Image Forming System Batch Sheet Registration via Offline Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems require users to repeatedly set sheet information for each sheet feed tray, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when handling multiple trays, and do not allow for simultaneous registration of information across multiple trays.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a recording material information detecting apparatus outside the image forming apparatus, which detects recording material information and an operation detector that associates the detected information with each sheet feed tray in the order of operations, allowing for batch registration and automatic setting of sheet information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input technique is used to set sheet information on sheet feed trays, then sheet information can be set on each tray, but the user has to repeat the setting process for each tray which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting sheet informationVSAvoidtime for setting sheet information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of sheet information using an offline media detection apparatus before the user needs to set it. The detected information is stored and automatically associated with sheet feed trays when needed, eliminating the need for repeated manual input and reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually entering sheet information for each tray, the system uses detection results from the offline media detection apparatus to obtain sheet information. This copied information is then automatically associated with multiple sheet feed trays, replacing repetitive manual input with automated information transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Extent of automation

If bar code reader is used to detect sheet information, then automatic setting is possible, but it is necessary to repeat the detection process for each sheet feed tray which is still time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sheet information settingVSAvoidtime for detecting sheet information

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The offline media detection apparatus performs sheet information detection in advance, before the user needs to set it on sheet feed trays. The detected information is stored in the system memory and can be automatically associated with multiple trays without repeating the detection process, thus reducing total time while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the detection function into a separate offline media detection apparatus that can detect information for multiple trays in one operation. This consolidated detection approach replaces the need to repeatedly use bar code readers for each individual tray, reducing detection time while maintaining high automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user opens multiple sheet feed trays at once to set sheet information, then multiple trays can be configured, but it takes time and effort to perform setting while checking which information goes to which tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to set multiple trays simultaneouslyVSAvoidease of matching information to trays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by displaying a registration screen that shows the correspondence between sheet feed trays and detected sheet information. This visual feedback helps the user verify which information is being set on which tray, making the simultaneous configuration of multiple trays intuitive and error-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically copies detected sheet information to the appropriate sheet feed trays based on tray identification. This automated association eliminates the manual matching process, allowing users to open multiple trays simultaneously without the confusion of manually assigning information to each tray.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Extent of automation

If wrapping paper with bar code is used to identify sheet information, then automatic detection is possible, but it is impossible to identify sheet information without the wrapping paper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sheet information identificationVSAvoidability to handle different recording materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The offline media detection apparatus is designed with universal functionality to detect sheet information from various sources, not just bar codes on wrapping paper. It can identify recording materials directly from the sheets themselves or from other markers, enabling the system to handle different types of recording materials without requiring specific wrapping paper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11418668B2Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus; and a recording material information detecting apparatus provided outside the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording material information detecting apparatus includes a recording material information detector that detects recording material information about a recording material, and the image forming apparatus includes: an image former; an operation detector; and a hardware processor.