Relay Apparatus for Cross-Protocol Sheet Separation Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming systems face challenges in connecting post-processing devices from different manufacturers due to non-standardized communication specifications, making it inefficient to integrate third-party post-processing devices with image forming devices, particularly in synchronizing set separation information across different communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A relay apparatus that receives set separation information from an image forming device compliant with a first communication system, stores it, and notifies a post-processing device compliant with a second communication system, ensuring synchronization with sheet discharge timing, while also handling height differences in carrier inlets and outlets through a sheet carrier unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If post-processing devices from different manufacturers are connected to image forming devices, then device versatility and adaptability are improved, but communication compatibility and information synchronization deteriorate due to non-standardized communication specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay apparatus as an intermediary device between the image forming device and post-processing devices from different manufacturers. This relay apparatus receives set separation information from the image forming device via a first communication system, stores it temporarily, and then transmits it to the post-processing device via a second communication system. This intermediary solution resolves the communication compatibility issue by translating between different communication protocols without requiring direct compatibility between the image forming device and third-party post-processing devices.
2Ease of operation
If set separation information is transmitted in synchronization with sheet feed information, then information transmission timing is simplified, but accurate synchronization with sheet discharge timing at the post-processing device deteriorates due to different communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The relay apparatus performs preliminary action by receiving and storing the set separation information in advance before it is needed by the post-processing device. The apparatus temporarily holds the information and then transmits it at the appropriate time based on sheet discharge timing detection. This preliminary storage action allows the system to maintain simple synchronization at the image forming device while achieving accurate timing at the post-processing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay apparatus uses feedback mechanisms to detect sheet discharge timing from the post-processing device and adjust the transmission timing of set separation information accordingly. By monitoring the actual sheet discharge timing and using this feedback to control when to transmit the stored information, the system achieves precise synchronization despite using different communication systems with different timing characteristics.
3Reliability
If a relay apparatus is introduced to handle communication between different systems, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication function into separate modules: the image forming device handles sheet feed information transmission, the relay apparatus handles protocol conversion and timing coordination, and the post-processing device handles sheet discharge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the relay apparatus being a dedicated, relatively simple device that only needs to perform specific functions (receiving, storing, and transmitting information at the right time) rather than requiring complex integrated functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming system including: an image forming device to notify a downstream post-processing device of sheet information relating to a sheet on which an image is formed, before the sheet is discharged, and to notify the downstream post-processing device of set separation information indicating a final sheet of each set of document in synchronization with the sheet information relating to the final sheet of each set in case that a plurality of sets of document are printed, the image forming device being compliant with a first communication system; a post-processing device which is connected to a downstream of the image forming device and is compliant with a second communication system which is different from the first communication system; and the relay apparatus which is connected to the image forming device through the first communication system and is connected to the post-processing device through the second communication system.