Hardware Self-Diagnosis Segmentation for Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses experience prolonged startup times due to frequent hardware self-diagnosis upon main power turn-on, which is unnecessary and slows down operation, while there is a need for reduced startup time and improved accuracy in detecting hardware failures caused by aging or use environment.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hardware self-diagnosing unit with both simplified and detailed diagnosis modes, where self-diagnosis is performed in detailed mode at predetermined intervals stored in memory and in simplified mode between these intervals, allowing for reduced startup time and accurate failure detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware self-diagnosis is performed every time main power is turned on, then hardware failure detection reliability is improved, but startup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware failure detection reliabilityVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The self-diagnosis function is segmented into two distinct modes: simplified diagnosis mode for rapid checking and detailed diagnosis mode for comprehensive inspection. This segmentation allows the system to perform basic reliability checks every time power is turned on while reserving extensive detailed diagnostics for scheduled intervals, thereby resolving the contradiction between rapid startup and thorough detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnosis mode is made dynamic and adaptable based on system state. The control unit determines whether to execute simplified or detailed diagnosis mode according to operational conditions such as whether the apparatus has been running for a predetermined period. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize between startup speed and detection thoroughness in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If detailed hardware self-diagnosis is performed frequently, then detection accuracy of hardware failures is improved, but startup time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of hardware failuresVSAvoidstartup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Detailed diagnosis mode is executed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The control unit schedules comprehensive hardware inspections at specific time intervals, while simplified diagnosis mode is performed in between these intervals. This periodic action ensures detection accuracy is maintained at scheduled intervals while maximizing startup efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnosis intensity parameter is changed based on system state. The control unit adjusts the diagnosis mode parameter (simplified vs. detailed) according to operational conditions such as elapsed time since last detailed diagnosis or specific trigger events. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain detection accuracy when needed while optimizing startup efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If simplified diagnosis mode is used always, then startup time is reduced, but detection accuracy of hardware failures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup timeVSAvoiddetection accuracy of hardware failures

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnosis function is segmented into simplified and detailed modes with distinct diagnostic scopes. Simplified mode performs basic checks suitable for frequent execution during startup, while detailed mode conducts comprehensive inspections for scheduled maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to use simplified mode for rapid startup while maintaining the option for thorough detailed diagnostics at appropriate intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by executing only the necessary diagnostic checks in simplified mode during startup, rather than performing complete detailed diagnostics every time. This partial action approach reduces startup time while maintaining adequate detection capability for common issues, with the option to perform excessive (comprehensive) action when scheduled intervals require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8284415B2Image forming apparatus, hardware self-diagnosing method, and hardware self-diagnosing program

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A hardware self-diagnosing method for performing a hardware self-diagnosis of an image forming apparatus includes reading a set value stored in a memory unit of the image forming apparatus; performing the hardware self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus in a detailed diagnosis mode at intervals determined by the set value stored in the memory unit; and performing the hardware self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus in a simplified diagnosis mode in between the intervals at which the hardware self-diagnosis is performed in the detailed diagnosis mode. The set value may be a period of time or a number of recording media outputted by the image forming apparatus.