Image Erasing Apparatus for Reusable Ticket Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for issuing reserved-seat tickets or vouchers require multiple physical sheets to be produced, leading to high costs due to the need for multiple tickets or information sheets, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An image erasing apparatus that reads identification information from a sheet, erases the original image using heat, and reformats the sheet with new information associated with the identification, allowing the same sheet to be reused with different content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple physical sheets are produced for reserved-seat tickets and vouchers, then user identification and ticket issuance can be performed, but the cost increases enormously due to the need to produce multiple tickets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using heat treatment to alter the physical state of the sheet. The heating unit raises the temperature of the sheet to a specific range (e.g., 40-100°C) to enable reversible changes in the printed information, allowing the same sheet to display different content for different users without requiring multiple physical sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the sheet content changeable through thermal processing. The sheet transitions from a static state with fixed printed information to a dynamic state where the same sheet can be reconfigured to display different information for different users, thereby reducing the quantity of sheets needed while maintaining reliable user identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical sheets are produced for reserved-seat tickets, then different user information can be provided, but the cost of tickets becomes enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (temperature control) to enable the same sheet to display different user information. The heating unit changes the physical state of the sheet material, allowing reversible modifications to the printed content, thereby achieving information customization without the need to manufacture multiple separate sheets for different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making a single sheet serve multiple functions for different users. The same sheet can be heated and cooled multiple times to display different user information, effectively making one sheet replace multiple specialized sheets, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability to different user needs.
3Productivity
If heat treatment is applied to erase and reform information on sheets, then the same sheet can be reused with different content, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature within a specific range (40-100°C) rather than using extreme heat. This controlled thermal processing enables reversible changes in the sheet material that allow information to be erased and reformed, achieving sheet reusability while minimizing excessive energy consumption through moderate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic process of heating and cooling the sheet. The heating unit applies heat to erase existing information, then the sheet is cooled to allow the formation of new information. This periodic heating-cooling cycle enables multiple reuse of the same sheet for different users while distributing energy consumption over multiple small cycles rather than requiring continuous high-energy input.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the need for new sheets, lowers costs by reusing the same sheet with different information, and enhances user convenience by eliminating the requirement for larger sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the sheet to a predetermined temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image erasing apparatus includes a reading unit, an erasing unit, an image forming unit, and a controller. The reading unit reads identification information formed on a sheet conveyed. The erasing unit erases a part or all of a first image formed on the sheet after the identification information is read. The controller obtains image data corresponding to the identification information that is read by the reading unit. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to form a second image, which is indicated by the obtained image data, onto the sheet from which the first image has been erased.