Image Forming Device Segmented Sheet Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face challenges in efficiently sorting long-length sheets with image abnormalities without increasing device size by adding a flipping transport path, as existing solutions require additional infrastructure that raises costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controller that divides the reading result of an image into segments to determine image normality, allowing for timely sorting of normal and abnormal sheets without the need for an additional flipping transport path, by concurrently processing determination for each segment of the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flipping transport path is added to enable timely sorting of long-length sheets, then the sorting capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reading result of a long-length sheet into multiple segments and performs image determination on each segment independently. This segmentation allows the system to complete determination processing for the entire sheet more quickly, enabling timely sorting without requiring additional transport paths, thus resolving the contradiction between sorting capability and device size
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs image determination on segmented portions of the sheet during the transport process rather than waiting for the entire sheet to pass through. This preliminary action on segments allows the control unit to make sorting decisions earlier, eliminating the need for a flipping transport path while maintaining sorting capability
2Productivity
If a flipping transport path is added to enable timely sorting of long-length sheets, then the sorting capability is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image determination process into multiple independent evaluations of sheet portions, the system achieves timely sorting capability without requiring expensive additional hardware infrastructure, thus improving productivity while controlling manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing reading result data to create multiple determination evaluations through segmentation rather than requiring additional physical transport paths. This virtual copying of the determination process on segmented data achieves the same sorting capability at lower cost
3Measurement precision
If the entire reading result is processed at once for image determination, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases causing delayed sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading result into multiple portions and performs parallel or sequential determination on each segment. This maintains determination accuracy by evaluating complete image data while reducing processing time enough to enable timely sorting of long-length sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs determination on partial segments of the sheet rather than waiting for complete processing of the entire sheet. This partial action approach reduces processing time while still achieving accurate determination through cumulative evaluation of segments
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; and a controller that controls image formation. The controller can determine whether the image on the recording medium is normal upon reception of a reading result obtained by reading an image on a recording medium that has passed through the image forming unit, and can exercise such control that a recording medium with an image that has been determined to be normal and a recording medium with an image that has been determined to be abnormal are sorted according to a determination result, the controller having a function of, upon such reading, dividing a reading result related to a recording medium and making a determination on an image on the recording medium in accordance with reading results related to segments obtained by division.