Recording Medium Conveyance Control for Mixed Paper Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience a decrease in productivity when the type of recording medium changes during printing due to interruptions in the image forming process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a conveyance section, sensors, and a hardware processor to detect information about the first and second recording media, adjusting the conveyance speed accordingly to maintain consistent operation even when the medium type changes, using a first detection mode for the initial sheet and a second detection mode for subsequent sheets to ensure optimal conveyance speeds and image forming conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming process is interrupted when the type of recording medium changes during printing, then image quality is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance speed adjustable and changeable during operation. The system dynamically changes the conveyance speed from a first speed (when sheet type is undetermined) to a second speed (when sheet type is determined), and can switch between different second speeds based on detected sheet types. This dynamic adjustment allows continuous operation without interruption while maintaining image quality through appropriate speed selection for each sheet type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conveyance speed parameter based on detected sheet type information. When the sheet type is undetermined, a first conveyance speed is used; when determined, a second conveyance speed specific to that sheet type is applied. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt to different sheet types without interrupting the image forming process, thereby maintaining both image quality and productivity.
2Productivity
If the conveyance speed is adjusted based on detected sheet type information, then productivity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a detection device to detect sheet type information and then adjusting the conveyance speed based on this detected information. The control device receives feedback from the detection device and automatically adjusts the conveyance speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different sheet types without manual intervention, maintaining productivity while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting sheet types and adjusting conveyance speeds without requiring external intervention. The detection device and control device work together to autonomously manage the conveyance process, adapting to different sheet types independently. This self-service capability maintains productivity while minimizing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a sensor that detects information relating to the first recording medium and information relating to the second recording medium; and a hardware processor that causes the sensor to detect information relating to the first recording medium conveyed first by the conveyance section and to detect information relating to the second recording medium conveyed by the conveyance section after the first recording medium, causes the conveyance section to operate such that the second recording medium is conveyed at a conveyance speed based on the information relating to the first recording medium, and causes the conveyance section to operate such that the second recording medium is conveyed at the conveyance speed maintained even when the information relating to the second recording medium after the first recording medium is detected to be different from the information relating to the first recording medium.