Relay Apparatus for Image Forming System Interface Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of post-processing devices from different manufacturers into image forming systems is hindered by the lack of standardized communication specifications, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in handling various interface combinations, particularly when third-party vendors are involved, resulting in challenges with sheet interval control and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A relay apparatus that communicates with both the image forming device using a serial interface and post-processing devices using a parallel interface, storing necessary sheet interval information to facilitate seamless communication and sheet handling across different devices, regardless of their manufacturer or interface compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple post-processing devices from different manufacturers are integrated into the image forming system, then the versatility and functionality of the system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of handling various interface combinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary component between the image forming device and post-processing devices with different interfaces. The relay device receives sheet feed information from the image forming device via a first communication system, determines appropriate sheet interval information based on stored specifications, and transmits this information to the post-processing device via a second communication system. This mediator approach enables compatibility across different manufacturers' devices without requiring the image forming device to directly support multiple interface protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into separate components: the image forming device, the relay device, and the post-processing device. By dividing the system into distinct functional segments with specialized communication handlers, each device can maintain its own interface specifications while still working together through the relay device that manages the communication protocol conversions.
2Ease of operation
If communication protocols are standardized across all devices, then the ease of operation and integration is improved, but the adaptability to handle different manufacturer specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple communication systems and protocols. It can receive information via a first communication system from the image forming device and transmit via a second communication system to various post-processing devices from different manufacturers. This multi-functionality enables the relay device to adapt to different interface specifications while providing a unified integration point that simplifies the overall system operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sheet interval information is dynamically determined for each sheet feed, then the manufacturing precision of sheet timing is improved, but the productivity and processing speed deteriorates due to increased communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device performs preliminary actions by storing communication specifications and sheet interval determination rules in advance. When sheet feed information is received, the relay device quickly determines the appropriate sheet interval information by referencing pre-stored specifications rather than performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation of communication protocols and timing parameters enables fast processing while maintaining precise sheet interval control.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming system including: the relay apparatus; the image forming device which is connected to the first communication control unit of the relay apparatus and which acquires the sheet interval information of the downstream post-processing device through the first communication system; and the second post-processing device which is connected to the second communication control unit of the relay apparatus, the second post-processing device being compliant with the second communication system.