Dynamic Sheet Thickness Range Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with accurate sheet type determination, leading to erroneous identification of sheet types as the same despite actual differences, causing delays and inappropriate print control changes during printing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus adjusts the sheet thickness range by setting temporary upper and lower limit values based on the first sheet thickness measurement, allowing the second sheet thickness measurement to expand the range to prevent erroneous determinations by accounting for variations in sheet feeding position, quality, and water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet thickness range is strictly defined by fixed thresholds, then measurement precision is improved, but the reliability of sheet type determination deteriorates when sheets near threshold values are measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of sheet thickness range by introducing a dynamic adjustment mechanism. When a sheet thickness near a threshold is measured, the system expands the applicable thickness range to include neighboring values, thereby maintaining reliable sheet type determination despite measurement variations caused by feeding position, quality, or water content differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sheet thickness range adjustable rather than fixed. The range expansion mechanism allows the system to adaptively widen the threshold acceptance range when measurements are near boundaries, transforming a static classification system into a dynamic one that responds to measurement uncertainty.
2Reliability
If the sheet thickness range is expanded to account for measurement variations, then the reliability of sheet type determination is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to over-inclusion of different sheet types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively expanding the sheet thickness range only when measurements fall near threshold values, not for all measurements. This targeted approach maintains precision for clear cases while improving reliability for borderline cases, avoiding unnecessary over-inclusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the classification parameter (thickness range) based on the measurement context. When a measurement is near a threshold, the parameter is adjusted to expand the range; when measurements are clearly within a range, the original precise thresholds are maintained.
3Ease of operation
If automatic sheet type determination is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional measurement and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image forming apparatus to automatically determine sheet type through thickness measurement without user intervention. The system autonomously measures sheet thickness, compares it against (dynamically adjusted) thresholds, and sets the appropriate sheet type, eliminating manual configuration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sheet thickness measurement to automatically adjust the sheet type determination. The measurement result feeds back into the classification logic, which then sets the appropriate print control parameters, creating a closed-loop automatic determination system.
4Manufacturing precision
If print control parameters are adjusted based on sheet type, then image quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to delays when sheet type changes are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing sheet thickness measurement and sheet type determination before print processing begins. By establishing the sheet type in advance, the system can pre-set the appropriate print control parameters, avoiding delays during actual printing that would occur if sheet type had to be determined mid-job.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts print control parameters based on the determined sheet type, optimizing image quality for each sheet type while maintaining efficient processing. The dynamic parameter adjustment occurs upfront rather than causing interruptions during printing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet feeding tray that stores a sheet; a sheet thickness measurement device that measures a sheet thickness of the sheet fed from the sheet feeding tray; a hardware processor that: determines a type of the sheet of which the sheet thickness is measured, a sheet type associated with each of sheet thickness ranges, and the sheet thickness measured by the sheet thickness measurement device; and adjusts a first sheet thickness range to cause the first sheet thickness range to be expandable to at least one of an upper limit value side or a lower limit value side; and an image former that forms an image on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding tray under image forming conditions corresponding to the sheet type determined by the hardware processor.