Image Forming Apparatus Controller Input Device Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face malfunctions when a general-purpose input device is connected, as the key codes assigned to it differ from those of dedicated input devices, leading to unintended operations.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus allows connection of both dedicated and general-purpose input devices, with a controller that sets specific code conversion tables to ensure valid operations by invalidating non-numerical key inputs from general-purpose devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose input device is connected to the image forming apparatus, then the device can be used with various input devices (adaptability), but the apparatus may malfunction due to incompatible key codes (reliability)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different input devicesVSAvoidproper operation of the apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a code conversion table as an intermediary layer between the general-purpose input device and the image forming apparatus control system. This conversion table translates key codes from the general-purpose device into the specific key codes expected by the apparatus, allowing compatibility without compromising operational reliability. The controller automatically selects and applies the appropriate conversion table based on the connected input device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the apparatus controls operations based on key codes from a dedicated input device, then proper operations are executed (reliability), but the apparatus cannot accept inputs from general-purpose devices (adaptability)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect execution of operationsVSAvoidacceptance of different input devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic key code handling system where the controller automatically adapts its key code interpretation based on the type of connected input device. When a general-purpose device is detected, the controller dynamically switches to using a code conversion table tailored for that device type, whereas dedicated devices use their specific key code mappings. This dynamic adaptation enables both reliability for dedicated devices and adaptability for general-purpose devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11693606B2Image forming apparatus controlling input from a first input device or a second input device based on which is connected to the image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 CANON KK

AI summary

In an image forming apparatus, in a case that a connected numerical key unit is a dedicated numerical key unit including a numerical key portion for executing, as predetermined processing, numerical value input processing for inputting information on a numerical value and including an operation key portion and a setting key portion for executing, as predetermined processing, another input processing for inputting information on an operation of the image forming apparatus other than the numerical value input processing (step S12; YES), a controller executes the predetermined processing in a case that either of the respective key portions is operated (step S13). On the other hand, in a case that the connected numerical key unit is a general-purpose numerical key unit different from the dedicated numerical key unit (step S1; NO), the controller executes the predetermined processing only in a case that the numerical key portion is operated (step S14).