Image Forming System Sheet Size Control for Post-Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems correct image formation positions based on detected sheet size, but do not consider processes other than image formation, such as post-processing, which may require adjustments based on the actual sheet size.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes a sheet feeder, conveyor, acquirer, image former, and a controller that controls these components to perform a first process based on the actual sheet size acquired, separate from image formation processes, allowing for adjustments in additional image formation and post-processing positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If image formation position is corrected based on detected sheet size, then image formation accuracy is improved, but processes other than image formation (such as post-processing) are not adjusted and may have positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation accuracyVSAvoidprocess coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system divides processes into two categories: image formation processes (second process) and other processes (first process). Each process type is controlled separately based on sheet size detection results, allowing independent optimization of control strategies for different process requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to handle multiple process types (image formation and non-image formation processes) using a unified sheet size detection input, enabling the system to adaptively control diverse processes based on actual sheet dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If sheet size detection is performed upstream to allow correction reflection, then image position correction is improved, but processing timing for downstream processes may be misaligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage position correctionVSAvoidprocess timing alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet size is detected upstream before image formation and other processes are executed. Based on this preliminary detection, the controller calculates and determines appropriate control parameters for both image formation and other processes in advance, ensuring both position accuracy and timing coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses sheet size detection results as feedback to adjust control parameters for multiple process types. The detected sheet size information is fed back into the control system to coordinate timing and positioning across different process stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250155842A1Image forming system and printing method for image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming system includes: a sheet feeder that feeds a sheet; a conveyor that conveys the sheet through a conveyance path; an acquirer that acquires information on an actual size of the sheet; an image former that forms an image on the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path; and a hardware processor, in which the hardware processor controls a first process on the basis of the actual size acquired by the acquirer, the first process being controlled based on an end of the sheet separately from image formation based on a print job.