Wireless Image Forming System Arrangement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems using wireless communication struggle to identify the physical arrangement order of processing apparatuses, leading to inefficiencies in cooperation and potential delays in sheet conveyance and processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus, multiple accessory apparatuses, and a base station for wireless communication, where the image forming apparatus acquires information on the arrangement order of accessory apparatuses through the base station and displays this information to the user for registration, utilizing the Fifth Generation Mobile Communication System (5G) for low-delay communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used instead of wired communication, then the change and relocation of optional apparatuses becomes easier, but the ability to identify the physical arrangement order of apparatuses is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary device that mediates communication between the image forming apparatus and multiple optional apparatuses. The base station receives wireless signals from optional apparatuses, extracts their identification information, and transmits this information to the image forming apparatus. This intermediary solution enables wireless communication while preserving the ability to identify the physical arrangement order of apparatuses, thus resolving the contradiction between wireless adaptability and information retention.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for cooperation among apparatuses, then cable connections are eliminated, but sufficient information acquisition for cooperation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves as a communication intermediary that collects identification information from multiple optional apparatuses via wireless communication and transmits this information to the image forming apparatus. This enables the image forming apparatus to acquire necessary cooperation information wirelessly, maintaining ease of operation while preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically connecting apparatuses via cables to exchange information, the system uses wireless signals transmitted through the base station to convey identification and arrangement information, thereby eliminating mechanical connections while preserving information exchange capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, a plurality of accessory apparatuses arranged side by side along a conveyance direction of the sheet, and a base station configured to wirelessly communicate with the image forming apparatus and the plurality of accessory apparatuses. The image forming apparatus includes one or more controllers configured to function as (i) a unit configured to acquire, from the base station, information that the base station acquires by wirelessly communicating with the plurality of accessory apparatuses, and (ii) a unit configured to output screen information for registering information about an arrangement order of the plurality of accessory apparatuses, based on the information acquired from the base station.