Relay Unit for Universal Option Controller in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require a separate option controller for each type of print engine due to varying specifications, leading to increased development costs and complexity in designing controllers for different models.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a main controller and a relay unit that receives and processes raster image data from an option controller, allowing the main controller to execute processes dependent on the print engine and store data for later supply to the print engine, thus eliminating the need for multiple controller designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate option controller is provided for each type of print engine, then the controller can be optimized for specific print engine specifications, but the device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal option controller that can interface with multiple types of print engines through a standardized interface. The relay unit acts as an adapter that translates control signals from the universal controller to various print engine specifications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each print engine type while maintaining optimized control capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If the option controller is designed for each print engine type, then the control precision can be maintained, but the development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit serves as an intermediary component between the universal option controller and the print engine. It receives standardized control signals from the universal controller and converts them into print engine-specific signals, thereby maintaining control precision without requiring custom controller designs for each print engine type, significantly reducing development costs.
3Device complexity
If a universal option controller is used for all print engine types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle specific print engine requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit dynamically adapts its behavior based on the connected print engine type. It includes detection mechanisms that identify the print engine specifications and automatically configure the signal conversion accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows a single universal controller to handle diverse print engine requirements without compromising versatility or requiring complex hardware designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a print engine configured to print an image based on raster image data, a main controller configured to execute a process that depends on the print engine, and a relay unit configured to receive the raster image data from an option controller that generates the raster image data, store the raster image data in a memory, receive a control command based on a result of the process that depends on the print engine from the main controller, read the raster image data from the memory in accordance with the control command, and supply the read raster image data to the print engine.