Image Forming Apparatus Job Identification via Visual Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed print-on-demand and production printing services, operators face challenges in identifying the correct image forming job for sheets discharged to multiple locations, leading to potential operation errors during post-processing due to the lack of clear identification of intended or unintended job assignments.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an image forming unit, sheet stacking units, memory for storing configuration and job information, and a controller to visualize the configuration and stacking states, allowing for the identification and display of the corresponding image forming job on a display unit, enabling operators to accurately collect and process sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sheets are discharged to multiple locations in a divided manner to continue image formation when one stacker is full, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify the correct image forming job from a large amount of sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying sheet images with color indicators that represent different image forming jobs. Each sheet image is colored or marked to show which job it belongs to, enabling operators to quickly identify sheets from different jobs among large quantities of discharged sheets without confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of sheet information through display images. Instead of requiring operators to physically examine each sheet, the system generates digital representations (display images) of sheets that show their job associations, allowing operators to identify and collect sheets based on these visual copies rather than physical inspection.
2Measurement precision
If operators manually check sheet discharge destinations for each image forming job, then job identification accuracy is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically displaying sheet images with their corresponding job information without requiring operators to manually check each sheet's destination. The display unit autonomously presents organized visual information about sheet locations and job associations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification while maintaining high identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying updated sheet images and their job associations on the display unit. This visual feedback loop provides operators with real-time information about which sheets have been discharged to which locations and which jobs they correspond to, enabling quick and accurate identification without manual checking.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed sheet stacking state information is displayed, then operational accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the display information into distinct sheet images, each representing individual sheets or groups of sheets. Each sheet image is separated and individually displayed with its specific job information, allowing operators to clearly distinguish between sheets from different jobs while maintaining an organized and manageable display structure that doesn't overwhelm the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus for allowing easy recognition of an image forming job corresponding to a sheet bundle on a sheet discharge tray. An image region in which an entire configuration of the image forming apparatus and a sheet discharge apparatus is displayed and a list region in which processed image forming jobs are listed are displayed on a monitor screen of the image forming apparatus. In the image region, sheet images corresponding to processed jobs are mapped at corresponding positions of the sheet discharge trays. When a sheet image is designated by a cursor, a processed job corresponding to a cursor position is identified, and a corresponding sheet image is displayed in an emphasized manner with a color different from that for other sheet images.