Sheet Processing Signal-Strength Detection for Accurate Tag Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses unintentionally write information to wireless tags on sheets stored in storage units due to proximity of the wireless tag communication device, leading to erroneous data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a roller, wireless tag reader/writer, and controller that determines a threshold value for distinguishing between conveyed and non-conveyed wireless tags based on radio signal strengths, controlling the writing process to ensure accurate data transmission only to the target wireless tag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wireless tag communication device is placed close to the storage unit for efficient communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but erroneous writing to non-target wireless tags occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors radio signal strengths from wireless tags and uses this feedback to determine whether a tag is on a conveyed sheet or a stored sheet. The controller adjusts writing operations based on this feedback, comparing signal strengths against threshold values to ensure accurate target identification before writing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of radio signal strength threshold based on the operational state. Different threshold values are applied depending on whether sheets are being conveyed or stored, allowing the system to distinguish between target and non-target tags by monitoring signal strength variations as sheets move through the apparatus.
2Speed
If the wireless tag communication device writes to all detected wireless tags, then data transmission speed is improved, but data accuracy deteriorates due to writing to wrong tags
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors radio signal strengths in real-time and uses this feedback to identify which wireless tag corresponds to the conveyed sheet. Only tags with signal strengths exceeding the threshold during conveyance are selected for writing, ensuring data accuracy while maintaining efficient single-tag writing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and threshold comparison before initiating the writing operation. By identifying the target wireless tag through signal strength monitoring and threshold evaluation prior to writing, the system ensures accurate data transmission to the correct tag without unnecessary trial writes.
3Reliability
If the system monitors radio signal strength continuously to distinguish conveyed from non-conveyed tags, then writing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs radio signal strength monitoring at periodic intervals during sheet conveyance rather than continuously. The controller checks signal strengths at key points in the conveyance process and compares them against thresholds, achieving accurate tag identification while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from constant monitoring.
4Reliability
If additional conveyance paths are added to separate target sheets, then writing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical separation methods (additional conveyance paths, physical barriers, or mechanical sorting mechanisms) with a radio frequency-based identification system. By using wireless tag signal strength monitoring and threshold comparison, the system accurately identifies target tags without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the conveyance structure.
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
Prevents erroneous writing to non-target wireless tags, enhances printing efficiency, and reduces manufacturing costs by integrating the solution into standard image forming apparatuses without additional conveyance paths.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless tag reader/writer configured to communicate with wireless tags... acquire a first plurality of strengths of radio signals received from the first wireless tag
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets each with a wireless tag includes a roller, a wireless tag reader/writer, and a controller configured to control the roller to convey a first sheet with a first tag along a path, control the reader/writer to acquire first strengths of radio signals received from the first tag during the conveyance and second strengths of radio signals received from wireless tags of sheets not being conveyed, determine a threshold value of signal strength for distinguishing a wireless tag being conveyed from wireless tags not being conveyed based on the first and second strengths, and control the roller to convey a second sheet with a second tag and control the reader/writer to write to the second tag when a strength of a radio signal from the second tag is greater than or equal to the threshold value.