Image Forming Apparatus Job Separation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack the ability to separately manage the preparation and execution of jobs, limiting user flexibility in scheduling and timing, as well as allowing only one-to-one correspondence between job preparation and execution steps, which restricts user convenience and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a control device with a processor that allows for a job separation mode, enabling the separation of job preparation and execution steps, allowing users to prepare a job and execute it at desired timings, and enabling one-to-many correspondence between preparation and execution, using a QR code for external device access to manage job execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If job preparation and execution are combined in a single step, then the system structure is simple, but user flexibility in scheduling and timing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the job management process into two distinct phases: job preparation phase (where data is generated and stored) and job execution phase (where the actual output is produced). This segmentation allows users to prepare jobs in advance and execute them at different times, providing scheduling flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple system structure through clear phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary job preparation where data is generated and stored in the storage device before actual execution. Users can prepare jobs ahead of time and store them for later execution, allowing advance planning and scheduling without requiring the full system to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one-to-one correspondence is maintained between job preparation and execution, then the control logic is simple, but user convenience and versatility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal job execution mechanism where multiple prepared jobs can be executed through a single execution command. The storage device stores job data that can be retrieved and executed by different users at different times, enabling one-to-many correspondence between job preparation and execution while keeping the control logic relatively simple through standardized access procedures.
3Ease of operation
If job preparation and execution are separated into independent steps, then user flexibility increases, but the system requires more complex data management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage device as an intermediary between job preparation and execution phases. Prepared job data is stored in this intermediate storage system, allowing decoupling of preparation and execution operations. This intermediary data management layer simplifies the independence of operations while managing the complexity through standardized data storage and retrieval mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operating mechanism, a storage device, and a control device. The operating mechanism executes a job. The control device functions as a controller. When accepting a request to prepare execution of the job, the controller allows the operating mechanism to prepare the execution of the job to thus generate data for output and allows the storage device to save the data for output. When accepting a request to execute the job, the controller allows the operating mechanism to execute the job based on the data for output.