Controller Logic for Sensor Detection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased printing speed in image forming apparatuses leads to a higher frequency of detection signal sending from sensors, resulting in a higher processing load for the controller when determining if a recording medium remains in the conveying path, as the distance between successive recording media becomes shorter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first and second sensor in the conveying path upstream and downstream from the image forming unit, respectively, with a controller that determines if the recording medium length is less than or equal to the conveying distance between the sensors, and only performs storing processes for detection results under specific conditions, reducing the frequency of rewriting detection results in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printing speed is enhanced and the distance between successive recording media is shortened, then the productivity is improved, but the frequency of sending detection signals from sensors increases, resulting in higher processing load on the controller
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically checks the detection results stored in memory at predetermined intervals rather than continuously rewriting them. This periodic action reduces the frequency of memory access and rewriting operations, thereby lowering the processing load on the controller while maintaining effective detection of remaining recording media.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detection results from sensors to automatically determine when rewriting is necessary. By storing detection results in memory and using them for subsequent determination, the system reduces redundant rewriting operations and allows the controller to focus only on essential updates, effectively reducing its own processing load.
2Measurement precision
If the controller continuously rewrites detection results in memory for each recording medium, then the detection accuracy is maintained, but the processing load and frequency of memory access increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously rewriting detection results for every recording medium, the controller performs rewriting only at predetermined intervals or when necessary. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy by periodically updating the stored results while significantly reducing the frequency of memory access and processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of rewriting frequency from continuous to periodic or conditional. By adjusting when and how often detection results are rewritten in memory, the system maintains sufficient detection accuracy while reducing the processing load and number of memory access operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a conveyor unit configured to convey a recording medium along a conveying path, first and second sensors disposed in the conveying path and configured to detect the recording medium, a memory, and a controller configured to determine whether a length of the recording medium is less than or equal to a conveying distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller may also be configured to perform storing processes for storing detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor in the memory when the controller determines that the length of the recording medium is less than or equal to the conveying distance.