Image Forming Apparatus Malfunction Log Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, malfunctions such as paper jams can cause the operation to stop, leaving multiple sheets of paper conveyed and requiring users to manually remove them, which is inconvenient and can result in paper waste.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a storage device for logging malfunctions and a processing circuit that controls the start timing of operations based on the malfunction log, allowing for targeted handling of sheets involved in malfunctions and reducing the number of sheets that need to be manually removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus conveys multiple sheets of paper simultaneously, then the printing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of handling paper jams and removing remaining sheets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by controlling the conveyance timing of sheets of paper based on malfunction logs stored in the storage device. It determines and executes conveyance operations in a specific sequence to ensure that only the necessary sheets are conveyed, preventing paper jams before they occur. This preliminary planning of conveyance operations reduces the number of sheets remaining in the apparatus after a malfunction, making easier for users to handle paper jams.
2Reliability
If the operation stops due to a malfunction, then the error can be resolved, but the workload for removing remaining sheets of paper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit utilizes feedback from malfunction logs stored in the storage device to adjust conveyance operations. By referring to historical malfunction data, the control unit optimizes the timing and sequence of sheet conveyance to minimize the number of sheets remaining in the apparatus when a malfunction occurs. This feedback mechanism enables faster restoration of the apparatus by reducing the workload for users to remove remaining sheets.
3Productivity
If multiple sheets of paper are conveyed simultaneously, then the printing throughput is improved, but the number of sheets that need to be manually removed after a malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies partial action by conveying only the necessary sheets of paper based on the job requirements and malfunction log analysis, rather than conveying all possible sheets simultaneously. This selective conveyance approach maintains adequate printing throughput while minimizing the number of sheets remaining in the apparatus after a malfunction, thereby reducing paper waste and the workload for users.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a storage device and a processing circuit. The storage device is configured to store a malfunction log in the image forming apparatus. The processing circuit is configured to control, if a job includes an operation relating to the malfunction log, a start timing of at least one of the operation and a next operation following the operation in the job.