Image Synchronization Control for Modular Image Forming Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing software development techniques for image forming apparatuses require customization for each model, leading to inefficiencies in software reuse and prolonged development cycles due to complex control specifications and structural differences among various mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a modular software configuration that includes a TOD control module, timing roller driving module, image synchronization module, and sheet information module, which uses an image synchronization identifier to manage synchronization control based on the type of sheet and structural parameters, allowing for efficient reuse across different models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If software is customized for each image forming apparatus model, then control precision is improved, but software complexity and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal image synchronization control program that can be applied across multiple image forming apparatus models. The program uses a standardized control sequence that adapts to different models through parameter configuration rather than code customization, allowing one program to serve multiple functions across different hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to accommodate different model specifications. By defining model-specific parameters (such as conveyance speeds, distances, and timing values) that can be configured without modifying the core control logic, the system achieves model adaptability while maintaining a consistent software structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If software is customized for each image forming apparatus model, then control precision is improved, but development cycle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevelopment cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal image synchronization control program that can be applied across multiple image forming apparatus models. The program uses a standardized control sequence that adapts to different models through parameter configuration rather than code customization, allowing one program to serve multiple functions across different hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the control sequence structure and parameter templates before actual model-specific deployment. The standardized control sequence is prepared in advance with all necessary control steps outlined, and model-specific parameters are pre-configured, eliminating the need for time-consuming customization during implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If control specifications are made more complex to handle structural differences, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to accommodate different model specifications. By defining model-specific parameters (such as conveyance speeds, distances, and timing values) that can be configured without modifying the core control logic, the system achieves model adaptability while maintaining a consistent software structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8971788B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a sheet conveying unit, a TOD (Top of Data) control module for instructing the image forming unit to start generation of a toner image, a timing roller driving module for instructing the sheet conveying unit to start driving of the timing roller, an image synchronization module designed depending on the sheet conveying unit and the image forming unit, and a sheet information module for generating an image synchronization identifier for designating a pattern of image synchronization control related to printing of the toner image on the sheet, depending on a type of the sheet designated. The image synchronization module is activated when the formation of the toner image on the sheet has become possible, and activate each of the TOD control module and the timing roller driving module, with a relative time lag based on the image synchronization identifier.