28 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • US20240394497A1 patent drawing
  • US20240394497A1 patent drawing
  • US20240394497A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming system may comprise a first image forming apparatus arranged on a conveyance path of a recording medium, a second image forming apparatus arranged on the conveyance path at a position farther downstream than the first image forming apparatus in a conveyance direction of the recording medium, a first reading section arranged on the conveyance path between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, and reads the recording medium conveyed through the conveyance path, and a second reading section arranged on the conveyance path at a position farther downstream than the second image forming apparatus in the conveyance direction, and reads the recording medium conveyed through the conveyance path.