Multi-Apparatus Image Forming Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face errors in image forming sequences when using multiple image forming apparatuses, particularly when forming images with various color tones using different developers, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system comprising a first image forming apparatus using CMYK developers, a second apparatus using a transparent developer that penetrates the first developer's color, and a third apparatus using developers that shade the first developer's color, with an information processing section controlling the sequence to ensure correct visual recognition direction and color tone alignment across multiple apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image forming apparatuses with different developers are used to form images with various color tones, then image forming capability and color tone variety are improved, but sequence control complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the image forming process by dividing it into multiple independent apparatuses, each handling specific developer types (CMYK, transparent, shading). The information processing section segments the control task by generating separate print data for each apparatus based on the original image data, enabling parallel processing while maintaining sequence control through embedded print sequence information in each data segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing section performs preliminary analysis of the original image data to determine which developers are needed and in what sequence. It pre-generates appropriate print data for each image forming apparatus and embeds the correct print sequence information in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination and reducing control complexity during actual execution.
2Ease of operation
If print sequence control is manually managed across multiple apparatuses, then operational flexibility is maintained, but error rate in image forming sequence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing section implements a feedback mechanism by analyzing the original image data, determining the required developer types and sequence, and automatically generating corresponding print data with embedded sequence information for each apparatus. This closed-loop control ensures that the print sequence accurately reflects the intended image formation process, significantly reducing errors compared to manual management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized 8-color image forming apparatus is used, then all color tones can be formed in one device, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple specialized apparatuses (CMYK, transparent, shading) to achieve comprehensive color tone coverage equivalent to an 8-color system. By combining these simpler, standard apparatuses under coordinated control with embedded sequence information, the system achieves the versatility of an 8-color device while avoiding its complexity and high cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image forming apparatus maintains its specialized function (CMYK coloring, transparent lamination, shading) while the overall system achieves multi-functionality by coordinating these apparatuses through the information processing section. This allows the system to handle diverse printing requirements using standard, versatile apparatuses rather than requiring a single complex 8-color device.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a first image forming apparatus that includes a first imaging section used to form an image using a colored first developer, a second image forming apparatus that includes a second imaging section used to form the image using a second developer, which a color of the first developer is capable of penetrating, in a case of being laminated on the first developer on a medium, and a third imaging section used to form the image using a third developer which is capable of shading the color of the first developer in a case of being laminated on the first developer on the medium, and an information processing section that transmits information of a print image to the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, the information processing section transmitting the information of the print image to the respective imaging sections such that, with respect to a visual recognition direction of the image on the medium, the image formed using the second developer is laminated on a front side in the visual recognition direction rather than the image formed using the third developer and the image formed using the first developer.