Tandem Image Forming System Data Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem-type image forming systems require timing adjustments and sheet halting mechanisms to synchronize image data transfer between image forming apparatuses, leading to reduced productivity due to variations in communication network congestion.
Innovation Solution
A tandem-type image forming system where the first image forming apparatus controls the transmission of image data to the second image forming apparatus, allowing the second apparatus to feed sheets based on received data, eliminating the need for timing adjustments and sheet halting mechanisms by ensuring data preparation is completed before sheet conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image data transfer is executed through a communication network, then flexibility and modularity are improved, but transfer time varies depending on network congestion state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the downstream image forming apparatus prepare to receive image data before the actual transfer is needed. The controlling section of the downstream apparatus is activated in advance to ensure it is ready to receive and process image data immediately when transmitted, eliminating waiting time and synchronization delays.
2Reliability
If timing adjustment mechanisms are implemented to synchronize sheet conveyance with image data transfer, then operational reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream image forming apparatus performs preliminary preparation by activating its controlling section and preparing its sheet conveyance system in advance. This ensures that when image data is transmitted, the apparatus is already ready to receive and process the data without requiring active timing adjustments or halting mechanisms during the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controlling section of the downstream apparatus monitors its own readiness state and adjusts its sheet conveyance operations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable synchronization without requiring complex external timing adjustment mechanisms, maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If sheet halting mechanisms are used to wait for image data preparation completion, then operational reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of halting sheets to wait for image data preparation, the system uses preliminary action by having the downstream apparatus prepare its receiving capability in advance. The controlling section is activated beforehand to ensure immediate readiness, eliminating the need for sheet halting while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the sheet conveyance mechanism moving without interruptions. The downstream apparatus prepares its receiving capability in advance so that sheet conveyance and image data transfer can proceed continuously without requiring halting mechanisms, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem-type image forming system comprises: a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected in series, the image forming apparatuses which respectively perform image formation on sides of a sheet, thereby performing a job, the image forming apparatuses including: a first image forming apparatus; and a second image forming apparatus provided upper than the first image forming apparatus in a sheet conveying direction, wherein the first image forming apparatus includes: a controlling section which controls transmission of image data generated based on printing data of the job received by the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus includes: a controlling section which controls feeding of a sheet on which the image formation is performed based on the image data received from the first image forming apparatus.