Dual Image Forming Apparatus Paper Conveyance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems face productivity degradation due to intricate paper conveying control and prolonged expansion processing times when large image files are allocated without considering file sizes, leading to delayed printing jobs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system comprising a first image forming apparatus that expands and prints images with shorter expansion times on one face of paper, and a second apparatus that expands and prints larger images on the same face, allowing for optimized paper conveying and simplified control by allocating longer expansion times to the second apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large image files are allocated to the upstream image forming apparatus, then the downstream apparatus can process simpler images faster, but the upstream apparatus experiences prolonged expansion processing time and intricate paper conveying control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image forming system into two distinct apparatuses with specialized functions: the upstream apparatus (first image forming apparatus) handles images requiring long expansion time, while the downstream apparatus (second image forming apparatus) handles images requiring short expansion time. This segmentation allows each apparatus to be optimized for its specific task, preventing the upstream apparatus from being bottlenecked by large file expansions and enabling the downstream apparatus to maintain high-speed processing.
2Device complexity
If images are allocated without considering file sizes, then the system can operate simply, but paper conveying control becomes intricate and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (specifically image file size and expansion time characteristics) as the basis for allocating images to different apparatuses. By measuring and comparing the expansion time required for different image files, the system automatically assigns images to the most appropriate apparatus, transforming a potentially complex allocation decision into a simple parameter-based routing rule that improves productivity without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If the upstream apparatus processes large image files, then all images can be processed, but the overall processing time increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by having both upstream and downstream apparatuses process images simultaneously and continuously. While the upstream apparatus processes images requiring long expansion time, the downstream apparatus concurrently processes images requiring short expansion time, receiving paper from the upstream apparatus and forming its images. This parallel continuous processing ensures that no apparatus remains idle and the overall processing time is reduced while maintaining complete image processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: a first image forming apparatus; and a second image forming apparatus connected on a downstream side of the first image forming apparatus in a paper conveying direction, wherein the first image forming apparatus includes: a first expander that expands a first image having image expansion time per page including first time; and a first image former that forms the first image expanded by the first expander, onto a first face of paper, and the second image forming apparatus includes: a second expander that expands a second image having image expansion time per page including second time longer than the first time; and a second image former that forms the second image expanded by the second expander, onto the first face on which the first image has been formed.