Initial Setup Screen Control for Faster Image Forming Startup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing apparatuses require additional time to become ready for use after installation due to the need for initial operations on image forming units, which are restarted before completion, necessitating further operations post-restart.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus executes initial wizard screens in parallel with initial operations for the image forming unit, controlling display of completion screens based on operation progress to prevent unnecessary restarts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the apparatus performs initial operations for the image forming unit sequentially after initial setup, then the setup process is simple, but the time required before the apparatus is ready for use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup process simplicityVSAvoidtime required before apparatus is ready for use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs initial operations for the image forming unit in parallel with the initial setup wizard, completing necessary operations before the user finishes configuration. This preliminary execution of operations during the setup phase reduces the time required after setup completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by executing initial operations continuously in the background during the setup process, rather than pausing setup to wait for operations to complete. This continuous parallel execution eliminates idle time and accelerates readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If the apparatus restarts before initial operations are completed, then setup can proceed, but additional initial operations are required after restart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup speedVSAvoidnumber of restarts required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors the completion status of initial operations and uses this feedback to control the restart process. Restart is triggered only when initial operations are confirmed complete, preventing the need for additional post-restart operations and reducing overall setup complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus ensures initial operations are completed as a preliminary step before initiating restart, so that when the system comes back online, all necessary initialization is already done and no further operations are needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the apparatus waits for initial operations to complete before displaying setup completion, then operations are ensured to finish, but setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation completion assuranceVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Initial operations are executed in advance during the setup process itself, so by the time setup completion is displayed, the operations have already been performed. This preliminary execution during setup maintains reliability while eliminating post-setup waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs initial operations continuously in the background throughout the setup process, maintaining uninterrupted progress on both setup and operations simultaneously, rather than sequentially completing one before the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4657840A1Processing apparatus and display control method
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SHARP KK
  • EP4657840A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657840A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657840A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A processing apparatus includes: a controller that controls display of a screen; a display that displays the screen; and a device that requires initial operations for startup thereof. The controller receives input for initial setup of the apparatus via the screen, processes the reception of the input for the initial setup of the apparatus and the initial operations for the device in parallel, and controls display of a completion screen that is displayed at an end of the initial setup of the apparatus depending on the progress of the initial operations.