Image Forming Apparatus Tag Integrity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, wireless tags can be broken during the fixing process, leading to page skipping and sequence disorder in the discharged sheets, as broken tags are separated and re-printing disrupts the original page order.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a processor that controls the image formation and sheet conveyance to ensure that if a wireless tag is broken, the image is re-printed on a new sheet and conveyed before the original sheet, maintaining the page sequence by prioritizing the discharge of sheets with successful tag writings to the normal tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sheets with broken wireless tags are discharged to a dedicated tray, then broken tags are separated from normal sheets, but page sequence becomes disordered in the normal tray
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of wireless tag status before discharge decisions are made. By checking tag integrity in advance and controlling the discharge sequence accordingly, the system prevents page sequence disorder while maintaining reliable separation of broken tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring wireless tag status and using this information to adjust the discharge sequence. The discharge control is based on feedback from tag detection, ensuring that sheets are discharged in the correct page sequence while still separating broken tags appropriately.
2Reliability
If re-printing is performed on new sheets when wireless tags are broken, then functional tags are restored, but page sequence disorder occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects wireless tag status before completing the printing process. When a broken tag is detected, the system preliminarily identifies which sheets need re-printing and controls their discharge sequence in advance, preventing page order disruption while ensuring functional tags are restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from wireless tag detection to control the discharge sequence. Sheets with broken tags that are re-printed are discharged in a controlled manner based on feedback information, ensuring they are placed in the correct position in the stack to maintain page sequence integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fixing unit heats and presses sheets, then toner images are fixed, but wireless tags may be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by detecting wireless tag status after the fixing process and identifying broken tags. This feedback information is used to control the discharge sequence and trigger re-printing operations, ensuring that tag damage during fixation does not lead to page sequence disorder.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of tag breaking during fixation into a beneficial outcome by using tag status detection to control discharge sequence. The breakdown event triggers a controlled response that ultimately improves overall system reliability by ensuring only functional tags are discharged in correct sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a writing unit, and a processor. The processor forms a first image again on a third sheet, when the writing unit does not succeed in writing information in a wireless tag of a first sheet, on which the first image is formed by the image forming unit. Further, the processor discharges the third sheet prior to a second sheet, on which a second image is formed, the second image being next to the first image.