Image Forming Apparatus Drive Control for Audible Sound Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to ensure that the sound guidance function is easily audible over the operating sounds, particularly when executing jobs with louder operation sounds, as previous technologies fail to effectively differentiate and prioritize the sound guidance during louder operation processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a drive control system that switches between normal and low-speed modes based on sound output, with mode changes occurring only after the completion of image forming processes to prevent sound guidance being masked by operating noises, ensuring the sound guidance is audible by adjusting the drive mode of the driving elements accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus executes a job with louder operation sound, then the productivity is improved, but the sound guidance becomes difficult to hear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive mode adjustable based on operational conditions. The control device dynamically switches between first drive mode (higher speed) and second drive mode (lower speed) depending on whether sound guidance is being output, allowing the system to adapt its operational characteristics to different situations rather than maintaining a fixed drive mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by intermittently switching between different drive modes based on the timing of sound guidance output. The control device periodically adjusts the drive mode in synchronization with the sound guidance timing, creating a rhythm of high-speed operation interrupted by low-speed periods when guidance is delivered
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drive mode is changed during image forming process, then the sound guidance audibility is improved, but the image forming quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the timing of sound guidance output in advance and proactively controlling the drive mode changes around this timing. The control device identifies when sound guidance will be output and adjusts the drive mode accordingly before the guidance is delivered, ensuring optimal conditions are already in place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different drive modes to different time periods rather than uniformly across all operations. The first drive mode is applied during periods without sound guidance, while the second drive mode is specifically applied during periods when sound guidance is output, creating localized optimization for different operational segments
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional machine as an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a speaker and can function as an output apparatus for use in a PA system such as an in-house public address system. During a period in which no sound is being outputted from the speaker, the multifunctional machine operates in a normal mode. Meanwhile, during a period in which a sound is being outputted from the speaker, the multifunctional machine operates in a low-speed mode that is lower in speed than the normal mode. This makes it easy to hear a sound that is outputted from the speaker. In a case where a drive mode of a drive controller switches from either of the normal and low-speed modes to the other at a timing during execution of a process according to a certain job, the drive mode switches after completion of the process.