Test Chart Sheet Source Identification in Image Forming Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulty in determining which sheet is conveyed from which sheet storage unit during a test chart print, making it challenging to identify the source of printed sheets accurately.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that conveys sheets from specific storage units and prints identification information on each sheet to identify its source, enabling clear differentiation between sheets from different storage units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If test chart images are printed continuously on sheets from multiple sheet storage units, then printing efficiency is improved, but the ability to identify which sheet comes from which storage unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (identification mark or source information) that is printed together with the test chart image on each sheet. This intermediary carries the source information from the sheet storage unit without interfering with the test chart printing function, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous printing efficiency and source identification capability.
2Speed
If sheets from multiple storage units are conveyed and printed continuously, then operation speed is improved, but measurement precision of sheet origin deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning identification marks or source information to each sheet before it leaves the sheet storage unit. This preliminary marking ensures that even when sheets are conveyed and printed continuously at high speed, the origin information is already attached and can be easily identified later, maintaining both speed and identification accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of easily determining which sheet is conveyed from which sheet storage unit in a case where a test chart is printed on sheets conveyed from a plurality of sheet storage units is provided. The control method includes performing control to convey a first sheet from a first sheet storage unit, printing on the first sheet, based on that the first sheet is a sheet conveyed from the first sheet storage unit, a print test image and first identification information that identifies the first sheet storage unit, performing control to convey a second sheet from a second sheet storage unit, and printing on the second sheet, based on that the second sheet is a sheet conveyed, a print test image and second identification information that identifies the second sheet storage unit.