Scanner Motor Speed Judgment for Printer Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as laser printers, face issues with determining the readiness state of the scanner motor due to temperature dependency, leading to potential faulty judgments and inefficiencies in printout times, especially at low temperatures, and require additional temperature detection units, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a speed information detection unit to assess the scanner motor's rotational speed, with first and second judgment units determining if the motor has reached specific reference speeds within set timeframes, allowing for appropriate processing based on temperature without separate temperature detection, thus simplifying the configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature detection unit is added to detect the temperature of the apparatus and lengthen the judgment term based on temperature, then the erroneous sensing of scanner motor fault is suppressed, but the number of components increases and the configuration becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature detection function from a separate temperature detection unit and integrates it into the existing speed information detection unit. The speed information detection unit now performs dual functions: detecting rotational speed and inferring temperature conditions based on acceleration characteristics. This eliminates the need for additional temperature sensors and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature-based judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed information detection unit is transformed into a multi-functional component that serves both speed detection and temperature inference purposes. By analyzing the acceleration characteristics and time required to reach reference speeds, the unit universally handles both rotational speed monitoring and thermal state assessment, reducing the total number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If the time period for judging the scanner motor as being in a ready state is indiscriminately determined depending upon temperatures, then the ready state can be established, but the first printout time increases due to wasteful time lapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the judgment term based on real-time acceleration characteristics rather than using fixed time periods. The control unit continuously monitors the acceleration profile and adapts the ready state judgment timing accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to minimize waiting time while ensuring accurate ready state detection, thereby reducing first printout time without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own speed information detection capabilities to self-determine the appropriate judgment term based on observed acceleration patterns. Rather than relying on predetermined fixed time periods or external temperature sensors, the system serves itself by inferring temperature conditions from its own operational characteristics and automatically adjusting the ready state judgment timing.
3Reliability
If the judgment term is lengthened to accommodate low temperature operation, then the scanner motor can be accurately judged, but the productivity decreases due to extended waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The judgment term is transformed from a static, temperature-dependent fixed value into a dynamic parameter that adapts to actual motor performance. The control unit calculates the judgment term based on real-time acceleration characteristics observed during motor startup, allowing the system to maintain accurate judgment regardless of temperature conditions while minimizing unnecessary waiting time and maximizing printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for judgment from a fixed time period to a variable term derived from acceleration characteristics. By monitoring how quickly the motor reaches reference speeds and using this information to infer temperature conditions, the system dynamically adjusts the judgment term to match actual motor performance, ensuring reliable state detection while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: a speed information detection unit detecting speed information corresponding to a rotational speed of a scanner motor; a first judgment unit judging if the scanner motor has arrived at a first reference speed being lower than a rotational speed in scanning within a first term; a second judgment unit judging if the scanner motor has arrived at a second reference speed being not lower than the first reference speed after the first term, when the first judgment unit judges that the scanner motor has not arrived at the first reference speed within the first term; and an image formation unit initiating an image formation process when the first judgment unit judges that the scanner motor has arrived at the first reference speed within the first term and when the second judgment unit judges that the scanner motor has arrived at the second reference speed.