Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Discharge Timing Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with multiple sheet processing apparatuses, coordinating the discharge timing to prevent paper jams and maximize processing efficiency is challenging due to varying preparation and processing times across different apparatuses, leading to potential delays and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system relays timing information from the first sheet processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus to the second sheet processing apparatus, which actually processes the sheet, considering transit, processing, and preparation times to determine the optimal discharge timing, ensuring that the sheet is received by the apparatus ready to process it without delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sheet is discharged based on the last sheet processing apparatus that gets ready, then paper jams are prevented, but the printing process is delayed and processing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having intermediate sheet processing apparatuses prepare and relay timing information forward before the sheet actually arrives. Each apparatus calculates and transmits the required discharge timing in advance, allowing the image forming apparatus to discharge the sheet at the optimal time rather than waiting for the final apparatus to be ready.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate sheet processing apparatuses act as mediators that receive timing information from the image forming apparatus, calculate the required discharge timing considering their own preparation and processing times, and relay this information forward to both the image forming apparatus and the final sheet processing apparatus. This intermediary role enables optimized discharge timing without requiring the final apparatus to be ready beforehand.
2Productivity
If multiple sheet processing apparatuses are serially arranged, then various sheet processing functions are achieved, but coordinating discharge timing becomes complex and reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The timing coordination problem is segmented by assigning each sheet processing apparatus the responsibility of calculating and relaying timing information independently. Each apparatus segments the overall timing calculation into its own contribution (preparation time + processing time), making the complex coordination problem manageable through distributed, independent calculations rather than centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having each sheet processing apparatus relay timing information backward to the image forming apparatus based on its requirements. This feedback loop allows the image forming apparatus to adjust its discharge timing according to the actual capabilities and schedules of downstream apparatuses, enabling optimized coordination across the entire serial chain.
Data Source
AI summary
Timing information for use to determine the timing to discharge a sheet from an image forming apparatus is transmitted. The timing information is relayed, by being edited repeatedly, from a first sheet processing apparatus connected directly with the image forming apparatus to a second sheet processing apparatus which actually processes the sheet. The timing information is edited on each sheet processing apparatus by considering, for example, transit time of the sheet, processing time of the sheet, preparation time for the sheet to get ready to be processed, and the like. The second sheet processing apparatus transmits the timing information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus determines the discharge timing of the sheet based on the received timing information and discharges the sheet with the determined discharge timing.