Tandem Image Forming Apparatus Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with a tandem configuration, the burden on the controller is high due to long data transfer times between image forming apparatuses, leading to print delays and inefficiencies, especially when regenerating jobs or changing print settings.
Innovation Solution
Each image forming apparatus is equipped with a storage section to store job data and image data for all pages and a control section that reads out this data to perform jobs again, reducing the need for continuous data transfer and controller burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transferred among image forming apparatuses when printing starts, then each apparatus can perform jobs based on received data, but the timing of starting printing of each image forming apparatus is delayed by the transfer time of data among the image forming apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller transfer job data to all image forming apparatuses in advance before actual printing begins. Each apparatus stores the received data in its storage section, so when printing starts, no data transfer delay occurs. This resolves the contradiction by performing the data transfer action beforehand, eliminating the time loss during printing operations.
2Device complexity
If a predetermined controller receives data regarding image forming and transmits it to other image forming apparatuses, then data transfer is centralized, but when printing is performed after test printing or print setting, the timing of starting printing is delayed by the transfer time of data among the image forming apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary data distribution to all image forming apparatuses before printing operations begin. Each apparatus stores the complete job data locally, enabling immediate printing without waiting for data transfer during actual operation. This maintains centralized control while eliminating time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller creates copies of the job data and distributes them to all image forming apparatuses. Each apparatus maintains a local copy in its storage section, allowing independent access without requiring continuous communication with the controller or other apparatuses during printing, thus eliminating transfer delays.
3Ease of operation
If each controller processes print data independently, then each image forming apparatus can operate autonomously, but similar processing is performed in each controller which consumes high cost and is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data processing function into a single controller while distributing the printing function to multiple image forming apparatuses. The controller performs centralized processing of print data into job data, which is then distributed to apparatuses that execute the printing. This eliminates redundant processing in each controller while maintaining apparatus autonomy for actual printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming system including a series tandem configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are linked and the plurality of image forming apparatuses each form an image of a different printing face to perform a job, the system including: a storage section which is provided in each of the image forming apparatuses and which stores job data and image data regarding all pages of the job; and a control section which is provided in each of the image forming apparatuses, and which reads out job data and image data of an already performed job from the storage section, and performs control of performing the job again based on the read out job data and image data.