Image Forming Unit State Handover via Printed and Displayed Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transferring counter information of reusable units during refurbishment operations, especially when the image forming section is malfunctioning, leading to incomplete or failed handover of state information.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a hardware processor that forms a print image with state information on a sheet and displays it on a display, allowing for the transfer of counter information even if the image forming section is malfunctioning, using QR codes or similar codes to convey unit states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming section is used to print QR codes for counter information transfer, then the handover process is efficient and automated, but the process fails completely when the image forming section malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary to transfer counter information. Instead of relying solely on the image forming section to print QR codes, the display device can show the same information, allowing operators to manually record or transfer data when printing fails, thus providing a backup pathway that maintains reliability while preserving automated efficiency when the image forming section is functional
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter of counter information from exclusively printed QR codes to multiple formats including displayed visual information. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between automated printing mode (when image forming works) and manual transcription mode (when display is used), resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability
2Reliability
If the operator manually transcribes counter information when printing fails, then the handover can proceed without image forming section functionality, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The display device serves as an intermediary that presents counter information in a visible format, enabling operators to quickly read and transfer data without manual transcription from printed sheets. This reduces handover time significantly compared to traditional manual methods while maintaining reliability when image forming is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the display device to show a visual copy of the counter information that mirrors what would appear in printed QR codes. This digital copy can be rapidly captured or transcribed by operators, reducing the time loss associated with manual information transfer while ensuring reliability independent of image forming section functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a unit and an image forming apparatus main body to which the unit is attached is described, the image forming apparatus including: an image former that forms an image on a sheet; and a hardware processor that forms, on the sheet by the image former, a print image including state information indicating a state of the unit to be handed over from the image forming apparatus from which the unit is detached to the image forming apparatus to which the unit is attached in a refurbish operation, and displays, on a display, at least a portion of the print image indicating the state information.