Control Apparatus for Image Forming System Sheet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with multiple sheet discharge destinations, operators face difficulties in identifying the correct position of sheets corresponding to specific image forming jobs due to inadequate display of information about sheet discharge destinations and stacking states, leading to inefficiencies in sheet collection.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected via a network, which displays system configuration and sheet bundle images, and updates stacking state information in real time, allowing for intuitive identification of sheet positions through thumbnail images of the first and last sheets of each bundle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large-capacity stacker stacks several thousands of sheets at one time, then the sheet discharge capacity is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify the position of sheets corresponding to a desired image forming job
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying the stacking state of sheets in the large-capacity stacker on a display device. The control apparatus receives stacking state information from the sheet discharge apparatus and updates the display to show the current position and status of sheets, enabling operators to identify and collect sheets corresponding to specific image forming jobs efficiently.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If information on sheet discharge destination is displayed, then sheet identification is improved, but information on stacking state and collected sheets is not accurately reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus continuously receives stacking state information from the sheet discharge apparatus and updates the display in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the displayed information accurately reflects the current stacking state, including which sheets have been collected and which remain, eliminating information loss and providing accurate discharge destination identification.
3Ease of operation
If only discharge destination of selected image forming job is displayed, then display simplicity is improved, but correct recognition of current sheet stacking state is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented to show different types of information in an organized manner. The control apparatus divides the stacking state information into distinct visual elements, such as indicating collected sheets differently from uncollected sheets, and organizing discharge destination information by image forming job. This segmentation maintains display simplicity while enabling comprehensive stacking state recognition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus includes a processor and a memory to control a system having an image forming apparatus and a sheet discharge apparatus. Executing a memory stored program causes the control apparatus to receive configuration information of the system and generate a system configuration image (1101), receive stacking state information and generate a sheet bundle (1701) image, display a screen, receive job identification information of an image forming job of sheets to be picked up, and display a thumbnail image (1709). The stacking state information includes a stacking amount of sheets stacked on a sheet stacking tray. The sheet bundle image represents the sheets stacked on a sheet stacking tray based on the stacking state information. The system configuration image (1101) and the sheet bundle image are combined in the screen.