Image Forming Apparatus Color Output Control via Feature Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack effective control over color output, as they cannot determine whether to output image data as a color or monochrome image based on the status of the apparatus or the nature of the image, leading to inefficient supply management and unauthorized color output.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a processor to RIP convert image data, determine whether it corresponds to a color or monochrome image, extract features, and compare these features against stored determination references to decide on output as a color or monochrome image, allowing controlled output based on the apparatus's status and image characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If color output is limited to control supply consumption, then supply usage is reduced, but the ability to output appropriate color images is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the color output control selective rather than universal. The image forming apparatus evaluates each image individually based on its characteristics (such as color content, importance, or user preferences) and decides whether to output in color or monochrome. This allows color output capability to be preserved for appropriate images while restricting it for others, thereby reducing overall supply consumption without completely compromising the ability to output color images when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of color output decision from a fixed setting to a dynamic evaluation based on image characteristics. By analyzing parameters such as the proportion of color pixels, image type, or designated importance levels, the system adjusts the output mode (color or monochrome) accordingly. This parameter-based approach enables intelligent control of supply consumption while maintaining color output capability for images that warrant it.
2Loss of substance
If automatic color determination is implemented, then supply consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image forming apparatus to automatically evaluate image characteristics and make color output decisions without external intervention. The system analyzes the input image data, determines whether color output is appropriate based on predefined criteria, and executes the decision autonomously. This self-service mechanism optimizes supply consumption through automatic control while minimizing the need for complex user interfaces or external authorization systems.
3Loss of substance
If color output is restricted without exception, then supply consumption is controlled, but flexibility in response to image characteristics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the color output restriction flexible and adaptive rather than static and uniform. The system dynamically evaluates each image's characteristics (such as color content, image type, or designated importance) and adjusts the output mode accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the apparatus to respond appropriately to different image natures, permitting color output for important or color-critical images while restricting it for others, thereby optimizing supply consumption without losing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus outputting a color image and a monochrome image obtains data for output image by RIP-convert of accepted image data, and extracts feature of the data for output image. When the data for output image is determined to correspond to a color image, the image forming apparatus outputs a color image corresponding to the data for output image, on condition that the feature satisfies a determination reference.