Image Forming Apparatus Identifier Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in efficiently managing and combining identifiers with physical pages, leading to mismatches when the print copy number is changed, especially in systems where identifiers are pre-reserved based on initial settings, causing inefficiencies and errors in processing and communication burdens.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an identifier management server that reserves and manages identifier spaces based on logical page numbers and print copy numbers, allowing the image forming apparatus to dynamically adjust print copy numbers while ensuring correct identifier allocation and combination with physical pages, preventing mismatches by using an initial identifier to generate unique identifiers for each physical page.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identifiers are pre-reserved based on initial print copy numbers, then identifier allocation is simplified, but mismatches occur when print copy numbers are changed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts identifier allocation based on the actual print copy number. When the print copy number changes, the identifier computing unit recalculates and reassigns identifiers to match the new copy number, ensuring both ease of allocation and accuracy without mismatches.
2Loss of information
If the system combines identifiers with each physical page, then tracking and management is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier management is segmented into distinct functional units: an identifier computing unit that generates identifiers, a combining unit that attaches them to pages, and a change unit that adjusts them. This segmentation improves tracking while managing complexity through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows flexible print copy number changes, then user convenience is improved, but identifier management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-reserving identifier spaces and preparing identifier allocation structures before printing. When copy numbers change, the pre-established framework allows for efficient recalculation and reassignment, maintaining flexibility while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an accumulation unit, an instruction unit, an output unit, an identifier computing unit a combining unit and a change unit, wherein the combining unit does not perform the combining for an increased copy number when the change unit increases the print copy number information.