Tandem Image Forming System Tray Information Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with a tandem configuration, each stand-alone image forming apparatus struggles to recognize and manage paper feed trays not directly connected to it, leading to errors and increased complexity in processing jobs that require paper from other apparatuses, resulting in reduced productivity for double-side printing.
Innovation Solution
The system includes upstream and downstream image forming apparatuses that share information about their respective paper feed trays, including type, size, presence, and state, through a communication network, allowing each apparatus to store and use this information for image formation, simplifying the construction and operation of the tandem configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each image forming apparatus operates as a stand-alone device, then device simplicity and individual operation are maintained, but the apparatus cannot recognize paper feed trays not directly connected to it, causing job execution errors
Solution Approach 1:
Each image forming apparatus creates a virtual copy of the paper feed tray information from other apparatuses through information sharing. The control unit receives and stores tray information (paper size, type, weight, presence/absence) from connected apparatuses, allowing virtual recognition of trays not physically connected to own apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between image forming apparatuses, enabling indirect information exchange. The control units use this intermediary to share tray information, allowing apparatus A to recognize trays connected to apparatus B without direct physical connection
2Reliability
If paper feed tray information is shared between apparatuses, then job execution accuracy improves, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Tray information is exchanged and stored in advance before job execution. The control units perform preliminary information sharing when apparatuses are connected or when tray conditions change, so that when a job is submitted, all necessary tray information is already available locally, eliminating real-time communication needs during printing
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the own apparatus's controller and a repository for other apparatuses' tray information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated communication infrastructure, as existing control units handle both local control and external information storage
3Productivity
If tandem configuration is implemented for double-side printing, then productivity increases, but each apparatus must process additional information about other apparatuses' trays, complicating control operations
Solution Approach 1:
Each control unit automatically manages the collection, storage, and updating of tray information from other apparatuses without requiring manual configuration or complex processing instructions. The system self-services by autonomously maintaining the shared information repository, simplifying operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit creates and maintains a virtual copy of all tray information in the tandem configuration, allowing each apparatus to operate as if it has direct access to all trays. This virtualization eliminates the need for complex inter-apparatus coordination during job execution
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected in series along a paper conveying direction. An image forming apparatus provided upstream in the conveying direction among the apparatuses prints one side of a sheet of paper and an image forming apparatus provided downstream prints the other side of the paper. Each of the upstream and downstream image forming apparatuses includes: an image forming unit; a storage unit; and a control unit to send a first information on a paper feed tray of the own image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus, receive a second information on a paper feed tray of the other image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus, make the storage unit store the first and second information, and make the image forming unit perform image formation based on the first and second information stored in the storage unit.