Image Output Sheet Ejection Control for Reprint Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming systems require manual reinsertion of reprinted recording media after detecting quality abnormalities, increasing time and effort due to the need to rearrange sheets manually.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes an inspector to detect quality abnormalities and controls the ejection of identical images to a first ejector, while non-defective sheets are directed to a separate tray, reducing manual rearrangement by ensuring sheets of the same page are not separated during group printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all recording media subsequent to an abnormal recording medium are ejected to a purge tray, then the operator can easily grasp the position of the abnormal recording medium, but the operator still needs to manually find and reinsert the reprinted recording medium from the purge tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information of abnormal recording mediumVSAvoidtime for manual rearrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a copy of the abnormal recording medium's information (image data and position information) and uses it to control the ejection of reprinted recording media. The controller stores the image data of the abnormal recording medium and compares it with subsequent recording media to identify which ones need to be ejected to the purge tray, thereby automatically managing the rearrangement process without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual mechanical process of finding and reinserting recording media with an automated control system. The controller automatically determines which recording media should be ejected to the purge tray by comparing image data, eliminating the need for operators to manually search through the purge tray and rearrange recording media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If reprinted recording medium is ejected to the purge tray along with abnormal recording medium, then the operator can grasp the insertion position, but the operator must manually reinsert the recording medium into the correct position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion position informationVSAvoidease of rearrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller creates and stores a copy of the image data from the abnormal recording medium. This copied information is then used to automatically identify and eject reprinted recording media to the purge tray, providing position information without requiring manual intervention for rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the ejection of reprinted recording media to the purge tray based on image data comparison. The controller autonomously determines which recording media need to be ejected and directs them to the appropriate tray, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the rearrangement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual reinsertion of reprinted recording medium is required, then the operator can correct the position, but the process takes more time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect positioning of recording mediumVSAvoidprinting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual operator actions with an automated control system that uses image data comparison to determine ejection destinations. The controller automatically identifies reprinted recording media and directs them to the purge tray, ensuring correct positioning while maintaining high printing throughput without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by comparing the image data of subsequent recording media with the stored image data of the abnormal recording medium. Based on this comparison feedback, the controller automatically determines which recording media should be ejected to the purge tray, ensuring correct positioning while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250362633A1Image forming system, recording medium ejection method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming system includes: an image former that forms images on a plurality of recording media; an inspector that detects a quality abnormality of at least one of the recording media on which at least one of the images is formed; and a controller that causes a recording medium on which an image identical to an image on an abnormal recording medium is formed to be ejected to a first ejector, the abnormal recording medium being a recording medium on which the quality abnormality is detected.