Image Forming Apparatus Single-Read Cover Bookbinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems require reading image information twice for both the bundle of sheets and the cover during wrap-bookbinding, and cannot perform printing on a cover set in a cover supply unit, necessitating pre-printed covers and separate image formation processes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a reading unit, supply unit, designating unit, and control unit that allows image formation on both sheets and covers using a single read of image information, enabling the control unit to differentiate between original document sheets for the bundle and cover, and automatically supply sheets for inner pages and covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image information is read separately for bundle sheets and cover, then image formation can be performed on both, but reading time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reading processes for bundle sheets and cover into a single reading operation. The reading unit reads all original document sheets once, and the control unit distributes the read image information to both the image forming unit for bundle sheets and the cover conveying unit for the cover, eliminating the need for separate reading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it reads original document sheets that will be used both for forming images on bundle sheets and for forming images on the cover. This multi-functional reading capability allows a single read operation to support both image formation targets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cover is supplied from cover supply unit, then printing on cover becomes possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover supply unit is integrated into the existing bookbinding system, serving both as a source of covers for wrap-bookbinding and as a target for image formation. This multi-functional integration allows the system to print on covers without adding significant complexity, as the cover supply unit already exists for bookbinding purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the flow of image information to both the image forming unit and the cover conveying unit. It receives image information from the reading unit and distributes it appropriately, coordinating the timing and routing of covers and bundle sheets through the system without requiring complex additional hardware.
3Productivity
If image information is read once for both bundle and cover, then working time is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms to track the reading status of original document sheets and the processing status of both bundle sheets and covers. It uses this feedback information to coordinate the timing of image formation operations, ensuring that images are formed on the correct sheets at the correct times based on the single read operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically routes image information from the reading unit to different output destinations (image forming unit for bundle sheets, cover conveying unit for covers) based on real-time processing requirements. The control unit adjusts the flow of information and materials dynamically to optimize the single-read process for both image formation targets.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet includes a reading unit that reads a plurality of original document sheets, a supply unit that supplies a sheet for a cover and a sheet for an inner page, a designating unit for designating an arbitrary one from original document sheets read by the reading unit, an image forming unit that forms an image based on information on a read original document, and a control unit that controls selection of a sheet, wherein, the control unit performs control to supply a sheet for a cover from the supply unit when an image is formed based on an original document sheet designated by the designating unit, and to supply a sheet for an inner page from the supply unit when an image is formed based on an original document sheet not designated by the designating unit.