Image Forming Apparatus Forced Discharge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems face challenges when a post-processing apparatus with a sheet stacking unit breaks down, as it prevents the execution of print jobs and post-processing functions, leading to restricted operations and errors like paper jams.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a specifying unit to identify available downstream post-processing apparatuses, a setting unit for forced discharge mode, and a controller to manage sheet discharge to the specified apparatus, even if it lacks a sheet stacking unit, ensuring uninterrupted print jobs and post-processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the downstream-most post-processing apparatus that has a sheet stacking unit breaks down and is separated from the system, then the system cannot execute print jobs or post-processing functions, but allowing forced discharge to apparatuses without sheet stacking units causes paper jams and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpaper jam error

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge behavior based on the operational status of downstream apparatuses. When the downstream-most apparatus with a sheet stacking unit is operational, sheets are discharged normally to be stacked. When it breaks down, the system dynamically switches to force discharge mode for apparatuses without sheet stacking units, allowing print jobs to continue despite the failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the discharge parameter from normal discharge (to sheet stacking unit) to force discharge (outside apparatus) based on the operational status of downstream apparatuses. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to failures and maintain functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If forced discharge mode is enabled to allow print jobs when downstream-most apparatus lacks sheet stacking unit, then print job execution is maintained, but paper jam errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job executionVSAvoidpaper jam error

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between normal discharge and force discharge modes based on real-time status of downstream apparatuses. This dynamic adjustment allows print jobs to execute continuously while adapting to the presence or absence of sheet stacking units in downstream apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically detects the operational status of downstream apparatuses and self-adjusts the discharge mode without user intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about whether to use normal discharge or force discharge based on current system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a post-processing apparatus other than the downstream-most apparatus is provided with a sheet stacking tray, then it can discharge sheets, but post-processes of downstream apparatuses are disabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet discharge capabilityVSAvoidpost-process execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback about the presence and operational status of sheet stacking units in downstream apparatuses. Based on this feedback, it intelligently determines the optimal discharge destination to maintain both sheet discharge capability and post-process execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines the discharge destination based on the configuration and status of downstream apparatuses. When a sheet stacking unit is available in a non-downstream-most apparatus, the system adjusts discharge behavior to utilize it while preserving downstream post-process capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10947076B2Image forming apparatus to which post-processing apparatus can be connected, image forming system, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus that is capable of reducing influence of a failure on execution of a print job even if a post-processing apparatus that has a sheet stacking unit breaks down. Post-processing apparatuses are connected at a downstream side of an image forming apparatus in a sheet conveyance direction and apply post-processes to the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. A specifying unit specifies an available downstream-most apparatus from among the post-processing apparatuses. A setting unit can set a forced discharge mode in which a sheet is discharged to the downstream-most apparatus when the downstream-most apparatus is not provided with a sheet stacking unit. When the forced discharge mode is set, apparatuses at an upstream side of the downstream-most apparatus are controlled so as to discharge a sheet to the downstream-most apparatus and the downstream-most apparatus is controlled so as to discharge the sheet outside the apparatus.