Image Forming Control Device Using Abnormal Image Data for Sheet Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses limit data accumulation to normal image quality conditions, restricting the range of sheets for which process conditions can be efficiently obtained, making it difficult to determine suitable conditions for new or varying sheet physical properties.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines process conditions based on physical property information and read information from the image forming section, using a hardware processor to adjust settings for optimal image forming on recording sheets, even when image quality is abnormal, by referencing accumulated data and correction information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data accumulation is limited to normal image quality conditions only, then data storage reliability is improved, but the range of sheets for which process conditions can be efficiently obtained is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage reliabilityVSAvoidrange of sheets for which process conditions can be obtained

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful abnormal image quality data into beneficial information by storing it in the database alongside normal data. This allows the system to learn from transfer failures and image quality issues, improving process condition determination for various sheet types while expanding the适用范围 beyond just normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If the database stores only normal image quality data, then data quality is improved, but the efficiency of acquiring process conditions for new sheets is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidefficiency of acquiring process conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where read information from the reading section (including abnormal image quality data) is fed back to the control device, which then determines and adjusts process conditions. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous improvement of process conditions for new sheet types by learning from both normal and abnormal outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If process conditions are determined only from normal image quality data, then determination accuracy for normal cases is improved, but the ability to handle new and varying sheet physical properties is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess condition determination accuracyVSAvoidability to handle new sheet physical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by accumulating both normal and abnormal read information in the database before determining process conditions for new sheets. This preliminary data accumulation, including abnormal cases, prepares the system to handle new and varying sheet physical properties more effectively by having a broader reference dataset available in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12108006B2Control device and image forming system, and computer readable recording medium storing control program

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A control device includes a controller that determines, based on physical property information corresponding to physical property of a recording sheet and read information on an image evaluated as abnormal through reading of an image on the recording sheet by a reading section on a recording sheet conveyance path, a process condition under which an image forming section performs image forming on the recording sheet.