Sheet Detection Feedback for Correcting Image Forming Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require manual reconfiguration of sheet settings when automatic sheet type determination is incorrect, leading to inefficiencies and potential image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a sheet detection unit that detects physical properties of sheets, allowing users to adjust image forming conditions based on detected properties and resume or change conveyance to accommodate user corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic sheet type determination is used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when determination is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays the automatically determined sheet type information to the user, allowing feedback on the determination accuracy. The user can confirm correct determination or correct incorrect determination through the operation unit, ensuring reliable sheet type identification while maintaining automated processing efficiency.
2Reliability
If manual sheet setting configuration is required, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to reconfiguration needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic sheet type determination using the media sensor before image formation. This preliminary action configures the sheet settings in advance, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when determination is correct, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If conveyance is stopped for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to conveyance interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance unit stops temporarily during detection periods to enable accurate measurement of sheet physical properties by the media sensor. This periodic stopping allows precise detection while maintaining overall productivity through continuous operation during other periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic adjustment of image forming conditions, preventing image quality degradation and streamlining the process by allowing users to correct automatic sheet type determinations, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The media sensor detects physical properties of each sheet using an optical sensor or the like
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a conveyance unit, a sheet detection unit, an operation unit, a control unit, and an image forming unit, wherein in a state where the operation unit displays first sheet information based on a detection result of detecting, by the sheet detection unit, physical properties of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit and conveyance of the sheet is stopped by the conveyance unit, in a case where the operation unit receives a user instruction to change the first sheet information displayed by the operation unit, the conveyance unit resumes conveyance of the sheet, the control unit sets a second image forming condition corresponding to second sheet information obtained after changing the first sheet information by a user, and the image forming unit forms the image on the sheet based on the second image forming condition.