Image Forming Unit Selection to Shorten Print Start Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses with multiple image forming units experience delays in forming an image due to units being out of order or undergoing adjustments, leading to prolonged wait times before image formation can commence.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with multiple image forming units and a processor that dynamically selects an available unit for image formation based on unit status and toner availability, ensuring efficient use of units capable of immediate printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a preset image forming unit is used for image formation, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but the image formation time increases when the preset unit is busy or unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidimage formation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which image forming unit to use based on real-time operational status. Instead of statically assigning a preset unit, the control device checks the availability of multiple image forming units and dynamically routes the printing instruction to an available unit, thereby reducing waiting time while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple image forming units with identical color configurations are made universally interchangeable. Each unit can serve as a substitute for another when needed, allowing the system to flexibly allocate printing tasks to any available unit rather than being constrained to a single preset unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image forming units are configured with identical colors, then the system can flexibly select available units, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit selection flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of image forming units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image forming function into multiple identical, independent units. Each unit is a complete, self-contained image forming section with the same color configuration, allowing them to be independently controlled and selected based on availability rather than requiring complex integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the system waits for the preset image forming unit to become available, then unit assignment is simple, but the productivity decreases due to prolonged idle time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit assignment simplicityVSAvoidimage formation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary checking of image forming unit availability before assigning printing instructions. By proactively identifying available units in advance rather than waiting for preset units to become free, the system reduces idle time and improves throughput while keeping the assignment logic relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12631991B2Image forming apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing image forming program for shortening time period from reception of print instruction to image formation

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes plural image forming units including plural image forming sections and an intermediate transfer body to which a toner image formed on the plural image forming sections is primarily transferred, and a processor, in which the processor is configured to, in a case where a printing instruction is received in a state in which an image forming section having a combination of identical colors is set for each of the plural image forming units, execute the printing instruction by using an image forming unit that is in a state in which image formation is able to be executed among the plural image forming units.