Image Forming Apparatus Print Speed Control License Registration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses are initially set in a printing disabled state, preventing image adjustment before license registration, which hinders necessary adjustments during component exchanges.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a registration unit for speed licenses, an image forming unit, and a control unit that permits image formation if a speed license is registered or if a predetermined condition is met, even if the license is unregistered, enabling printing for image adjustment before registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If printing is disabled in the initial state of the apparatus, then the print speed can be determined by inputting a license, but image adjustment cannot be performed before license registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing function into two modes: a restricted mode requiring license verification for normal printing, and an unrestricted mode allowing printing without license verification. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling image adjustment (unrestricted mode) while maintaining the license-based speed determination capability (restricted mode).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of license verification status between two states: verified and unverified. When unverified, the system permits printing for image adjustment purposes; when verified, it enforces license-based print speed determination. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between the two conflicting requirements.
2Productivity
If a license is required for all printing operations, then print speed can be controlled, but necessary adjustments during component exchanges cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing printing operations to proceed without license verification when needed for adjustments during component exchanges. This preliminary permission enables users to perform necessary image adjustments before finalizing license registration, ensuring proper setup while maintaining productivity control through the license system.
3Ease of operation
If printing is enabled without license registration, then image adjustment can be performed, but print speed control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the license verification requirement flexible rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts whether license verification is required based on the printing context: it is required for normal printing operations to maintain speed control, but not required when the printing purpose is image adjustment. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between enabling image adjustment and maintaining print speed control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a registration unit that registers a speed license for setting an image forming speed, and an image forming unit that performs image formation at an image forming speed corresponding to the speed license registered by the registration unit. In addition, a control unit permits the image formation by the image forming unit in a case where the speed license is registered by the registration unit, and permits the image formation by the image forming unit in a case where an operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a predetermined mode different from a normal operation mode if the speed license is unregistered by the registration unit.