Image Formation System Calibration Timing with Interleaving Paper Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses interrupt print jobs to execute calibrations at predetermined times, leading to extended job times and potential degradation in image quality, as they do not efficiently integrate calibration with interleaving paper insertion processes.

Innovation Solution

An image formation system that includes an image forming apparatus and an inserter, where a control device executes calibrations in parallel with interleaving paper insertion, allowing for timely completion of calibrations within the interleaving paper insertion time or a total time including an additional period, thereby preventing job interruptions and maintaining image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image forming apparatus executes calibration at predetermined timing by interrupting print jobs, then image quality is maintained, but job completion time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidjob completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the calibration execution timing with the interleaving paper insertion timing. The control device determines that calibration timing coincides with when the inserter inserts interleaving papers into the printed material, allowing both operations to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other. This resolves the contradiction by combining two separate processes (calibration and paper insertion) into a coordinated timeline where calibration executes during natural downtime in the printing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary determination of calibration timing by monitoring when interleaving paper insertion will occur. Instead of waiting for predetermined intervals or sheet counts to trigger calibration, the system proactively identifies calibration opportunities based on the inserter's operation schedule. This preliminary action allows calibration to be scheduled in advance during known insertion periods, preventing job interruptions while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If calibration is executed by interrupting print jobs, then image quality control is ensured, but system running time increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality controlVSAvoidsystem running time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges calibration execution with interleaving paper insertion operations. During the time the inserter is physically inserting papers into the printed material stream, the image forming apparatus executes calibration routines. This parallel execution means the system does not need to extend total running time to accommodate both calibration and continuous printing, as calibration occurs during the inserter's operational window rather than requiring separate dedicated time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If calibration timing does not coincide with interleaving paper insertion, then print job continuity is maintained, but calibration must interrupt printing causing productivity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job continuityVSAvoidcoordination between calibration and insertion timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the inserter's operation status and timing. The system tracks when interleaving papers are being inserted and uses this information to dynamically determine optimal calibration start times. This feedback loop ensures calibration only begins when the inserter is actively operating, automatically coordinating the two processes without requiring complex external scheduling or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11706362B2Image formation system capable of starting execution of calibration with timing to start insertion of interleaving paper

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image formation system includes an image forming apparatus and an inserter. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a conveyance device, and a control device. The control device functions as a controller and an executor. The controller allows the inserter to insert an interleaving paper between sheets of printed material at an insertion start timing specified by a print job. When the plurality of calibrations include a second calibration capable of being completed within an interleaving paper insertion time required to insert the interleaving paper or a third calibration capable of being completed within a total time of the interleaving paper insertion time and a predetermined additional time, the executor executes the second calibration or the third calibration in time with the insertion start timing.