Image Forming Apparatus Key-Press Copy Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facsimile apparatuses lack a function to set the number of copies based on the number of times the start key is pressed, leading to inefficiencies when switching between direct copy and memory copy modes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a key to input the number of copies, a scanner to read and generate image data, a printer to record the data, and a controller to manage direct and memory copy operations, including shading correction data acquisition at different sensor positions based on key presses, allowing for quick switching between direct and memory copy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of copies is set and switching between direct copy and memory copy is performed based on key press count, then copying efficiency is improved, but the time required for shading correction data acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring shading correction data at multiple sensor positions (first position and second position) in advance before the actual copying operation. The controller stores this pre-acquired shading correction data, so when copying is initiated, the pre-computed correction data is immediately available without requiring time-consuming real-time acquisition during the copying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the sensor position adaptable and changeable based on operational requirements. The controller dynamically switches between acquiring shading correction data at the first position, second position, or both positions depending on the copy mode (direct copy vs. memory copy) and the number of copies required. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between correction accuracy and acquisition time.
2Speed
If direct copy is used for single copy operation, then processing speed is maintained, but flexibility in handling multiple copies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct copy mode and memory copy mode based on the number of copies required. For single copy operations, direct copy is used to maintain high processing speed. For multiple copy operations, memory copy mode is activated to provide the necessary flexibility and efficiency, allowing the same system to adapt to different operational requirements without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (copy mode) based on the number of copies. When the key is pressed once indicating a single copy, direct copy mode is used. When the key is pressed multiple times indicating multiple copies, memory copy mode is used. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance for different copying scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory copy is used for multiple copies, then copying flexibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-acquiring and storing shading correction data at multiple sensor positions before the memory copy operation begins. This eliminates the need to acquire correction data during the copying process, significantly reducing the processing time penalty that would normally accompany flexible memory copy operations.
4Measurement precision
If shading correction data is acquired at multiple sensor positions, then correction accuracy is improved, but data acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the time-consuming multi-position shading correction data acquisition in advance, before the actual copying operation. The controller stores this pre-acquired data and retrieves it when needed, separating the correction data acquisition phase from the copying phase. This allows high-precision multi-position correction without extending the copying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which sensor positions to use for shading correction based on the copy mode and number of copies. Not all positions are always used - the controller adapts the correction data acquisition strategy to match the operational requirements, reducing unnecessary acquisition time while maintaining required accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a key receiving a copy-start instruction and an input of a number of copies depending on a number of times that the key is operated; a scanner reading an image of a document and generating image data relating to the image; a printer recording the image on a sheet; a memory; and a controller. The controller controls the scanner and the printer to execute, depending on the number of times that the key is operated: (1) direct copy of storing parts of the image data relating to the image successively in the memory, and of reading the parts of the image data from the memory to record the image data on the sheet, or (2) memory copy of storing entirety of the image data in the memory, and of successively reading parts of the stored image data to record the image on the sheet.