Continuous Paper Toner Discharge Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses struggle to effectively discharge deteriorated toner on continuous paper, particularly roll paper, as there is no clear area to form a pattern for toner discharge, leading to unexpected printing of discharge patterns on the paper, which users cannot anticipate.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that includes a hardware processor to control the printing of a second image on continuous paper, notifying the user of the print position of the toner discharge pattern when specific conditions related to image information or continuous printing distance are met, allowing for pre-confirmation of the discharge pattern's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a belt-shaped pattern is formed on an intermediate transfer belt to discharge deteriorated toner, then the deteriorated toner can be discharged effectively, but this method cannot be applied to continuous paper such as roll paper where there is no area to form the pattern between images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner discharge effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to continuous paper

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from forming discharge patterns in the time dimension (between sheets during idle periods) to forming patterns in the spatial dimension (side areas of continuous paper). By utilizing the lateral space on roll paper that extends beyond the main image area, the system enables toner discharge on continuous paper without requiring separate idle time periods or additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If an image pattern is printed on roll paper to discharge deteriorated toner, then the toner circulation is promoted, but the user cannot confirm in advance the print position of the discharge pattern as it is not based on the job image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner discharge functionVSAvoiduser awareness of print position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the discharge pattern with the job image itself, making them inseparable in the printing process. The discharge pattern is integrated into the side areas of the same paper strip that contains the main image, allowing users to anticipate and confirm the discharge pattern position based on their job image parameters without requiring separate notification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users about where discharge patterns will be printed by calculating positions based on job image information such as image area, continuous printing distance, and paper width. This allows users to predict and confirm discharge pattern locations before printing occurs, maintaining transparency and user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a discharge pattern is printed on continuous paper, then deteriorated toner is discharged, but this consumes additional toner and paper that could be used for productive imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner quality maintenanceVSAvoidtoner and paper consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies discharge patterns only in specific local areas (side areas) of the continuous paper rather than across the entire surface. By confining discharge patterns to lateral regions outside the main image area and using conditional printing based on toner deterioration indicators, the system minimizes toner and paper consumption while maintaining effective toner circulation and quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to anticipate and confirm the print position of the toner discharge pattern, preventing unexpected printing and optimizing toner usage by allowing selective printing of the discharge pattern, thus reducing waste and costs.

Implementation Method 1

an image forming process is performed through a series of processes that an electrostatic latent image is written by irradiating a photosensitive drum having a uniformly electrified surface with laser light by an optical device, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner in a developing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophotography: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS10139762B2Image forming apparatus for printing a first image and for printing a second image where information satisfies a predetermination condition

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that develops, with toner, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier on the basis of a job and prints a first image on continuous paper and; a hardware processor that controls the image former to print a second image on continuous paper in a case where at least either image information or continuous printing distance information of the first image formed by the image former satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein the hardware processor notifies a user of print information indicating a print position of the second image formed by the image former.