Image Former Controller Reuses Proof Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming processes waste resources by discarding proof print outputs without utilizing them for final printing, especially when multiple copies are printed to achieve a satisfactory reference image.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that determines whether proof print outputs can be used for final printing based on scanned data and controls the number of sheets formed, allowing available sheets from proof printing to be reused for final printing, thereby reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proof printing is performed to create a reference image, then image quality inspection is enabled, but the proof print outputs are discarded causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of discarding and recovering by retrieving previously discarded proof print outputs from storage and reusing them as final print outputs when quality inspection passes. The image forming apparatus recovers the proof print sheets that would otherwise be discarded, storing them temporarily and then outputting them as final products when they meet quality standards, thereby reducing resource waste while maintaining image quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining whether proof print outputs can be reused as final outputs without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically compares the proof print images with reference images, determines quality, and decides whether to output the proof prints as finals or perform additional printing, making the apparatus self-sufficient in optimizing resource utilization
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple proof printings are performed to obtain a satisfactory reference image, then reference image quality is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing proof printing first to create reference images before final printing. The system uses the proof print outputs to generate reference images that are then used for quality inspection of subsequent prints. This preliminary proof printing step ensures that the reference images accurately reflect the desired output quality, and the same proof prints are reused as finals when they meet standards, reducing additional resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers proof print sheets that were initially used for creating reference images and reuses them as final outputs when quality inspection passes. This prevents the need to discard these sheets after reference image creation, thereby reducing the total quantity of sheets consumed while maintaining high reference image quality
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus enables utilizing an output of proof printing as an output of final printing, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an image former forming an image on a sheet, an image reader reading an image formed on the sheet, and a controller, wherein the controller acquires a determination result of whether or not a sheet, on which an image read by the image reader is formed before the final printing by the image former in order to create a reference image to be used for inspecting an output matter of a printing job, can be used for an output matter of the final printing and controls the number of sheets or copies on which the images are to be formed using the image former at the final printing.