Image Forming Device with Dual Interfaces for Printer Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer devices without a configuration for notifying a service center of errors require significant time and effort for maintenance, as users often need to wait for a serviceman to diagnose and repair the device.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device with communication interfaces to both the printer and a center server, enabling the transmission of maintenance information and failure predictions, allowing the server to manage and notify servicemen efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a printer device does not have a configuration for notifying a service center of errors, then the device structure is simpler and cost is reduced, but maintenance time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary device (such as a smartphone or tablet) that acts as a mediator between the printer and the service center. This intermediary captures images of error codes displayed on the printer, transmits them via communication networks to the service center, and receives diagnostic results. This solution maintains simple printer structure while enabling efficient maintenance notification and diagnosis, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and maintenance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a serviceman directly diagnoses the printer device without preliminary information, then no additional equipment is needed, but the diagnosis process takes considerable time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis equipmentVSAvoiddiagnosis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements preliminary action by capturing and transmitting error code images to the service center before the serviceman arrives at the printer. The service center can perform preliminary analysis and prepare appropriate solutions in advance. This preliminary information preparation significantly reduces the time and effort required during the actual on-site diagnosis and repair process, while not requiring complex additional equipment at the printer itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4597290A1Image forming device and information transmission system
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP4597290A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597290A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597290A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to one embodiment, provided is an image forming device and an information transmission system that can efficiently perform failure prediction or maintenance for a printer device at low cost. According to an embodiment, the image forming device includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a processor. The first communication interface communicates with a printer device to be maintained. The second communication interface communicates with a center server that manages maintenance information for the printer device. According to machine body information received from the printer device through the first communication interface, the processor transmits the maintenance information about the printer device created based on the machine body information to the center server through the second communication interface.