Print Module Status Lighting for Jam Location Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems struggle to quickly and accurately inform users about the occurrence and location of abnormalities, as conventional rotary beacon lamps require user education to understand the content of the abnormality and associate it with the position of the issue.
Innovation Solution
The system employs light-emitting informing sections placed at visible positions on each print module within the image forming apparatus, using distinct lighting patterns, colors, and intensities to indicate the occurrence and location of events such as jams or resource shortages, allowing users to identify the affected module without needing to approach the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotary beacon lamp is used to inform users of abnormalities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly understand the content and position of abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The informing function is segmented by providing multiple light-emitting informing sections (first informing section and second informing section) at different positions on the image forming apparatus. Each section can independently indicate abnormalities, allowing users to quickly identify the position and content of issues without complex device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Different light-emitting sections are placed at specific locations corresponding to different functional areas of the apparatus. The first informing section is positioned to indicate abnormalities in one area while the second informing section indicates abnormalities in another area, providing localized information that helps users quickly understand where problems occur
2Device complexity
If a single rotary beacon lamp is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the loss of information increases because it is difficult to associate the abnormality position with the lighting pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The informing system is divided into multiple independent light-emitting sections positioned at different locations on the apparatus. Each section provides visual feedback corresponding to its specific area, eliminating the information loss that occurs when using a single centralized beacon lamp
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light-emitting informing sections are distributed throughout the apparatus, creating visual copies of the abnormality indication at locations near the actual problems. This allows users to immediately associate the lighting indication with the affected area without needing to interpret complex rotary patterns
3Ease of operation
If multiple light-emitting informing sections are provided at visible positions, then the ease of operation is improved by enabling quick identification of abnormality position and content, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The informing function is segmented into multiple light-emitting sections positioned at strategic locations on the apparatus. Each section independently provides visual feedback for its corresponding area, enabling users to quickly identify abnormality position and content while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through functional decomposition
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 approach enhances user understanding of the event's position and content, improving the operability and convenience of the image forming apparatus by providing immediate and clear visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting informing sections placed at visible positions on each print module
Data Source
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Figure 2A
Figure 2B-1
AI summary
An image forming system includes a light-emitting section provided at a position visible from outside an image forming apparatus, a display section, and a control unit configured to control light emission by the light-emitting section and display by the display section based on a result of detecting a state of the image forming apparatus by a detection section, wherein the light emission by the light-emitting section includes light emission in a form according to the state, wherein the display by the display section includes display of information indicating handling according to the state, and wherein after the light emission by the light-emitting section and the display by the display section are performed, and in a case where the handling is performed, the control unit ends the light emission and the display and performs light emission by a light-emitting section different from the light-emitting section and display by the display section.