Image Forming Apparatus Change Notification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses often start processing with changed states or settings due to actions by third parties after initial user settings are completed but before the user issues the start instruction, leading to unintended processing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus monitors changes in document, paper sheet, and processing condition states between the initial user settings and the start instruction, and notifies the user of any changes, preventing unintended processing by ensuring settings are confirmed before proceeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus waits for user instruction after settings are completed, then processing can be started, but third parties may change states or settings during this waiting period leading to unintended processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of states and settings during the waiting period between setting completion and start instruction. By proactively detecting changes before processing begins, the system prevents unintended processing while maintaining the waiting period structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and detects changes in states and settings during the waiting period, providing feedback to the control section. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify when third parties have made changes and prevent processing under altered conditions.
2Productivity
If the apparatus immediately starts processing after settings, then productivity is improved, but there is no time for third parties to make changes - however, this requires the user to issue start instruction immediately which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is activated in advance during the waiting period, enabling the system to detect changes before processing starts. This allows the system to maintain both the waiting period for user convenience and the detection capability for reliability.
3Reliability
If the apparatus monitors changes during the waiting period, then unintended processing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs multiple functions: it manages the waiting period, monitors changes in states and settings, detects third-party actions, and prevents unintended processing. By consolidating these functions into the existing control section, the patent avoids adding separate monitoring hardware, thereby reducing the impact on device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own control section and existing detection capabilities to monitor and detect changes, rather than requiring entirely separate monitoring systems. This self-service approach minimizes additional complexity while achieving reliable change detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image forming apparatus, an image forming system and a method of controlling the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus for conducting processing according to established settings thereon, includes: an output section for outputting a notification; and a control section. The control section is configured to monitor a change in at least one of states and settings of the image forming apparatus, where the change is to be made during a time period from a time when receiving a setting operation about a certain processing conducted by a user to a time when receiving an instruction to start the certain processing from the user, and the change comes from an action of another user. The control section is further configured to, in response to the change, output through the output section a notification that the change has been made.