Printer Lock Mechanism Prevents Unnecessary Memory Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses perform unnecessary preparation operations even when the user does not open the openable portion, leading to inefficiency and potential wear on nonvolatile memory.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a lock unit, display unit, detection unit, execution unit, and unlock unit that only executes preparation processing and unlocks the openable portion when a user operation is detected on a locked openable portion, ensuring that preparation operations are only performed when the user intends to access the print unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the preparation operation is performed automatically after each image forming operation ends, then the print unit is ready for user access, but unnecessary preparation operations are executed when the user does not open the openable portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for user accessVSAvoidunnecessary preparation operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preparation operations in advance only when the user actually attempts to open the openable portion, rather than automatically after every image forming operation. The detection unit monitors user opening attempts and triggers preparation processing only at that moment, eliminating wasteful preliminary actions while maintaining readiness when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the preparation operation is performed each time the openable portion is unlocked, then the print unit is prepared for maintenance operations, but the nonvolatile memory undergoes unnecessary wear from frequent write operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for maintenance operationsVSAvoidnonvolatile memory lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit provides feedback by monitoring whether the user actually attempts to open the openable portion. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to conditionally execute preparation operations only when triggered by a detected opening attempt, rather than unconditionally after every image forming operation. This reduces unnecessary write operations to nonvolatile memory while ensuring preparation is completed when the user actually needs access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the lock unit locks the openable portion during image forming operations, then safety is improved, but user control over timing of preparation operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during image forming operationsVSAvoiduser control over preparation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the locking state based on real-time detection of user opening attempts. When the detection unit detects that the user is attempting to open the openable portion, the control unit unlocks it and triggers preparation operations. This dynamic response maintains safety during image forming operations while granting user control when needed, resolving the contradiction between safety and user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11020997B2Printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect that a predetermined user operation for unlocking an opening and closing portion is made on a predetermined screen displayed on a display portion in a state where the opening and closing portion is locked, an unlock unit configured to, in a case where the predetermined user operation is detected to be made, unlock the opening and closing portion, and an execution unit configured to, in a case where the predetermined user operation is detected to be made, execute predetermined preparation processing on a printing portion.