Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Reading Section Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in performing image quality adjustments in image forming apparatuses due to the complexity of selecting the appropriate image reading sections for test image reading, especially when multiple methods and sections are available, leading to increased workload and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming section, multiple image reading sections, a storage section for connection and selection history information, and a control section that automatically selects the most suitable test image reading section based on connection, paper size, and selection history to perform image quality adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image reading sections are provided to handle different paper sizes and connection states, then the adaptability and functionality of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to the need for user selection
Solution Approach 1:
The control section automatically determines and selects the appropriate image reading section based on the connection state and paper size information, eliminating the need for manual user selection. The system serves itself by autonomously making the selection decision that previously required user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control section receives feedback from the connection state detection and paper size information to automatically select the most appropriate image reading section. The system uses this feedback information to make intelligent selection decisions without requiring user input
2Ease of operation
If the control section automatically selects the test image reading section based on connection information and paper size, then the ease of operation and user workload are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs multiple functions including connection state detection, paper size determination, reading section selection, and image quality adjustment. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving automation
3Productivity
If image quality adjustment is performed automatically without user selection, then productivity and work efficiency are improved, but measurement precision may be compromised by automated selection algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary actions by detecting connection states and determining paper sizes before the actual image quality adjustment process. This preliminary information gathering ensures that the subsequent automated selection is based on accurate pre-collected data, maintaining precision while enabling automation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image forming section which forms an image on paper; a plurality of image reading sections each of which reads the image formed on the paper, and is connectable to the image forming apparatus; a storage section which stores connection information on a connection state between each of the image reading sections and the image forming apparatus; and a control section which selects a test image reading section from among the image reading sections based on the connection information, makes the selected test image reading section read a test image formed by the image forming section, and performs image quality adjustment based on the read test image.