Image Forming Apparatus End Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed print systems, such as minilab systems, the irregular intervals for paper roll replacement and replenishment disrupt print production, increasing the workload and reducing efficiency due to the unpredictable timing of paper endings across multiple supply units.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control system that synchronizes the end timing of recording media across multiple supply units, allowing for planned replenishment and replacement by adjusting the supply source selection, ensuring that at least two units end at the same time or maintaining a prescribed quantity in one unit when another ends, thereby minimizing production interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple paper supply units operate independently, then print production can continue without interruption, but paper replacement timing becomes irregular and increases worker burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by controlling the end timing of recording media in each supply unit to coincide with a predetermined timing. This allows workers to replace paper rolls at scheduled intervals rather than responding to irregular endings, reducing operational burden while maintaining continuous print production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the end timing of recording media in each supply unit and adjusts the supply selection based on this feedback. By detecting when paper is running low and coordinating with other units, the system ensures synchronized endings that facilitate planned maintenance without interrupting productivity
2Productivity
If paper rolls are replaced at irregular intervals, then continuous printing is maintained, but overall working efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by establishing predetermined timing for paper roll replacements. Multiple supply units are coordinated so that paper endings occur at regular intervals, allowing workers to perform replacements systematically rather than responding to random timing, thus improving overall working efficiency
3Speed
If multiple recording medium supply sections are used, then high-speed printing is achieved, but coordination of end timing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges the control of multiple recording medium supply sections into a unified system. By coordinating the end timing of all supply units through centralized control, the system manages complexity while maintaining high-speed printing capability across multiple rows
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming section which includes an image forming device forming an image onto a recording medium; a plurality of recording medium supply sections which store recording media and supply the recording media to the image forming section; a conveyance device which conveys the recording media supplied from the plurality of recording medium supply sections; and an end timing control device which controls a timing at which the recording media of each of the plurality of recording medium supply sections come to an end, by controlling selection of supply source of the recording medium used for image formation by the image forming device, from among the plurality of recording medium supply sections.