Paper Tray Switching for Delayed Image Processing in Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems face image formation failures due to delayed image processing operations, leading to incomplete images on paper sheets, especially when the processing time exceeds a predetermined duration.

Innovation Solution

The system switches paper sheet transportation from a first tray to a second tray that takes longer to transport sheets if the image processing operation is not completed within a predetermined time, allowing the image formation to continue without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the system uses a first tray with short transport time, then fast copy time is improved, but image formation failure occurs when image processing operation is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefast copy timeVSAvoidimage formation completion
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transport time parameter by switching between different trays (first tray with short transport time, second tray with long transport time) based on the completion status of the image processing operation. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying processing speeds and prevent image formation failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches the paper sheet transport source between the first tray and second tray based on real-time monitoring of the image processing operation completion. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the transport time matches the actual processing time, preventing mismatches that cause image formation failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the system waits for image processing operation to complete before transporting paper sheet, then image formation reliability is improved, but fast copy time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation completionVSAvoidfast copy time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by starting paper sheet transport from the first tray before the image processing operation completes, based on a predetermined time estimation. If the processing completes in time, the image is formed successfully. If not, the system switches to the second tray as a backup, ensuring reliability without always waiting for completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes a calculated risk by initiating transport before complete processing assurance, using the first tray for potential time savings. The excessive action is compensated by having the second tray ready as a backup, allowing the system to attempt faster operation while maintaining reliability through the fallback mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the system switches to a second tray with longer transport time, then image formation reliability is improved, but fast copy time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation completionVSAvoidfast copy time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate tray based on the actual image processing operation duration. The first tray is used when processing is fast (maintaining high productivity), while the second tray is activated when processing is delayed (ensuring reliability). This dynamic selection optimizes the balance between productivity and reliability based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4411482B1Information processing apparatus, information processing program and information processing method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4411482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4411482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4411482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: if an image processing operation generating an image to be formed on a paper sheet is not completed until a predetermined period of time elapses, switch transporting a paper sheet to an image former from a first tray to transporting a paper sheet to the image former from a second tray that takes a longer time to transport the paper sheet than the first tray.