Image Quality Maintenance Workflow Using One-Touch Process Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, particularly for business use, executing multiple image quality maintenance processes independently to address image quality deterioration is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for users to select and execute various processes repeatedly.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that stores job history information and registers multiple maintenance processes with a single operation element (pin), allowing for the automated execution of these processes when the pin is activated, thereby simplifying the maintenance workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple image quality maintenance processes are executed independently to address image quality deterioration, then the image quality can be recovered, but the time and effort required for users to select and execute multiple processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image quality maintenance processes into a single integrated process that can be executed by operating one button. The control unit automatically selects and executes multiple maintenance processes (cleaning process, image quality adjustment process, component replacement) based on detected image quality deterioration, eliminating the need for users to manually select and execute each process separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-maintenance by automatically detecting image quality deterioration and selecting appropriate maintenance processes without user intervention. The control unit autonomously determines which maintenance processes need to be executed and manages their execution, reducing the burden on users to manually identify and execute multiple separate processes.
2Reliability
If users manually select and execute multiple image quality maintenance processes, then specific deterioration issues can be addressed, but the operational complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate maintenance operations into a single integrated operation. Instead of requiring users to manually select and execute multiple independent processes (cleaning, image quality adjustment, component replacement), the system provides a single button that triggers automatic execution of all necessary maintenance processes based on detected issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously performs the decision-making process for selecting maintenance operations. The system self-diagnoses image quality deterioration and automatically determines which maintenance processes are needed, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through multiple process selection interfaces.
3Reliability
If image quality maintenance processes are executed frequently for business use, then image quality is maintained, but the time consumption for executing multiple processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple maintenance processes into a single executable operation. The control unit integrates cleaning processes, image quality adjustment processes, and component replacement decisions into one unified maintenance execution, allowing frequent maintenance without proportionally increasing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of image quality deterioration and pre-determines the necessary maintenance processes before execution. By analyzing the detected deterioration and automatically selecting appropriate maintenance processes in advance, the system reduces the time required for actual execution.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a processor configured to: cause a history of an executed image quality maintenance process to be stored in a memory as history information; register a plurality of image quality maintenance processes selected from the stored history information in connection with one operation element; and when an operation element connected with a plurality of image quality maintenance processes is operated, execute the plurality of image quality maintenance processes connected with the operation element.