Self-Traveling Post Processing Apparatus for Multi-Host Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In offices with multiple image forming apparatuses, the need for a separate post processing apparatus for each device increases costs and is impractical for users to reconnect these apparatuses among different image forming machines, especially considering the self-traveling finisher technology does not account for changing connection destinations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a self-traveling post processing apparatus capable of connecting with multiple image forming machines, equipped with a processor that communicates with other devices to move and perform post processing tasks efficiently, reducing the number of required post processing apparatuses and shortening user wait times by allowing the post processing apparatus to move to the appropriate image forming apparatus for job execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a post processing apparatus is prepared for each of all the image forming apparatuses, then it becomes possible to execute post processing at each of the image forming apparatuses, but it becomes comparatively high in cost
Solution Approach 1:
A single post processing apparatus is designed to serve multiple image forming apparatuses by establishing separable connections with different devices. The post processing apparatus functions universally across multiple hosts, eliminating the need for dedicated post processing units at each image forming apparatus while maintaining full post processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The post processing apparatus is equipped with a traveling section that enables it to move dynamically between different image forming apparatuses. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt to different locations and connection destinations, resolving the contradiction between having dedicated apparatuses everywhere versus sharing a single apparatus.
2Quantity of substance
If a single post processing apparatus is used for multiple image forming apparatuses, then cost is reduced, but user wait time increases due to apparatus moving
Solution Approach 1:
The post processing apparatus proactively moves toward the image forming apparatus that has received a print job requiring post processing, rather than waiting to be called. This preliminary movement action reduces the overall waiting time by initiating the approach sequence as soon as a post processing requirement is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The post processing apparatus autonomously navigates to the appropriate image forming apparatus using its traveling section without requiring manual intervention. The apparatus independently determines its movement destination and executes the relocation, enabling self-service operation that minimizes user wait time while maintaining cost efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to use a post processing apparatus effectively and to shorten execution waiting time of a print job of a user due to moving of a self-traveling post processing apparatus. In an image forming system including a self-traveling post processing apparatus which separably connects with each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, in a case of having received a print job which is executed by any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and performs the post processing by the post processing apparatus, the post processing apparatus is made to self-travel by a traveling section such that the post processing apparatus moves toward an image forming apparatus which has received a print job which performs post processing.