Cartridge Identification for Image Forming Control Parameter Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require a large number of communication buffers and time to read out control parameters from a storage device, especially when the shipping region or mounted parts change, leading to inefficiencies and potential inability to read newly added parameters.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a cartridge that stores control information associated with identification information, allowing the apparatus to request and acquire the necessary control parameters efficiently through data communication, reducing the communication load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all control parameters are stored in the storage device of the cartridge to cover various shipping regions and mounted parts, then the adaptability of the cartridge is improved, but the device complexity and communication load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control parameters are segmented into two categories: identification information (stored in the cartridge) and control information (stored in the main body). This segmentation allows the cartridge to remain adaptable while reducing its storage burden and communication load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identification information stored in the cartridge acts as an intermediary key that enables the main body to retrieve the appropriate control information from its own storage device, reducing the need for the cartridge to store all control parameters directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all control parameters are stored in the storage device of the cartridge, then the adaptability to new shipping regions and mounted parts is improved, but the communication time required to read out the parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control information is extracted from the cartridge's storage device and relocated to the main body's storage device. Only the essential identification information remains in the cartridge, significantly reducing communication time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The main body pre-stores all possible control information in its own storage device, so that once the identification information is received from the cartridge, the corresponding control information can be immediately retrieved without additional communication delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a fixed range of information is specified in the storage device of the cartridge, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to read newly added control parameters is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed-range storage approach to a dynamic identification-based retrieval approach. The main body can adapt to newly added control parameters by using the identification information from the cartridge to locate and retrieve the appropriate control information, even if it is newly added.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If many control parameters are stored in the cartridge to cover various configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the communication load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control information is extracted from the cartridge and stored in the main body, leaving only the compact identification information in the cartridge. This dramatically reduces the quantity of data that needs to be communicated during cartridge attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11106156B2Image forming apparatus with process cartridge storing sets of information that associate identification information and control information

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge is detachably mounted, wherein the cartridge includes: a storage unit that stores one or a plurality of sets of information associating identification information assigned according to a classification for image forming apparatus with control information used to control the image forming apparatus, and a management unit that, in response to a request from an image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is mounted, provides information stored in the storage unit; and the image forming apparatus comprises: a holding unit that holds identification information assigned to the image forming apparatus itself, and an acquisition unit that, with the identification information held in the holding unit, requests to and acquire from the cartridge corresponding control information.