Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices face temperature deviations from reference temperatures, leading to operational issues and quality deterioration, with current cooling systems relying solely on internal fans being insufficient.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a processor configured to acquire device internal and room temperatures, operating an air conditioning device to maintain reference temperatures, even when the device is in operation, and optimizing cooling/heating based on multiple temperature sensors for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only internal fans are used for cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system complexityVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines internal fans with external air conditioning devices to form a hybrid cooling system. The processor coordinates both cooling sources to work together, merging their cooling capabilities to achieve better temperature control precision while managing the complexity through integrated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that receives temperature data from sensors and decides when to activate either internal fans, external air conditioning, or both. This mediator coordinate the cooling resources based on real-time temperature conditions, optimizing temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If air conditioning device is operated continuously, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioning device operates periodically rather than continuously. The processor monitors temperature via sensors and activates the air conditioning only when temperature exceeds thresholds, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that maintains stability while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation. The processor dynamically adjusts the cooling strategy based on real-time temperature readings, switching between internal fans, external air conditioning, or both, optimizing energy usage while maintaining temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are deployed, then temperature monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented across multiple temperature sensors placed at different locations within the device. Each sensor monitors a specific zone, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to achieve comprehensive temperature monitoring precision without requiring a single complex sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively suppresses temperature deviations, enhances operational efficiency, and prevents quality deterioration by dynamically adjusting the air conditioning based on real-time temperature data from multiple sensors, allowing for improved image forming device performance and energy savings.

Implementation Method 1

operate an air conditioning device that air-conditions a room in which the image forming device is installed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a fan provided in the image forming device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

acquire the device internal temperature from each of a plurality of device internal temperature sensors that detect a temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal detection: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP4435530A1Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4435530A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4435530A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4435530A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system includes at least one processor, in which the processor is configured to acquire a device internal temperature in an image forming device, and operate an air conditioning device that air-conditions a room in which the image forming device is installed, in a case where the device internal temperature is outside a predetermined reference device internal temperature.