Image Forming Apparatus Rendering Engine Setting Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems lack the ability to dynamically change printing settings when switching between different image forming apparatuses, potentially resulting in inconsistent print outputs due to differences in rendering engines.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a processor that acquires information about rendering engines from connected devices, displays and allows users to change setting items, and receives updates for setting changes, enabling seamless switching and consistent printing across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If printing is performed using a different image forming apparatus with a different rendering engine, then printing flexibility and device switching capability are improved, but printing setting consistency and output uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice switching capabilityVSAvoidprinting setting consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent copies rendering engine setting information from the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus. The processor acquires setting information from the first apparatus and applies it to the second apparatus, enabling consistent printing settings across different devices without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that transfers and adapts rendering engine setting information between different image forming apparatuses. It receives setting information from the first apparatus, processes it to be compatible with the second apparatus's rendering engine, and applies the adapted settings, thereby mediating between different device configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rendering engine setting information is acquired and applied from a different image forming apparatus, then printing setting adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting setting adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the original source of rendering engine settings and as the target for applying acquired settings. This universal design allows the same component to handle both generating and adapting settings, reducing overall system complexity despite the added adaptability feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11669282B2Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a processor configured to: acquire information about a rendering engine from a first image forming apparatus out of plural image forming apparatuses connected to a network that are capable of performing printing using corresponding rendering engines each including predetermined plural setting items; display a setting item that is able to be changed, out of a setting item for the rendering engine acquired from the first image forming apparatus and a setting item for a rendering engine provided in the image forming apparatus; and receive a change of the setting item.