Dual-Path RFID Sheet Verification in Duplex Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to accurately distinguish between sheets that have been properly processed and those that have not, leading to erroneous processing of wireless tags that are not intended for processing, such as those already discharged or accumulated in the sheet feeding unit.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that performs two reading processes on wireless tags at different stages of the conveyance path, using a tag communication unit, to verify data writing accuracy, and determines the discharge destination based on matching reading results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reading process is performed on wireless tags to check writing accuracy, then the checking process is simple and fast, but erroneous processing occurs because the reading process may mistakenly read tags from sheets that are not intended for processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reading process into two distinct stages: a first reading process performed when the sheet is in the sheet feeding unit, and a second reading process performed after the sheet is discharged. This segmentation allows the system to verify tag processing accuracy at multiple points in the workflow, ensuring that only correctly processed tags are discharged while preventing erroneous processing of tags from sheets not intended for processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary reading process before the sheet is discharged to the discharge destination. By reading the wireless tag while the sheet is still in the sheet feeding unit, the system can verify whether the writing process was successfully performed before discharge, allowing for early detection and prevention of erroneous processing.
2Measurement precision
If the reading process is performed after sheet discharge to verify writing accuracy, then the verification is simple, but information from incorrectly targeted tags is read, leading to false determination of normal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into two reading operations at different temporal and spatial locations. The first reading occurs in the sheet feeding unit before discharge, and the second reading occurs after discharge. This segmentation ensures that the system reads the correct tag from the correct sheet at the correct time, preventing misidentification of processing status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of the first and second reading processes are compared to determine whether the writing process was normally performed. The control unit uses the feedback from both reading operations to make an accurate determination about processing status, correcting any false determinations that might result from reading only one tag.
3Productivity
If wireless tags are processed without location verification, then the processing speed is high, but tags from discharged or accumulated sheets are mistakenly processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary reading process before the sheet is discharged to verify that the wireless tag is correctly targeted for processing. By conducting this verification action in advance while the sheet is still in the sheet feeding unit, the system maintains high processing speed while preventing mistakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sheet itself as an intermediary carrier that links the wireless tag to a specific processing instance. By reading the wireless tag in conjunction with the sheet's physical location and state (in sheet feeding unit vs. discharged), the system can accurately identify which tags should be processed and which should not, maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first conveyance driving unit, a second conveyance driving unit, an image forming unit, a tag communication unit, and a control unit. The first conveyance driving unit conveys a sheet in a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first surface of the sheet. The second conveyance driving unit conveys the sheet in a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second surface of the sheet. The image forming unit forms the image with respect to the sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path. The tag communication unit writes data or reads data to a wireless tag of the sheet located in the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path. The control unit reads the data from the wireless tag of the sheet after writing the data to the wireless tag, and determines whether or not the data was normally written to the wireless tag based on the read data.