Sheet Moisture Detection for Stable Image Formation Start

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems require operator intervention for switching from test printing to main printing, leading to variability in print quality and unnecessary consumption of consumable supplies.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system equipped with a sheet characteristic detection device that includes sensors to measure moisture, thickness, and other properties, allowing automatic determination of stable sheet conditions for initiating image formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If test printing is performed before main printing to confirm sheet state and print quality, then print quality stability is improved, but consumable supplies (sheet, ink, toner) are consumed unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint quality stabilityVSAvoidconsumable supplies consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of sheet characteristics (moisture content, thickness, temperature) before actual test printing. By detecting these parameters in advance and determining whether the sheet state is stable, the system can avoid performing test printing when the sheet state is unstable, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of consumable supplies while still ensuring print quality stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If operator supervision is required to switch from test printing to main printing after confirming print quality, then print quality control is improved, but operator skill requirement and work load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint quality controlVSAvoidoperator skill requirement and work load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-assessment of sheet state stability by automatically detecting sheet characteristics and determining whether the sheet state is stable. The controller autonomously decides whether to proceed with main printing based on the detection results, eliminating the need for operator intervention and supervision. This reduces operator workload and skill requirements while maintaining reliable print quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sheet characteristics and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the printing process based on the detected sheet state. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures print quality control without requiring operator intervention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time sheet condition monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If test printing is performed to confirm sheet state appropriateness, then print quality is improved, but printing time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical test printing process with a detection-based assessment system. Instead of physically printing test patterns to evaluate sheet state, the system uses sensors to detect sheet characteristics (moisture, thickness, temperature) and determines sheet state stability electronically. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required while maintaining print quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Reduces operator burden and minimizes consumable supply usage by ensuring stable print quality through automated sheet condition assessment.

Implementation Method 1

a first detector that is disposed on the conveyance path at a position upstream of the image former in a conveyance direction of the sheet and that detects a characteristic value corresponding to an amount of moisture of the conveyed sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250390046A1Image forming system and computer-readable recording medium storing control program

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming system includes: a first detector that is disposed in a conveyance path at a position upstream of an image former in a conveyance direction of a sheet and that detects a characteristic value corresponding to an amount of moisture of the conveyed sheet; and a controller that determines whether or not the characteristic value detected by the first detector is stable and causes the image former to start image formation when determining that the characteristic value is stable.