Dynamic Reading Conditions for Image Diagnosis in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in diagnosing issues due to fixed reading and processing conditions, which may not be suitable for the apparatus's status at the time of diagnosis, leading to ineffective maintenance and quality control.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image reader and a processor capable of adjusting reading and processing conditions based on the diagnosis mode, using chart paper with encoded information to determine transmission and processing levels, allowing for dynamic adjustment and transmission of read image data to a server for diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed reading and processing conditions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different diagnosis modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of reading conditions (resolution, file format, compression rate) and processing conditions based on the selected diagnosis mode. The system transitions from static fixed conditions to dynamic adaptive conditions, allowing the image forming apparatus to optimize its operation according to whether routine diagnosis or failure diagnosis mode is active, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If reading resolution is increased for accurate diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to larger data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters including reading resolution, file format, and compression rate based on the diagnosis mode. For routine diagnosis, lower resolution and higher compression are used to minimize transmission time. For failure diagnosis, higher resolution and lower compression are applied to maximize diagnostic accuracy. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selectively adjusting reading conditions only when necessary (different modes require different conditions). Instead of always using maximum resolution, the system uses appropriate resolution levels based on diagnostic needs, reducing unnecessary data transmission while maintaining sufficient accuracy for each specific diagnosis scenario.
3Productivity
If high compression rate is applied to reduce data transmission size, then loss of information increases, but productivity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the compression rate parameter based on the diagnosis mode. For routine diagnosis, higher compression rates are applied to maximize transmission efficiency since detailed analysis is not required. For failure diagnosis, lower compression rates preserve more image information and quality. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium includes: an image former that forms an image on a recording medium and is capable of forming an image for diagnosis, which is an image used for diagnosis of the image forming apparatus; an image reader that reads the image for diagnosis formed on a recording medium; and a processor configured to change at least one of a reading condition under which the image reader reads the image for diagnosis and a processing condition under which a read image obtained by the reading is processed in accordance with a mode of diagnosis of the image forming apparatus.