Image Forming System Tray Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In production printing, it is difficult for operators to identify the position of sheets corresponding to a specific image forming job among a large number of sheets discharged to multiple destinations, as existing systems do not provide real-time updates on the current state of sheet discharge destinations, leading to inefficiencies in collection and subsequent job processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected via a communication network, which displays system configuration and sheet discharge state information in real-time, allowing operators to visualize the arrangement of sheet discharge trays and the status of sheet bundles, enabling easy identification and collection of sheets corresponding to specific jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple large-capacity stackers are connected to discharge sheets in a divided manner, then the image forming system can handle high-volume production printing, but it becomes difficult for operators to identify and collect sheets from specific jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual differentiation through color-coded indicators and graphical representations to distinguish sheets from different jobs. The display device shows stacked sheet images with color coding corresponding to different sheet discharge destinations, enabling operators to quickly identify which stack contains sheets from a specific job without physically examining each sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the multi-stack discharge system and the operator. This display device provides graphical user interface showing the location and state of sheets in each stacker, acting as a mediator that translates the complex physical distribution of sheets across multiple stackers into easily interpretable visual information for operators.
2Device complexity
If sheet discharge destination information is displayed only at the end of image forming, then the system simplifies display requirements, but operators cannot recognize the sheet discharge state during the forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously updating the display device with current sheet discharge states during the image forming process. The display shows which stackers currently hold sheets from specific jobs, providing operators with ongoing information that enables them to plan and execute sheet collection efficiently without waiting for the entire printing job to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables operators to perform preliminary actions by displaying sheet discharge destination information in advance. Operators can identify which stackers will contain sheets from upcoming jobs and prepare for efficient collection before the sheets are actually discharged, optimizing their workflow in advance rather than reacting after discharge completes.
3Loss of information
If the system displays only the final sheet discharge destination, then the display information remains simple, but operators cannot determine the current stacking state or optimize subsequent job routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information by individual stacker and job, providing detailed breakdowns rather than aggregated final-state information. The graphical user interface displays separate stacked sheet images for each sheet discharge destination, showing which job sheets are located in which stacker. This segmented information enables operators to efficiently locate and collect sheets while also allowing the system to optimize routing for subsequent jobs based on current stacker states.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus to control a system including an image forming apparatus (101) and a sheet discharge apparatus. The control apparatus receives configuration information of the system, and discharge state information having a discharge destination and a stacking amount of sheets discharged by the sheet discharge apparatus, and job identification information of an image forming job of sheets to be picked up. The control apparatus generates a system configuration image (501) based on the configuration information, generates a sheet bundle image (1501 - 1505) based on the discharge state information, combines the sheet bundle image (1501 - 1505) with the system configuration image (501) based on the discharge destination, and displays them as combined. The sheet bundle image (1501 - 1505) is displayed with a size corresponding to the stacking amount and a first sheet bundle image (1501 - 1505).