Image Forming Apparatus Quality Sorting and Tray Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in job quality due to double feed or environmental changes, leading to wasted time and resources in recovery printing when printed matters do not meet quality standards.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a processor that distinguishes between first and second quality printed matters based on quality information from sensors, directing first quality prints to a primary delivery tray and second quality prints to a secondary tray, allowing for continued printing without interruption and enabling the use of substandard prints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recovery print is performed for printed matters not meeting quality standards, then quality is improved, but time and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments printed matters into two categories: those meeting quality standards and those not meeting them. By using sensors to detect quality issues and sorting mechanisms to separate them into different trays, the system avoids unnecessary recovery printing for substandard items while maintaining quality for acceptable ones, thus reducing wasted time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of quality assessment by using sensors to detect specific quality parameters (such as image density, color accuracy, or presence of defects) and makes decisions based on these measurements. This allows automated determination of whether recovery print is necessary, preventing unnecessary reprints and saving time.
2Reliability
If all printed matters are subjected to recovery print to ensure quality, then quality standards are met, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service quality control by automatically detecting quality issues through sensors and sorting printed matters into appropriate trays without requiring user intervention or universal recovery printing. This automated quality management maintains standards while preserving productivity by avoiding unnecessary reprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using sensors to detect quality parameters of printed matters and automatically adjusting the sorting process based on this feedback. Printed matters meeting quality standards are directed to the normal tray, while those not meeting standards are directed to a separate tray, enabling continuous quality maintenance without reducing productivity.
3Device complexity
If printed matters not meeting quality standards are delivered to the same tray as high-quality prints, then device complexity is reduced, but quality distinction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to quality differentiation by introducing a separate delivery tray for printed matters not meeting quality standards. This dimensional separation (different trays) clearly distinguishes quality levels without significantly increasing device complexity, and prevents loss of quality information by providing visual and physical separation.
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 allows for efficient job continuation while enabling the use of lower-quality prints, reducing waste and user burden by clearly distinguishing and managing prints that do not meet quality standards.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor to detect double feed of sheets is disposed on a sheet conveyance passage, thereby detecting double feed in real time
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, while executing a print job that designates a delivery destination of a printed matte of a first quality to a first delivery tray, and prints multiple sets in which each set includes multiple sheets subjected to image formation in order of pages based on multiple page image data, in a case of having determined that a printed matter being conveyed is a printed matter of the second quality, printed matters of one set consecutive from the printed matter of the second quality are delivered to the second delivery tray, and thereafter, a printed matter of the first quality is delivered to the first delivery tray.