Test Chart Reading Control in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack user-selectable reading modes for test charts after printing, limiting flexibility and convenience in adjusting printing conditions and diagnosing image failures.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a printer, a reading unit, and a controller that allows users to select between ADF reading and platen reading modes after receiving a print instruction for a test chart, enabling the apparatus to convey and read the test chart based on user selection, and adjust printing conditions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reading mode is fixed before printing the test chart, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot select the appropriate reading mode after printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the reading mode based on the actual placement of the test chart after printing, rather than requiring fixed pre-selection. The controller detects whether the test chart is placed on the platen or in the ADF tray, and automatically selects the appropriate reading mode accordingly, making the system adaptive to user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the reading mode by detecting the test chart's placement location, eliminating the need for manual user selection. The controller self-adjusts the reading configuration based on the physical state of the test chart, reducing operational steps while maintaining flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reading mode is selected before printing, then the productivity is improved by reducing steps, but the adaptability deteriorates because users cannot adjust to different installation environments and sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pre-selection approach to a dynamic post-placement determination approach. The reading mode adapts based on the actual test chart placement and sheet characteristics, enabling the system to accommodate different installation environments (ADF-only, platen-only, or both) and various sheet sizes without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (reading mode) based on detected conditions (test chart placement location, sheet size, device configuration). The controller adjusts the reading configuration parameters dynamically according to the physical state and environmental conditions, providing adaptability across different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus a controller receives user instruction information for printing a test chart, controls a printer to print the test chart on a sheet regardless of a result of reading mode selection, controls a display to display a screen for selecting a reading mode for reading the test chart among a plurality of reading modes, and controls a conveyance roller and a reading sensor to read the test chart on the sheet while conveying a stacked sheet in a case where a first reading mode is selected on the screen. The controller also controls the reading sensor to read the test chart on the sheet on a platen in a case where a second reading mode is selected on the screen, and controls density of the image to be printed by the printer based on a reading result of the test chart by the reading sensor.