Printer Trouble Notification via Frequency Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses often incorrectly cancel trouble detection information, leading to unreliable notification of component damage, which can result in unstable operation and difficulty in identifying the original cause of issues, causing unnecessary serviceman visits and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detection unit, storage unit, and determination unit that tracks abnormal condition occurrence frequencies, notifying users of repair needs when frequencies exceed a predetermined threshold and providing recovery methods when frequencies are below the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trouble detection information is canceled after a predetermined time, then the apparatus can recover from temporary electrical events, but the user may not be notified of persistent component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by storing trouble detection information in a non-volatile memory even after the predetermined time expires. This ensures that the information is preserved for future reference and can be notified to the user when needed, preventing the loss of critical troubleshooting data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether the same trouble is detected again after the predetermined time. If the trouble recurs, the control unit updates the stored information and maintains notification readiness, ensuring that persistent issues are not overlooked despite the time lapse.
2Reliability
If the apparatus stops operation when a trouble is detected, then the user is notified of the trouble, but the apparatus cannot complete the current job
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit segments the response to trouble detection into different scenarios based on the detected abnormal condition. For electrical events (temporary troubles), the apparatus continues operation and notifies the user afterward. For mechanical failures, the apparatus stops immediately. This segmentation allows the system to maintain productivity while ensuring reliable trouble notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the type of trouble detected. When an electrical event is detected, the control unit allows the current job to complete before notifying the user. When a mechanical failure is detected, the system immediately stops operation. This dynamic response optimizes both productivity and reliability based on the specific situation.
3Loss of information
If the apparatus notifies the user of every detected trouble, then the user is informed of all abnormalities, but the user may be confused by frequent notifications of temporary issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies local quality by differentiating the notification strategy based on the specific type of abnormal condition. For electrical events, the system waits for confirmation before notifying. For mechanical failures, immediate notification is provided. This localized differentiation ensures that users receive appropriate notifications without confusion from temporary issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the notification parameter based on the trouble type and occurrence frequency. When the same electrical trouble is detected multiple times within a short period, the control unit suppresses repeated notifications. When a mechanical failure is detected, the notification is sent immediately. This parameter change optimizes user understanding while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises: a detection unit which detects the abnormal condition of the image forming apparatus; a storage unit which stores, as history information, information about a type of the abnormal condition and an occurrence situation of the abnormal condition in a case where the detection unit detects the abnormal condition; a determination unit which determines whether an occurrence frequency of the abnormal condition which has newly occurred is higher than a predetermined frequency; and a notification unit which, in a case where an abnormal condition has newly occurred and the determination unit determines that the occurrence frequency of the abnormal condition which has newly occurred is higher than the predetermined frequency, stops the image forming apparatus and notifies the user of trouble information for making a repair request by the user.