Image Processing System Tray Segregation for Sheet Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face challenges in efficiently separating and processing sheets with formed images and decolorized images, often requiring manual sorting and alignment, which can lead to mixing of processed sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system with a discharge section and movable trays, controlled by a controller, that segregates sheets based on job type, using a heating device to fix and decolor images with a decoloring color material, and integrates post-processing functions like alignment, stapling, punching, and center folding to manage different types of jobs automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sorting and alignment is used to separate sheets with formed images and decolorized images, then the separation can be performed, but mixing of processed sheets occurs and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic detection and control mechanisms to separate and sort sheets based on their processing type (image forming or decoloring). The controller automatically identifies sheets and directs them to appropriate discharge destinations without requiring manual user intervention, making the system self-sufficient in performing the separation task.
2Productivity
If automated discharge and post-processing is implemented, then operational efficiency is enhanced and mixing is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus integrates multiple functions including image forming, decoloring, heating, and automatic post-processing (alignment, stapling, punching, folding) into a single device. The controller coordinates these diverse functions to automatically handle different job types, reducing the need for separate equipment and manual operations while improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If sheets are discharged to the same tray without differentiation, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing of processed sheets occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into multiple discharge destinations (different trays) to handle different types of processed sheets. The controller determines the appropriate discharge destination based on the processing type (image forming or decoloring) and directs sheets accordingly, preventing mixing while maintaining an organized and manageable discharge structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively suppresses mixing of processed sheets by automating the discharge and post-processing of image forming and decoloring jobs, reducing user intervention and ensuring accurate sorting and alignment, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The image processing apparatus heats the sheet on which the image is formed with the decoloring color material with the heating device to a decoloring temperature higher than a fixing temperature to erase the image.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image processing system comprises a discharge section, a first tray, a second tray, and a controller. The discharge section discharges a processed sheet. The first tray and the second tray vertically move to load the sheet discharged from the discharge section. The controller drives either one or both of the first tray and the second tray to carry out control to discharge a sheet to which an image forming processing is executed to one of the first tray and the second tray and carries out control to discharge a sheet to which a decoloring processing is executed to the other tray according to a type of a job received by a reception section.