Image Processing Apparatus Wear Guide Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining replacement guide values for parts when the operating mode is changed, as the degree of wear differs between previous and new modes, leading to deviations from real wear situations.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a degree of wear calculation unit and a guide value calculation unit that calculates and converts wear degrees across different operating modes, ensuring accurate replacement guide values are determined even after mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different replacement guide values are defined for each operating mode, then the replacement guide value can be adapted to the specific operating mode, but when the operating mode is changed, the replacement guide value deviates from the real situation because the degree of wear differs between modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement guide value adaptationVSAvoidreplacement guide value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the replacement guide value dynamically adjustable based on operating mode changes. The system automatically converts and updates the replacement guide value when transitioning between operating modes, ensuring the displayed value always reflects the current mode's wear characteristics rather than remaining static or using outdated values from previous modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the replacement guide value parameter in response to operating mode changes. The system changes the replacement guide value from a fixed set of mode-specific values to a dynamically updated value that accounts for the cumulative wear experience across different modes, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the degree of wear is inputted to change the replacement guide value, then an accurate replacement guide value can be obtained, but such setting must be performed at regular intervals for each part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement guide value accuracyVSAvoidsetting operation frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically calculate and update replacement guide values without requiring manual input of wear degrees. The control unit autonomously performs the conversion of replacement guide values based on operating mode changes and displays the updated values, eliminating the need for periodic manual settings while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by implementing an automatic monitoring and update mechanism that continuously tracks operating mode changes and adjusts the replacement guide value accordingly. The system receives feedback from mode change events and automatically responds by updating the displayed replacement guide value, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10412249B2Image processing apparatus and control method therefor, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 CANON KK
  • US10412249B2 patent drawing
  • US10412249B2 patent drawing
  • US10412249B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus that is capable of calculating an appropriate replacement guide value of a part even in a case where the image processing apparatus operates under different operating modes. The image processing apparatus is capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes of different image forming speeds and has a replacement guide default value showing a guide for replacement of a part for each of the operating modes. A degree of wear of the part for each of the operating modes is calculated based on the replacement guide default value. The calculated degree of wear is, in a case where the operating mode is changed, converted to a degree of wear for the operating mode after the change, and a replacement guide value of the part in the operating mode is calculated after the change based on the converted degree of wear.