Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Print Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatus optimization techniques either prioritize user preferences over operational efficiency or vice versa, leading to suboptimal performance in environments that may cause paper curling or faulty cleaning, resulting in reduced user satisfaction.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus equipped with a first unit to collect information about the apparatus and a second unit to collect user information, with a changing unit that adjusts operations based on both sets of data to optimize print performance, balancing user preferences with operational efficiency and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If print speed is reduced to minimize paper curling in high humid environments, then paper curling is minimized, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper curlingVSAvoidprint speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the print operation parameters adjustable and changeable based on real-time environmental conditions and user preferences. The system dynamically modifies print speed, drying time, and other parameters according to the detected humidity levels and user-defined priorities, rather than using fixed operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying print operation parameters such as print speed, drying time, and temperature based on environmental conditions (humidity, temperature) and user preferences. The system adjusts these parameters to optimize performance for minimizing paper curling while maintaining acceptable productivity levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If cleaning frequency is reduced to improve productivity, then productivity increases, but faulty cleaning may occur in disadvantageous environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidcleaning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts cleaning frequency and operation parameters based on environmental conditions and usage patterns. When the environment is disadvantageous for cleaning (high humidity, high temperature), the system automatically increases cleaning frequency or adjusts operational parameters to prevent faulty cleaning, even if this reduces productivity slightly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), usage history, and cleaning effectiveness. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust cleaning frequency and operational parameters, ensuring reliable cleaning operations in disadvantageous environments while optimizing productivity in favorable conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If print operation is optimized based only on operation history, then operational efficiency is improved, but user preferences may not be satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiduser satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two optimization approaches: operation history-based optimization and user preference-based optimization. The system combines data from both sources (operational parameters from history, priority weights from user preferences) to determine the final optimized print operation parameters, achieving both efficiency and user satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from user preferences (priority assignments for image quality, productivity, power consumption, noise) to adjust operational parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that the automated optimization aligns with user expectations and preferences, not just operational efficiency metrics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If print operation is optimized based only on user preferences, then user satisfaction is improved, but operational efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically balances user preferences with operational efficiency by adjusting parameters based on both user-defined priorities and real-time environmental conditions. For example, if a user prioritizes productivity, the system will optimize for faster printing unless environmental conditions (high humidity causing curling) require slower speeds to maintain quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10664214B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording material includes a first collecting unit, a second collecting unit, and a changing unit. The first collecting unit collects information regarding the image forming apparatus. The second collecting unit collects information regarding a user using the image forming apparatus. The changing unit changes an image forming operation forming an image on a recording material based on the information regarding the image forming apparatus collected by the first collecting unit and the information regarding the user collected by the second collecting unit.