Image Forming Apparatus Controller for Container Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses face difficulty in determining which container to purchase for colorant replacement due to multiple options available, even when the existing container is empty, as providing only model numbers is insufficient for selecting the appropriate replacement.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus calculates and displays detailed information, including conformance and usage data, to help users choose the correct container by showing the number of recording sheets printable with each container option, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only model numbers of usable containers are displayed, then the display device shows basic conformance information, but the user cannot determine which container to purchase among multiple options
Solution Approach 1:
The display information is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: basic conformance information (model numbers) at the first level, and detailed usage information (initial formable numbers) at the second level. This segmentation allows users to first see all compatible containers, then drill down to specific usage details for each model, resolving the contradiction between providing complete information and maintaining display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display by showing usage information over a past particular period. The usage information dimension (initial formable numbers) complements the model number dimension, creating a multi-dimensional information structure that helps users compare containers based on both compatibility and actual usage performance.
2Ease of operation
If detailed usage information is provided for all container options, then users can make informed decisions, but the information processing and display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-calculates and stores usage information (initial formable numbers) for each container model based on past usage patterns before the user needs to make a selection. This preliminary action ensures that when users view the display, all necessary comparison data is already prepared, eliminating real-time calculation delays and enabling quick informed decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users by displaying both conformance information and usage information in a structured manner. The usage information acts as feedback from actual system performance, allowing users to see how each container model performed in practice, which guides their selection decision efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a controller is configured to: obtain conformance information, for each of at least one color, representing each container conforming to the image forming apparatus; obtain usage information related to a relationship between the total number of recording media on which images are formed within a past particular period and a total amount of a colorant used within the past particular period; based on the obtained usage information, calculate a first initial formable number for each of the at least one color which represents the total number of recording media on which images are respectively formable using the colorant with a particular initial containing amount; and display a detailed-information screen containing conformance detailed information for each of the at least one color. The obtained conformance information and the first initial formable number are associated with each other in the conformance detailed information.