Image Forming Apparatus: Executable Settings for Multi-Device Previews
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where a print job requires multiple image forming apparatuses to execute, generating a coherent pre-confirmation image is challenging due to differences in processing capabilities, leading to potential contradictions when some apparatuses cannot execute the original setting content of the print instruction.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatuses generate preview images based on adjustable setting content that aligns with their capabilities, allowing for the combination of images from different devices, even when some cannot execute the original print instruction settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an image forming apparatus executes a printing process by changing setting content to be executable, then the printing process can be completed, but the pre-confirmation image may contradict with other apparatuses making combination impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of executable settings before generating pre-confirmation images. The image forming apparatus determines settings that are executable in advance, generates pre-confirmation images based on these determined settings, and transmits both the determined settings and pre-confirmation image to the terminal apparatus. This preliminary action ensures consistency across multiple apparatuses while enabling the printing process to be executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by transmitting the determined executable settings from the image forming apparatus back to the terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus uses this feedback information to understand what settings are actually executable, allowing it to present accurate information to the user and coordinate properly with multiple apparatuses. This feedback mechanism prevents pre-confirmation image contradictions by ensuring all parties work with the same executable settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image forming apparatuses are used for one print instruction, then printing capability is enhanced, but generating coherent pre-confirmation images becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary by determining executable settings and generating pre-confirmation images based on these determined settings. The apparatus transmits both the determined settings and the pre-confirmation image to the terminal apparatus, serving as a mediator that translates the apparatus's actual capabilities into information the terminal can use. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complexity of capability matching in the apparatus rather than requiring complex coordination among all apparatuses.
3Productivity
If the image forming apparatus changes setting content to be executable, then the process can be executed, but the original print instruction settings are not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by transmitting the determined executable settings from the image forming apparatus to the terminal apparatus. This feedback loop allows the terminal to inform the user about the actual settings that will be used, maintaining transparency about the changes made. The user can see what settings are actually executable and make informed decisions, thus maintaining setting content accuracy from the user's perspective while enabling process execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus dynamically changes parameters (settings content) to match its executable capabilities. The apparatus determines settings that are executable, which may differ from the original print instruction settings, and generates pre-confirmation images based on these changed parameters. This parameter adaptation enables the apparatus to execute the printing process while the feedback mechanism ensures the user is aware of the changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processor configured to, in a case where a print instruction to form an image by plural image forming apparatuses is received from a terminal apparatus and a pre-confirmation image of a print result is requested and in a case where an image forming apparatus is not possible to execute a printing process according to setting content designated in the print instruction, generate a pre-confirmation image corresponding to an image, which is obtained in a case where the printing process is executed in a state in which the setting content designated in the received print instruction is changed to setting content that is executable in the image forming apparatus to transmit the generated pre-confirmation image to the terminal apparatus that has transmitted the print instruction, and change the setting content of the received print instruction to the setting content that is executable in the image forming apparatus to transmit the changed setting content to another image forming apparatus that executes a next printing process.