Networked Image Forming Apparatus Deterioration Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In managed print services environments, accurately estimating the lifetime of replaceable units in image forming apparatuses without detecting means for recording medium characteristics is challenging, leading to inaccurate prediction and increased management costs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system where a first apparatus without a detecting portion for recording medium characteristics connects to a second apparatus with a detecting portion via a network line, allowing the second apparatus to share characteristic information for calculating the degree of deterioration of replaceable units, such as the feeding rotatable member, using surface smoothness and thickness as key characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detecting portion is installed in each image forming apparatus to detect recording medium characteristics, then the accuracy of estimating the degree of deterioration of replaceable units is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thickness sensor to detect the thickness of the recording medium, which serves as a characteristic parameter to identify the paper type. This copying approach allows the system to infer recording medium characteristics without requiring complex detecting portions in each apparatus, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the main assembly (which includes the thickness sensor) serve multiple functions: it not only performs the primary function of forming images but also detects recording medium characteristics and calculates the degree of deterioration of replaceable units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detecting portions in each apparatus, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the main assembly is replaced frequently to ensure continuous operation, then the reliability of continuous image forming is improved, but the loss of time and management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and notifies the estimated degree of deterioration of replaceable units before they actually fail. By performing this preliminary assessment and notifying users in advance, the system allows for planned replacements rather than reactive ones, reducing unexpected downtime and management costs while ensuring continuous operation reliability.
3Reliability
If the number of sheets subjected to passing and number of rotations are monitored to estimate deterioration, then the reliability of deterioration estimation is improved, but the loss of information about recording medium characteristics is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the thickness sensor to identify the recording medium type and then applies this information to adjust the deterioration calculation. The system continuously monitors the thickness of the recording medium and uses this feedback to accurately determine paper type characteristics, which are then incorporated into the deterioration estimation, maintaining both reliability and information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus connected with the first image forming apparatus by a network line. When a second stacking portion of the second image forming apparatus is associated with a first stacking portion of the first image forming apparatus by a setting portion, an arithmetic portion acquires information related to the characteristic of a second recording medium stacked by the second stacking portion via the network line and obtains a degree of deterioration of a feeding rotatable member of the first image forming apparatus based on the acquired information related to the characteristic of the second recording medium.