Image Forming Apparatus Data Classification for Direct Print

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require large storage capacity and processing power for direct print methods, leading to efficiency declines due to the storage of data unrelated to image formation.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that analyzes and classifies data from print jobs, discarding non-essential data and generating bitmap data only for image formation, thereby reducing storage needs and optimizing processing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data unrelated to image formation is stored separately, then data related to image formation can be processed, but storage capacity requirements increase and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation processingVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes data unrelated to image formation from the input data stream before processing. The image processing apparatus identifies and discards portions of the data that are not necessary for generating the image, storing only the essential image formation data. This extraction principle directly reduces storage capacity requirements while maintaining reliable image formation processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If data unrelated to image formation is stored separately, then data related to image formation can be processed, but processing capacity is consumed and image formation efficiency declines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation processingVSAvoidimage formation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes data unrelated to image formation from the input data stream before processing. The image processing apparatus identifies and discards portions of the data that are not necessary for generating the image, storing only the essential image formation data. This extraction principle directly reduces storage capacity requirements while maintaining reliable image formation processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary filtering and identification of essential data before the main image formation processing occurs. By预先 identifying and removing non-essential data portions, the system prepares the data stream in advance, ensuring that only necessary data undergoes the computationally intensive image formation processes. This preliminary action improves processing efficiency by reducing the workload on the image formation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If all data from print jobs is stored, then complete data availability is achieved, but storage capacity increases and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes data unrelated to image formation from the input data stream before processing. The image processing apparatus identifies and discards portions of the data that are not necessary for generating the image, storing only the essential image formation data. This extraction principle directly reduces storage capacity requirements while maintaining reliable image formation processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing treatments to different portions of the input data based on their relevance to image formation. Essential data portions are stored and processed with high fidelity, while non-essential portions are discarded. This local quality approach ensures that storage resources are allocated efficiently based on the specific needs of each data portion, maintaining adaptability for image formation while reducing overall storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2610734B1Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2018.10.24 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

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AI summary

An image forming apparatus (1) has a direct print function by which application data is obtained from an external device so that image formation is performed. The image forming apparatus (1) includes an obtaining unit (11), a classification unit (12), a discarding unit (12), a storage unit (13), an image processing unit (14) and an image forming unit (15). The obtaining unit (11) obtains the application data. The classification unit (12) classifies the application data into use data used for the image formation and no-use data not used for the image formation on the basis of a predetermined setting related to the image formation. The discarding unit (12) discards the no-use data. The storage unit (13) stores the use data. The image processing unit (14) generates print data on the basis of the stored use data. The image forming unit (15) performs the image formation on the basis of the print data.