Dual Transmission Path for Image Forming Device Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming device diagnostic systems face challenges in achieving accurate failure diagnostics and life prediction due to high communication loads caused by large amounts of sensor data, which can lead to delayed communication of operation instructions and potential decreases in image quality, and existing solutions like averaging sensor data may bury critical information, limiting diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual transmission path system within the image forming device, where diagnostic data is generated and transmitted separately from operational data, allowing for real-time monitoring and transmission of detailed sensor data without interfering with image forming processing, using a secondary controller to generate diagnostic data and transmit it via a distinct path to the primary controller, which then sends it to the diagnostic server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all sensor data is transmitted from the mechanism controller to the primary controller, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but communication for other purposes such as operation instructions and mode changes is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is divided into two separate paths: a first transmission path for operational data (operation instructions, modes) between the primary controller and mechanism controller, and a second transmission path for diagnostic sensor data from the mechanism controller to the primary controller. This segmentation allows both types of data to be transmitted simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication reliability and improving diagnostic accuracy.
2Speed
If sensor data is frequently transmitted using the communication path for image forming data, then diagnostic data acquisition frequency is improved, but communication for image forming processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the communication path into two separate channels, the system enables high-frequency transmission of diagnostic sensor data through the second transmission path without causing delays in the first transmission path used for image forming operations. This allows both functions to operate at optimal speeds simultaneously.
3Productivity
If average values of sensor data are transmitted to suppress communication load, then communication efficiency is improved, but critical information may be buried and diagnostic accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits raw sensor data through the second transmission path without applying aggregation operations like averaging. This extraction of original data preserves all critical information including unexpected changes and anomalies, while the separate transmission path ensures that the increased data volume does not burden the operational communication channel.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes: an image former that executes image forming processing to form an image on a sheet; a primary controller; a secondary controller that controls the image former; a sensor that detects a state of the image former and transmits sensor data indicating the state to the secondary controller; a first transmission path between the secondary controller and the primary controller; and a second transmission path different from the first transmission path. The primary controller instructs the secondary controller to execute the image forming processing. Data related to the execution of the image forming processing is transmitted through the first transmission path. The secondary controller generates diagnostic data for failure diagnostics from the sensor data and life prediction relating to the image forming device and transmits the diagnostic data to the primary controller via the second transmission path.