Memory Output Frequency Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus FCOT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing First Copy Output Time (FCOT) and increasing productivity, particularly in one-sided mode, due to long data transfer times and high power consumption, while also being costly and complex due to parallel data transfer in double-sided mode.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a memory system that adjusts memory output frequencies based on operating modes, allowing for sequential data transfer in both one-sided and double-sided modes, optimizing data processing and reducing unnecessary corrections, thus improving FCOT and system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If image data is transferred sequentially from memory to image processing unit, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to longer data transfer time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the memory output frequency adjustable based on operating mode. In one-sided mode, a lower frequency is used to simplify the data transfer system, while in double-sided mode, a higher frequency is used to maintain productivity despite sequential transfer. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between system complexity and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of memory output frequency according to the operating mode. By lowering the frequency in one-sided mode and raising it in double-sided mode, the system adapts to different productivity requirements while maintaining sequential data transfer architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified system design and maintained productivity.
2Productivity
If memory output frequency is increased to maintain productivity in sequential transfer mode, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts memory output frequency based on operating mode. In one-sided mode, lower frequency reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate productivity. In double-sided mode, higher frequency is used only when necessary to maintain productivity, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and power consumption through adaptive frequency control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the memory output frequency parameter according to operating conditions. By using lower frequencies in one-sided mode and higher frequencies in double-sided mode, the system optimizes the balance between productivity requirements and power consumption, resolving the contradiction through conditional parameter adjustment.
3Productivity
If parallel data transfer is implemented for double-sided mode, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the memory output frequency parameter rather than changing the fundamental sequential transfer architecture. In double-sided mode, the higher frequency compensates for the sequential transfer limitation, maintaining productivity without requiring complex parallel transfer hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity and cost.
4Loss of time
If FCOT is reduced by faster data transfer, then FCOT is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts memory output frequency to reduce FCOT only when necessary. In double-sided mode, higher frequency accelerates data transfer to reduce FCOT. In one-sided mode, lower frequency is used, accepting longer FCOT in exchange for reduced power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between FCOT and power consumption through adaptive frequency control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which is capable of reading an original, temporarily storing image data in a storage unit, and then transferring the image data to an image forming unit to improve FCOT in forming an image. A memory stores image data output from image reading units. An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data stored in the memory. A first memory output frequency in a first mode in which one side of an original is read and an image is formed on one side of a recording medium is lower than a second memory output frequency in a second mode in which both sides of an original are read and an image is formed both sides of a recording medium.