Image Forming Apparatus Precedent Reading Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require lengthy setup processes with two distinct setting stages, leading to elongated job completion times and increased user complexity, as document reading is initiated only after all settings are completed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a reading unit, setting detection unit, display panel, operation unit, storage unit, and control unit that allows precedent reading and storage of image data, enabling job execution based on previously read data, thereby simplifying the process and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If document reading is executed after all settings are completed by the user, then the setting process can be completed thoroughly, but the required time from setting start until job completion is elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs document reading in advance before the user completes all settings. The reading unit reads the document and stores the image data in memory during the setting process, so that when the user finishes settings and presses the start key, the job can be executed immediately without waiting for document reading. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by decoupling the document reading timing from the job execution timing.
2Loss of time
If document reading is started at a time point when part of the setting process has been completed, then the required time from setting start until job completion is shortened, but the setting operation becomes complicated and the user may be burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs document reading as a preliminary action when the document is detected, without requiring the user to intervene or change their setting workflow. The reading process occurs in the background while the user continues with settings, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving time reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the document reading automatically based on detection of document presence, without requiring user initiation or management of the reading process. The reading unit and control unit work autonomously to read and store image data during the setting phase, freeing the user from managing the complexity of when and how reading occurs.
3Speed
If document reading is executed before job-related settings are completed, then the start of job execution can be accelerated, but the user may need to redo settings after document reading has started
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs document reading as a preliminary action that does not interfere with the setting process. The reading completes and stores image data in memory, but the actual job execution (printing, transmission, etc.) is postponed until the user completes settings and presses the start key. This ensures that even if reading finishes early, no settings need to be redone because the system waits for user confirmation before executing the job.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing coordination between document reading and job execution. The reading process operates independently and completes at its own pace, while the job execution is dynamically triggered only when the user finishes settings and presses start. This dynamic coordination allows reading to proceed without constraint while ensuring job execution occurs at the optimal moment.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit, a setting detection unit for detecting a document setting, a display panel, an operation unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and a job execution unit. Upon recognizing a document setting onto the reading unit, the control unit controls the reading unit to execute precedent reading for reading the set document. The control unit controls the storage unit to store precedently-read image data that are image data acquired by the precedent reading. The control unit controls the display panel to display a setting screen corresponding to a job type selected by the operation unit.