Unit State Transfer via QR Backup in Refurbished Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transferring counter information of reusable units during recycling operations when the image forming section malfunctions, preventing effective handover of unit state information to the receiving apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a hardware processor that forms a print image with state information on a sheet, which is stored in an external storage device, ensuring the information is transferred even if the image forming section is faulty, and allows for multiple units' information to be stored collectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming section is used to print QR codes for counter information transfer, then the recycling operation can proceed efficiently, but the process fails when the image forming section has problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup copy of the QR code image data in external storage device before the recycling operation. This copy serves as a backup that can be used if the image forming section fails during the actual transfer operation, ensuring the recycling process can continue without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing the QR code image data in external storage device in advance, before the recycling operation is actually executed. This preliminary storage ensures that the counter information is readily available and can be transferred even if the image forming section becomes defective during the operation.
2Device complexity
If counter information is stored only in the image forming apparatus main body, then the storage is integrated, but the information cannot be transferred when the image forming section malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external storage device as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus main body and the recycling operation. This intermediary stores backup copies of QR code images, serving as a mediator that enables information transfer even when the direct path through the image forming section is blocked by malfunctions.
3Ease of operation
If the QR code is printed on a sheet, then the counter information can be visually verified, but the process cannot proceed if printing is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the QR code image in external storage device that can be used as a substitute for physical printing. This copy maintains the visual verification capability through digital display while ensuring operation continuity by being independent of the image forming section's printing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that includes: a unit; and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached, the image forming apparatus including: an image former that forms an image on a sheet; and a hardware processor that causes the image former to form, on the sheet, a print image including state information indicating a state of the unit to be handed over from an image forming apparatus from which the unit is removed to an image forming apparatus to which the unit is attached in refurbishing work, and stores at least a portion of the print image indicating the state information in an external storage device.