Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Paper Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses do not adequately set image forming conditions and transport conditions for diverse types of recording paper, requiring users to manually adjust multiple settings, which is time-consuming and wasteful, especially when changing paper types.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that communicates with a data collection/delivery apparatus to adjust and store image forming conditions and transport conditions based on recording material characteristics, minimizing the need for manual adjustments and reducing paper waste by using associated data and recommended values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users manually adjust image forming conditions and transport conditions for each recording paper type, then the image forming conditions can be optimized for each paper type, but the adjustment time increases significantly and recording paper is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically adjusting image forming conditions and transport conditions based on recording paper characteristics before actual image formation. The control unit reads paper characteristics (basis weight, surface properties, thickness, resistance) and pre-sets optimal parameters, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-adjustment processes and reducing both time and paper waste.
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually adjust image forming conditions and transport conditions for each recording paper type, then the image forming conditions can be optimized for each paper type, but the amount of recording paper used for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically reading recording paper characteristics through the paper property reading unit and autonomously determining optimal image forming conditions and transport conditions. The control unit processes the paper characteristics and sets appropriate parameters without requiring user intervention or trial printing, thereby eliminating recording paper waste associated with manual adjustment processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed settings of image forming conditions and transport conditions are made for each recording paper type, then the image quality can be optimized according to paper characteristics, but the complexity of setting and storing parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages parameter complexity by dynamically changing parameters based on recorded paper characteristics. Instead of requiring manual configuration of multiple parameters, the control unit automatically adjusts image forming conditions (transfer voltage, fixing temperature) and transport conditions (paper feed speed, transport timing) according to the read paper properties (basis weight, surface properties, thickness, resistance), simplifying the user interface while maintaining detailed optimization.
4Loss of time
If the image forming apparatus automatically adjusts conditions based on recording paper characteristics, then the adjustment time is reduced and paper waste is minimized, but the apparatus requires additional components for reading paper properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with an automated electronic system. The paper property reading unit (using optical, electrical, or magnetic sensing) substitutes for manual paper characterization, and the control unit uses electronic processing to determine optimal conditions, replacing the mechanical trial-and-adjustment process. This substitution reduces adjustment time while the added complexity is confined to sensing and processing components rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for reducing time required for adjusting the image forming conditions and transport conditions and minimizing the number of recording material used for the adjustment. Image forming conditions and transport conditions for the recording material are adjusted according to the characteristic properties of the recording material. Associated data including an adjustment value obtained from the adjustment of the image forming conditions and transport conditions made by the adjustment unit and the characteristic properties of the recording material associated with the adjustment value is generated. The associated data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the data collection/delivery apparatus. Delivery data regarding the adjustment of the image forming conditions and transport conditions is received from the data collection/delivery apparatus.