Image Generator Waste Paper Detection and Reprint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image generators often produce waste paper due to toner contamination or misaligned image formation, leading to unnecessary wastage of normal printed matter when waste paper occurs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an image read sensor and a waste paper detector to identify abnormal images and control the printer to reprint from the waste paper job, while utilizing normal-image paper output between detection and reprint as valid printed matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image generator stops printing when waste paper is detected and performs recovery operation by reprinting from the waste paper job, then the waste paper problem is addressed, but normal printed matter on subsequent sheets is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paper sheets into two categories: waste paper (abnormal images) and normal printed matter (normal images). By using the image read sensor to detect image quality on each sheet individually, the system can identify and separate waste paper from normal printed matter, allowing only the waste paper to be reprinted while preserving normal printed matter for other uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image read sensor continuously monitors the quality of printed images on each sheet. When abnormal images are detected, this information is fed back to the controller, which then determines whether to perform recovery operation. This feedback loop enables precise control over when reprinting is necessary, preventing unnecessary waste of normal printed matter.
2Productivity
If the image generator continues printing after waste paper detection without stopping, then productivity is maintained, but print quality deteriorates due to repeated waste paper occurrences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of image quality using the image read sensor before the paper exits the image generator. By detecting abnormal images early in the paper path, the system can identify waste paper occurrences in real-time and take appropriate action (such as notifying the user or preventing further printing), thereby maintaining print quality while minimizing impact on productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is a need to provide an image generator and an image generation method capable of avoiding wasting a normal printed matter if any in sheets of paper output after an occurrence of waste paper. When paper contains an abnormal image, the paper is detected as waste paper based on a read result from an image read sensor. Detection of the waste paper allows an image generator to perform reprint from a print job for the waste paper. Normal-image paper may be contained in sheets of paper output between detection of the waste paper and the reprint to be performed. In this case, the normal-image paper is used as a normal printed matter and is avoided from being consumed wastefully.