Image Forming Device Abnormality Region Designation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming devices often struggle to identify and communicate image quality abnormalities to service personnel, leading to increased service costs and delays due to the complexity of input operations and potential security risks during image transmission.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device equipped with a printer, display, and controller that allows users to designate a region of an image quality abnormality and its superimposition position on the displayed image, transmitting this information to an external device for service personnel review without sharing the actual image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user transmits the actual image with abnormality to the serviceman, then the serviceman can accurately specify the type of image quality abnormality, but a security problem occurs in the transmission of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential diagnostic information (abnormality position, type, and region) from the complete image, transmitting this extracted data to the serviceman while leaving the actual image content on the user's device. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient diagnostic precision without exposing sensitive image data, thereby eliminating security risks while maintaining abnormality specification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting the original image, the system creates and transmits a simplified copy containing only the abnormality information (position coordinates, region data, and abnormality type). This copy suffices for diagnostic purposes while protecting the security of the actual image content, thus resolving the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and security.
2Measurement precision
If the user inputs detailed information about the image quality abnormality, then the serviceman can diagnose the issue accurately, but the input operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the complex task of capturing and analyzing abnormality information without requiring manual user input. The imaging device self-services by detecting the abnormality, extracting its characteristics (position, type, region), and preparing the data for transmission. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate abnormality information while eliminating complicated input operations, as the device does the work automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis and extraction of abnormality information before transmission, preparing all necessary diagnostic data in advance. This preliminary action includes automatically identifying the abnormality type, calculating position coordinates, and defining the abnormal region, thereby providing accurate information without requiring the user to perform complicated input operations.
3Reliability
If the serviceman visits the user again to obtain necessary parts, then the user can receive proper service, but service cost increases and delay is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnosis and prepares all necessary information (abnormality type, position, and recommended parts) before the serviceman's visit. This preliminary action enables the serviceman to arrive with the correct parts and expertise needed, eliminating the need for repeated visits. Thus, service quality is maintained while significantly reducing service delay and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the serviceman in advance about the specific abnormality detected, including the type of abnormality, its position, and the region affected. This feedback enables the serviceman to prepare appropriately before arrival, ensuring proper service delivery on the first visit and avoiding extended delays and additional service costs.
Data Source
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Figure 3B~4A
AI summary
An image forming device includes a printer, a display, and a controller. The printer forms a desired image indicated by image data on a sheet. The display displays the desired image. The controller receives a first designation, by a user, of a designation region of the desired image displayed on the display. The controller receives a second designation, by the user, of a superimposition position at which an abnormality region containing an abnormality is superimposed on the desired image. The controller transmits user designation information indicating the designation region and the superimposition position to an external device.