Image Forming Apparatus Erasing Ready Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses with erasing functions require a warming-up process to transition from power saving mode to ready mode, causing unnecessary waiting time for users who only need to use the erasing process, and leading to potential toner wastage due to full warming-up operations for image forming processes.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus introduces distinct control modes, including a power saving mode, normal ready mode, and erasing ready mode, allowing users to select the erasing ready mode without performing full warming-up operations, thus enabling quick access to the erasing function and reducing toner consumption by omitting calibration and registration steps typically required for image forming processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the apparatus performs full warming-up operations to transition from power saving mode to ready mode, then the image forming process becomes executable, but the user must wait for unnecessary time and toner is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness of image forming processVSAvoidwaiting time for warming-up

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the warming-up process into two distinct modes: a full warming-up mode for image forming processes and a reduced warming-up mode for erasing processes. This segmentation allows the apparatus to perform only the necessary warming-up operations based on the user's selection, eliminating unnecessary waiting time and toner consumption while ensuring the required process readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the warming-up process by allowing users to select between different warming-up modes (full warming-up mode and reduced warming-up mode) based on their specific needs. This dynamic approach enables the apparatus to adjust the warming-up duration and intensity according to the intended operation, optimizing both time efficiency and process reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus performs full warming-up operations, then both image forming and erasing processes become executable, but toner is wasted when only erasing is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of both image forming and erasing functionsVSAvoidtoner consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational modes into distinct categories: full warming-up mode for image forming processes and reduced warming-up mode for erasing processes. This segmentation enables the apparatus to provide both functions while preventing toner waste by performing only the necessary warming-up operations corresponding to the user's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a reduced warming-up mode that performs only the essential warming-up operations required for erasing processes, omitting unnecessary calibration and registration steps. This partial approach ensures sufficient readiness for erasing while avoiding excessive toner consumption that would occur with full warming-up operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the apparatus uses a single ready mode for both image forming and erasing, then the control mode is simple, but the user cannot quickly access the erasing function without full warming-up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mode structureVSAvoidaccess speed to erasing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control modes into multiple distinct modes: power saving mode, full warming-up mode, and reduced warming-up mode. This segmentation, while increasing control mode structure, enables users to quickly access the erasing function by selecting the reduced warming-up mode, significantly improving ease of operation and access speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control mode selection where users can choose between different warming-up modes based on their needs. This dynamic approach allows the apparatus to adapt its behavior to user requirements, enabling fast access to the erasing function while maintaining a manageable control structure through user-friendly mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9197783B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus having a function to erase an image formed on a recoding medium is provided. The image forming apparatus has an operation panel which, in a first mode in which an image forming process and an erasing process are not executable, accepts selection of any mode of a second mode in which the image forming process and the erasing process are executable, and a third mode in which the image forming process is not executable and the erasing process is executable.