Sheet Tray Switching Control for Accurate Print Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience reduced productivity when switching sheet feed trays due to sheet depletion, as print position adjustments require processing completion, leading to delays in outputting printed materials.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with multiple switchable sheet feed trays, a reading device to measure sheet dimensions, and a controller that manages recording medium information to adjust print positions accurately by calculating and applying correction values when switching trays, ensuring continuous output without delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If print position adjustment is performed when switching sheet feed trays, then print position accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs print position adjustment in advance by storing reference reading values for each sheet feed tray. When switching trays, the controller retrieves the pre-stored reference value and calculates the correction value before actual printing begins, allowing seamless tray switching without productivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller stores reference reading values obtained from each sheet feed tray in advance. This preliminary measurement and storage of dimensional data enables rapid correction value calculation when switching trays, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments during printing operations.
2Productivity
If multiple sheet feed trays are provided for continuous printing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages multiple sheet feed trays, stores reference reading values for each tray, calculates correction values, and controls the image forming device. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle multiple trays without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple sheet feed trays through centralized control. It stores and retrieves reference reading values, calculates correction values, and coordinates tray switching, thereby simplifying the management of multiple trays and reducing operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If print position correction is calculated based on reading value changes, then print position accuracy is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the reading device to measure sheet dimensions and calculate correction values. The reading values obtained from each sheet feed tray are fed back to the controller, which calculates the difference from reference values and applies appropriate corrections, thereby improving print position accuracy through iterative feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter approach by measuring sheet dimensions (length and width) rather than directly measuring print position. By calculating correction values based on dimensional parameters from the reading device, the system achieves print position accuracy through indirect parameter measurement and calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet feeder; a reading device that takes a reading of a sheet fed from the sheet feeder; and a controller. The controller performs steps including: for each tray of the sheet feeder, managing sheet information including a reference reading value as a reference for the reading by the reading device; when switching from a first tray to another tray, selecting a second tray such that predetermined items of the sheet information match between the first and second trays; instructing the reading device to take a reading of a sheet fed from the second tray; calculating a correction value of a position of an image to be formed on the sheet fed from the second tray based on a quantity of change in the reading value relative to the reference reading value included in the sheet information of the second tray.