Image Forming Control for Selective Abnormality Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to efficiently detect and diagnose precursor abnormalities, as setting detection levels too strict or lenient leads to wasted processing or undetected issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism to diagnose first and second abnormalities based on different reference levels, allowing the option to skip diagnosing the second abnormality when it cannot be detected, thereby optimizing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection level of the precursor abnormality is set to be stricter than the detection capability of the image forming apparatus, then the precursor abnormality detection sensitivity is improved, but the processing becomes wasted because the abnormality cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection reference dynamically adjustable based on the detected abnormality type. The system switches between a first reference (for detectable abnormalities) and a second reference (for precursor abnormalities), allowing the detection sensitivity to adapt to different diagnostic needs without permanently setting an overly strict threshold that would waste processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter (reference level) based on the diagnostic mode. When diagnosing detectable abnormalities, a first reference within detection capability is used. When diagnosing precursor abnormalities, a second reference stricter than detection capability is used. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by matching the reference strictness to the specific diagnostic objective.
2Measurement precision
If the detection level of the abnormality is set to be equivalent to the detection capability of the image forming apparatus, then the abnormality detection accuracy is improved, but the precursor abnormality cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnosis into two distinct modes: detectable abnormality diagnosis using a first reference, and precursor abnormality diagnosis using a second reference. This segmentation allows each diagnostic mode to use the appropriate reference level, preventing the loss of precursor information while maintaining accurate detectable abnormality detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by setting up two different reference levels in advance for different diagnostic purposes. The first reference is prepared for detecting current abnormalities, while the second reference is prepared for detecting precursor abnormalities. This preliminary preparation ensures that neither type of abnormality is missed due to inappropriate reference selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processing for precursor diagnosis of the abnormality is executed even when the second reference is a reference by which the second abnormality cannot be detected, then the precursor diagnosis capability is maintained, but the execution efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining whether to execute precursor diagnosis based on the relationship between the second reference and detection capability. When the second reference exceeds detection capability, the system autonomously skips the precursor diagnosis processing, avoiding wasted execution while maintaining the capability to perform precursor diagnosis when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to image forming apparatus comprising: one or more memory devices that store a set of instructions; and one or more processors that execute the set of instructions to: diagnose, based on a first reference, a first abnormality in an image formed on a sheet, and diagnose a second abnormality based on a second reference stricter than the first reference; and set whether or not to execute diagnosis of the second abnormality, wherein the second abnormality is set not to be diagnosed when the second reference is a reference by which the second abnormality cannot be detected by diagnosis.