Image Forming System Job History Inquiry for Missing Paper
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems where multiple terminal devices are connected to an image forming apparatus via a network, there is a challenge in identifying and retrieving recording paper that has been mistakenly taken away by another user, leading to delayed return of the paper to its rightful owner.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an image forming apparatus and terminal devices connected via a network, where the apparatus stores job history information associating each job with a user, allowing users to search for missing paper by selecting a job and sending inquiry messages to potentially responsible users, enabling efficient retrieval through communication and display of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus stores history information and sends inquiry messages to terminal devices of other users, then the ability to identify mistakenly taken recording paper is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary by storing job history information and mediating the search process. It receives search requests, queries terminal devices of other users based on stored history, and facilitates the return of mistakenly taken recording paper without requiring direct communication between all terminal devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by storing job execution history and using it to generate targeted inquiry messages. When recording paper is not retrieved after ejection, the apparatus sends inquiry messages to terminal devices associated with jobs executed around the same time, and updates the search list based on responses received
2Productivity
If the system sends inquiry messages to multiple terminal devices to search for recording paper, then the speed of retrieving mistakenly taken paper is improved, but the loss of time increases due to communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary actions by storing job history information including terminal device identifiers, job execution times, and recording paper details before any search is needed. This pre-stored information enables rapid generation of targeted inquiry messages without requiring real-time data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by transmitting job history information and inquiry messages through the network to terminal devices. Instead of physical interaction, the apparatus copies relevant search criteria from stored history and transmits them electronically, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple terminal devices
3Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus displays history information and allows user selection of jobs, then the ease of operation for searching recording paper is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional display and operation sections
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel and display device serve multiple functions: they display job execution history, allow users to select specific jobs for searching, present search results, and facilitate the return process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first communication section, storage, and a first controller. The storage stores therein history information. When a job is selected as a selected job, the first controller selects a supposed user from the history information on the basis of the selected job, and sends an inquiry message to a terminal device of the supposed user to inquire whether or not the supposed user has particular recording paper. Each terminal device includes a second controller. When information indicating presence or absence of the particular recording paper is input as an answer to the inquiry message, the second controller sends the information indicating presence or absence of the particular recording paper to the image forming apparatus.