Image Forming Apparatus Startup Communication Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience prolonged waiting times for user operation due to unknown initial information transmission completion, especially when multiple peripheral devices are attached, leading to delayed display of functions on the operating unit.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a communication device that serially connects to peripheral devices and starts displaying functions based on initial information received from the most upstream peripheral device once initial information and completion information are received, ensuring timely recognition of transmission completion and minimizing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus waits for complete transmission of initial information from all peripheral devices before displaying functions, then all device information is accurately received, but the waiting time for user operation becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary reception of initial information from peripheral devices during the startup phase, but does not wait for complete transmission before displaying functions. The control unit receives initial information from each peripheral device and displays available functions based on the information received so far, allowing users to start operating before all devices have fully transmitted their initial information.
2Loss of information
If the apparatus displays functions only after estimated transmission completion time, then potential information loss is avoided, but usability is reduced due to delayed function display
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the reception status of initial information from peripheral devices and provides feedback by displaying functions as they become available. When initial information is received from a peripheral device, the control unit immediately updates the display to show available functions, creating a dynamic feedback loop that improves usability while maintaining information integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system which makes clear the point in time at which initial information transmission for all peripheral devices connected to an image forming apparatus serving as the main device is complete, even when the peripheral devices are attached in various combinations, to thereby reduce the time until it is possible for a user to start operation to the lowest level possible, and to reduce waiting time for powering on. The image forming system such as a copying machine includes at least one peripheral device which can be serially connected to a main body of the copying machine, and communication means for performing communication with the most upstream peripheral device of the peripheral devices. When turned on or reset, the image forming system displays functions of the peripheral devices on an operating unit based on initial information delivered from the peripheral devices. Also, upon receiving initial information and initial information transmission completion information from the most upstream peripheral device, the image forming system starts display of functions of the system on the operating unit based on the initial information received up until that time.