Networked Image Forming System Sheet Conveyance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems face challenges in managing sheet conveyance and discharge when failures occur, such as paper jams, due to fixed apparatus connections and the need to locate an escape tray for all possible system configurations, complicating control and flexibility in rearranging apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with network-connected apparatuses that include a storage unit for identifying sheet processing apparatuses and determining system configuration, a detection unit for abnormal conditions, and a notification system to manage sheet acceptance and discharge based on communication with downstream apparatuses, allowing for flexible arrangement and operation without requiring knowledge of the entire system's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If apparatuses are connected with dedicated lines to fix the system configuration, then control of sheet conveyance and discharge is simplified, but flexibility to change arrangement of apparatuses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/dedicated connection system with a network-based communication system. Apparatuses are connected via a network instead of dedicated lines, allowing flexible physical arrangement while maintaining systematic control through communication protocols. The control apparatus manages sheet conveyance and discharge by communicating with downstream apparatuses over the network, achieving both operational simplicity and arrangement flexibility.
2Reliability
If an escape tray is positioned for all possible combinations of apparatus arrangement, then urgent discharge of recording sheets can be carried out regardless of system configuration, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic escape tray positioning system where the control apparatus determines the appropriate escape tray based on the current downstream apparatus status. Instead of having fixed escape trays for all possible configurations, the system dynamically identifies which downstream apparatus has an available escape tray and directs sheets there. This reduces physical hardware requirements while maintaining reliable urgent discharge capability across different arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus communicates with downstream apparatuses to obtain information about their current status and escape tray availability. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make real-time decisions about sheet discharge destinations, ensuring reliable urgent discharge without requiring pre-configured escape trays for every possible arrangement scenario.
3Ease of operation
If the entire image forming system is stopped when a failure occurs, then sheet conveyance control is simplified, but productivity decreases due to large number of remaining sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image forming system into independent controllable units that can operate autonomously. When a failure occurs in one apparatus, only that specific apparatus stops while others continue operating. The control apparatus manages sheet conveyance by directing sheets away from failed apparatuses and toward operational ones, maintaining overall system productivity while simplifying local control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary that coordinates between upstream and downstream apparatuses during failures. It receives failure information, determines appropriate sheet discharge destinations, and communicates control decisions to relevant apparatuses. This intermediary role enables continued operation of unaffected apparatuses while maintaining proper sheet flow management.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system that has an apparatus that receives recording media from an apparatus upstream from it, executes image formation processing, and conveys the recording media to an apparatus positioned downstream from it. The apparatus controls whether to continue conveyance of recording media, change their discharger, and accept recording media in accordance with condition of its own or the downstream apparatus regardless of the configuration of the entire system.