Image Forming Apparatus Dual Transmission Path Diagnostic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatus diagnostics face delays and reduced precision due to excessive sensor data transmission, which hinders real-time communication and can lead to delayed image forming processing and deteriorated image quality, especially when frequent data transmission increases communication load during peak times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual transmission path system where the secondary controller sends diagnostic data directly to the diagnostic server without relaying through the primary controller, allowing for separate communication paths for operational instructions and sensor data, thereby reducing communication load and enhancing diagnostic data precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor data is frequently sent via the communication path between primary controller and secondary controller, then diagnostic precision is improved, but communication delay occurs and image forming processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication path into two separate segments: one for operational instructions between primary and secondary controllers, and another dedicated path for sensor data transmission to the diagnostic server. This segmentation allows diagnostic data to be transmitted frequently without interfering with the real-time operational communications, thus improving diagnostic precision while avoiding communication delays in image forming processing.
2Measurement precision
If all sensor data is sent to the diagnostic server, then diagnostic precision is improved, but communication load increases and processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary diagnostic information from the sensor data before transmission. The secondary controller processes raw sensor data locally, extracting key diagnostic parameters and anomalies, and sends only this processed information to the diagnostic server. This reduces the communication load and data processing requirements while maintaining sufficient diagnostic precision.
3Loss of information
If sensor data transmission is intensive in specific time zones, then diagnostic data coverage is improved, but communication load concentrates and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of sensor data at regular intervals rather than continuously or intensively during specific time zones. This periodic action ensures consistent diagnostic data coverage over time while distributing the communication load evenly, preventing concentration of transmission traffic that would cause delays in image forming processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that executes image forming processing; a primary controller; a secondary controller that controls the image former; a sensor that detects a state of at least a unit of the image forming apparatus and transmits sensor data indicating the state to the secondary controller; a first transmission path for duplex communication between the primary and secondary controllers; and a second transmission path. The secondary controller: generates, from the sensor data, diagnostic data for failure diagnostics or life prediction, transmits data other than the diagnostic data to the primary controller via the first transmission path and transmits the diagnostic data to the diagnostic server via the second transmission path, or transmits data other than the sensor data to the primary controller via the first transmission path and transmits the sensor data to the diagnostic server via the second transmission path.