Image Forming Apparatus Purge Destination Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, particularly projection printers, the risk of users failing to remove purged sheets due to multiple discharge destinations increases the likelihood of information leakage, as users may mistakenly leave sheets at the purge destination, mixing them with other printed materials and exposing confidential documents to unauthorized parties.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operating unit to display a select screen for users to choose a purge destination, a conveying unit to move sheets to the selected destination, and a control unit to identify and convey sheets to the designated purge location, thereby reducing the risk of misplacement and information exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic purge is performed to remove sheets automatically, then user burden is reduced, but risk of information leakage increases due to users failing to remove purged sheets from multiple discharge destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge destinations are segmented into different types: original discharge destinations and purge destinations. The system automatically distinguishes between these segments and directs purged sheets to designated purge destinations rather than mixing them with original discharge sheets. This segmentation allows users to easily identify and remove purged sheets without confusion, reducing information leakage risk while maintaining automatic purge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A purge destination acts as an intermediary location between the conveyance path and the user. Instead of purged sheets appearing mixed with original discharge sheets at the same destination, the system introduces a separate purge destination as an intermediary zone. This intermediary allows automatic sheet removal while providing a dedicated location where users can easily find and remove purged sheets, preventing misplacement and information leakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discharge destinations are provided for flexibility, then adaptability improves, but complexity of sheet management increases and users may mistakenly leave sheets at wrong destinations
Solution Approach 1:
Different discharge destinations are assigned different local qualities or functions: some are marked as original discharge destinations for normal sheet discharge, while others are marked as purge destinations specifically for purged sheets. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain multiple discharge destinations for adaptability while providing clear local identification that simplifies user management and prevents mistakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual differentiation (analogous to color changes) to distinguish between original discharge destinations and purge destinations. By providing clear visual or identifiable markers at different discharge destinations, users can easily recognize which destination corresponds to purged sheets, simplifying the management complexity despite having multiple discharge options available.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an operating unit configured to display an operation screen, and accept a user operation; a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet along a path to one of a plurality of discharge destinations; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet moving in the path; and a control unit configured to identify a conveyance destination, and cause the conveying unit to convey the sheet to the conveyance destination, wherein, when a jam in the path is detected, the control unit causes the conveying unit to suspend sheet conveyance, and causes the operating unit to display a select screen for selecting a purge destination and accept a purge destination selected by a user, and the control unit identifies a sheet to be moved to the purge destination, and causes the conveying unit to convey the sheet to the purge destination.