Canon kabushiki kaisha (20240160124). IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, COMPONENT UNIT OF THE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR THE COMPONENT UNIT simplified abstract

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IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, COMPONENT UNIT OF THE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR THE COMPONENT UNIT

Organization Name

canon kabushiki kaisha

Inventor(s)

Takayuki Namiki of Kanagawa (JP)

Naoki Inoue of Kanagawa (JP)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, COMPONENT UNIT OF THE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR THE COMPONENT UNIT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240160124 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, COMPONENT UNIT OF THE IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR THE COMPONENT UNIT

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes an image forming apparatus that can attach and detach a component unit, with a storage device that stores use information indicating the use state of the component unit. The control unit can read and update this information, with limits on updating within a predetermined range in the first area of the storage device.

  • Image forming apparatus with attachable/detachable component unit:
 - The apparatus can be easily customized or upgraded by attaching different component units.
 - This allows for flexibility in functionality and maintenance of the apparatus.
  • Storage device with use information:
 - The storage device keeps track of the use state of the component unit.
 - This information helps in monitoring the performance and lifespan of the component unit.
  • Control unit for accessing and updating information:
 - The control unit can read and update the use information stored in the storage device.
 - This ensures accurate data on the component unit's usage.
  • Limit on updating use information:
 - The control unit has limits on updating the use information within a predetermined range.
 - This prevents unauthorized or excessive changes to the data.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various industries such as printing, scanning, and copying machines where component units need to be easily replaced or upgraded.

Problems Solved

1. Easy customization and maintenance of image forming apparatus. 2. Accurate monitoring of component unit's use state.

Benefits

1. Improved functionality and flexibility. 2. Enhanced performance monitoring and maintenance.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Customizable Image Forming Apparatus Technology for Enhanced Performance"

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to image forming apparatus with attachable component units, but specific examples are not provided in the abstract.

Unanswered Questions

How does the control unit determine the predetermined limit for updating the use information?

The abstract does not specify the method or criteria used by the control unit to set the predetermined limit for updating the use information within the storage device.

Are there any security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the storage device?

The abstract does not mention any security features or protocols that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the use information stored in the storage device.


Original Abstract Submitted

an image forming apparatus configured to perform image formation using a component unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus is provided. the image forming apparatus includes: an access unit configured to access a storage device included in the component unit attached to the main body; and a control unit configured to control the access unit to read and update information stored in the storage device. the storage device includes a first area and a second area configured to store use information indicating a use state of the component unit, and updating of the use information stored in the first area by the control unit is configured such that updating only within a predetermined limit is permitted, and no limit is provided on updating of the use information stored in the second area.