Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Quality Assurance Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, when users need to set sheets in a sheet feeding section prior to the image forming operation, the existing techniques often result in delayed sheet supply to the image forming section, leading to reduced productivity due to premature quality assurance operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus extends the predetermined time for quality assurance operations if the user needs to set sheets in the sheet feeding section, allowing for longer preparation time when necessary, thereby preventing premature transitions to cleaning processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the predetermined time for quality assurance operation is set to ensure image quality, then image quality is maintained, but productivity decreases when users need to manually set sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the predetermined time period adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically extends the predetermined time when manual sheet feeding is detected, and uses a shorter time for automatic sheet feeding modes. This allows the system to adapt the quality assurance timing to the specific operating mode, maintaining image quality while preventing premature cleaning operations that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter based on the sheet feeding mode. When manual sheet feeding is detected, the predetermined time is extended to a longer period; when automatic sheet feeding is used, a shorter predetermined time is applied. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by tailoring the quality assurance timing to the actual operational context.
2Productivity
If the predetermined time is extended to allow manual sheet preparation, then productivity is improved, but image quality assurance may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the predetermined time based on the detected sheet feeding mode. When manual feeding is detected, the time is extended to allow proper sheet preparation. When automatic feeding is used, the shorter time ensures timely quality assurance. This dynamic adjustment ensures both productivity and image quality are optimized for each operating mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from sheet detection sensors to determine the sheet feeding mode and adjust the predetermined time accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the quality assurance timing is appropriately matched to the actual operational conditions, preventing both premature cleaning and delayed quality assurance.
3Reliability
If cleaning operation is performed promptly after image forming, then image quality is assured, but operational efficiency decreases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning operation timing dynamic based on the sheet feeding mode. By extending the predetermined time for manual feeding modes, the system avoids premature cleaning interruptions. For automatic feeding modes, the shorter time ensures timely quality assurance. This dynamic timing optimization prevents unnecessary interruptions while maintaining image quality standards.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: a sheet feeding section; an image forming section configured to form an image on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding section; and a control device configured to: cause the image forming section to form the image, cause the image forming section to perform a quality assurance operation, if a resource necessary for the image forming operation is not available for a predetermined time from an end of the image forming operation, and extend the predetermined time when determined that it is necessary for the user to set the sheet in the sheet feeding section prior to the image forming operation to be longer than the predetermined time when determined that it is not necessary for the user to set the sheet in the sheet feeding section prior to the image forming operation.