Image Forming Device Startup Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face longer start-up times when the main power supply is turned on compared to when the device returns from energy-saving mode, due to delays in obtaining starting information, especially when the time spent determining the content of this information depends on the cause of the starting process.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device employs multiple dedicated information transmission units that do not require establishing communication connections, allowing the engine control unit to obtain starting information quickly from the controller, regardless of the starting cause, by transmitting and acquiring specific items of starting information through these units, with timing information used to expedite the acquisition of information whose content fixing time depends on the starting cause.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single communication unit is used to transmit starting information, then device complexity is reduced, but start-up time increases due to the need to establish communication connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the starting information into multiple items and transmits them through different dedicated information transmission units simultaneously. This allows parallel transmission of different information items (such as starting cause, image forming unit start requirement, adjustment requirement) without waiting for communication connection establishment, thereby reducing overall start-up time while accepting increased device complexity through multiple transmission units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the controller determine and prepare multiple starting information items in advance before transmission. The controller identifies the starting cause, determines whether image forming units need to start, and prepares adjustment requirements beforehand, then transmits these pre-prepared information items through dedicated transmission units to reduce waiting time during the actual start-up process.
2Loss of information
If the controller determines the content of starting information dynamically based on starting cause, then information accuracy is improved, but time to fix information content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary determination of multiple starting information items based on the detected starting cause before transmission. It identifies whether the start is due to main power supply or energy-saving mode return, determines image forming unit start requirements, and prepares adjustment requirements in advance. This preliminary action ensures information accuracy while minimizing the time needed during actual transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The starting information is segmented into multiple independent items (starting cause, image forming unit start requirement, adjustment requirement) that can be determined and transmitted separately. This segmentation allows the controller to prepare each information item independently and transmit them through different dedicated transmission units in parallel, reducing the total time to fix and transmit all information while maintaining accuracy through systematic determination of each item.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming device including an engine unit that performs image processing; an engine control unit that controls the engine unit; and a controller that generates items of starting information. The controller transmits a first item of the starting information indicating a cause of the starting process, and transmits a second item of the starting information when a content of the second item of the starting information is fixed. A time period required for fixing the second item of the starting information depends on the cause of the starting process. The engine control unit obtains the second item of the starting information, based on the first item of the starting information and timing information obtained in advance that indicates a timing at which the second item of the starting information is expected to be fixed.