Image Forming Apparatus Separating Decolorable and Non-Decolorable Print Jobs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face challenges in reusing printed sheets when both decolorable and non-decolorable printing instructions are included in a single print job, as the combination can render the sheet non-reusable for duplex printing due to the decolorable ink being decolorable and the non-decolorable ink being permanent.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus determines whether a print job includes settings for decolorable and non-decolorable printing and separates the images accordingly, printing decolorable images on one sheet and non-decolorable images on another to maintain sheet reusability, by using a controller to analyze print data and direct the printer to use either decolorable or non-decolorable colorants based on specific settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both decolorable and non-decolorable printing instructions are included in a single print job, then the image forming apparatus can fulfill diverse printing requirements, but the sheet reusability deteriorates because the sheet cannot be reused for duplex printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting instruction compatibilityVSAvoidsheet reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the print job into separate processing streams for decolorable and non-decolorable images. The controller identifies and separates these image types, routing them to different printing operations to prevent contamination of sheet reusability by permanent ink on one side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing both image types on the same sheet and accepting sheet loss, the patent inverts the approach by separating them onto different sheets. This inversion prioritizes sheet reusability over consolidated printing, sacrificing one sheet to preserve the reusability of others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If decolorable images and non-decolorable images are printed on the same sheet, then printing efficiency is improved, but the number of reusable sheets decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidreusable sheets

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts non-decolorable images from the mixed print job and processes them separately from decolorable images. This extraction ensures that permanent ink is never applied to sheets intended for reuse, thereby preventing loss of reusable sheets while maintaining efficient processing of each image type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameter by detecting the presence of both image types and automatically switching to a separation mode. This parameter change triggers different handling logic that prioritizes sheet reusability over consolidated printing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the image forming apparatus processes mixed decolorable and non-decolorable print jobs without separation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but sheet reusability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job processing simplicityVSAvoidsheet reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the controller to automatically detect and separate decolorable and non-decolorable images without user intervention. The system autonomously makes the complex determination of how to process mixed print jobs, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring sheet reusability through intelligent automatic separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors print job characteristics and adjusts processing accordingly. When mixed image types are detected, the system receives feedback about the composition of the print job and automatically modifies its behavior to separate processing, preserving sheet reusability without requiring user awareness or action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9569154B2Image forming apparatus, image forming method and image forming system with decolorable printing and non-decolorable printing

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a printer, an interface through which print data includes at least one of a first setting to form a first image with a decolorable colorant and a second setting to form a second image with a non-decolorable colorant, and a controller that determines whether the print data includes a layout setting to form a plurality of images on a sheet. If the print data includes the layout setting and only one of the first and the second setting, the printer forms the images with a corresponding one of the decolorable colorant and the non-decolorable colorant on the sheet based on the layout setting. If the print data includes the layout setting, the first setting and the second setting, the printer forms each of the first image and the second image on different sheets.