Image Forming Apparatus Paper Feed Source Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with cost inefficiency due to the need for media sensors at each paper feed source, leading to unintended blank sheet discharge when paper types detected by sensors do not match user settings, and uncertainty about sheet types in each feed source at the start of a job.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with detection means on a common conveyance path that holds paper sizes and types set by users, allowing for appropriate paper feed source selection based on designated job settings, reducing blank sheet discharge by determining the correct paper feed source for printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a media sensor is provided at each paper feed source to detect paper types, then paper type detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper type detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of media sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single media sensor on the common conveyance path serves multiple paper feed sources by detecting paper types of sheets from different sources sequentially, eliminating the need for dedicated sensors at each feed source while maintaining detection capability across all sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple paper feed sources into a unified system with a common conveyance path and shared media sensor, integrating detection functionality across previously separate components to reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single media sensor is placed on a common conveyance path to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect paper types from multiple feed sources simultaneously is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of media sensorsVSAvoidpaper feed source selection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of paper types from each feed source before printing operations begin, storing detection results in advance so that the single media sensor can accurately identify and select appropriate paper sources without compromising versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The media sensor provides feedback about paper types detected from each feed source, enabling the control system to make informed decisions about which paper source to use for upcoming printing tasks, maintaining adaptability through information feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If sheets are conveyed to the media sensor position for detection, then paper type detection is enabled, but blank sheets are discharged when detection results do not match user settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper type detection capabilityVSAvoidblank sheet discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of paper types from each feed source against user-defined requirements before initiating printing operations, preventing blank sheet discharge by identifying mismatches in advance and selecting appropriate paper sources proactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discharging blank sheets when detection fails, the system inverts the approach by proactively selecting paper feed sources that match user settings based on preliminary detection, ensuring only appropriate sheets are used for printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables accurate selection of paper feed sources, minimizing blank sheet discharge and ensuring appropriate paper types are used for printing, thus enhancing user satisfaction and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for multiple media sensors.

Implementation Method 1

the types of sheets loaded in the paper feed sources are automatically detected by observing the optical characteristics of the surfaces of such sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical characteristics detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10921740B2Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium that select, from among a plurality of paper feed sources, one that satisfies a selected condition

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a storing unit that stores information associated with a sheet type of a sheet and a sheet feed source, of a plurality of sheet feed sources, a selection unit that selects a sheet feed source from the plurality of sheet feeding sources based on at least a sheet type designated by a job and the stored information, and a feeding unit that feeds a sheet from the selected sheet feed source. The image forming apparatus also includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet fed by the feeding unit, and a detector that detects a sheet type of the sheet fed from one of the plurality of sheet feed sources by the feeding unit. The storing unit stores the sheet type detected by the detector as the information indicating the sheet type of sheet stored in the sheet feeding source.