Image Forming Apparatus Reprint Condition Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies fail to reflect changes in print-related conditions after documents are stored, leading to poor operability and potential degradation in image quality during reprinting, as users must manually set conditions each time, which can result in unsuitable settings for the output equipment.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a storage unit, input receiving unit, acquiring unit, determining unit, converting unit, and print control unit that stores print data and converted data, allowing for the acquisition of new print conditions and conversion of data to reflect these changes, ensuring reprinting is done in suitable conditions without sacrificing image quality or operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the first converted data is used for reprinting without reconversion, then printing speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates when the second print condition differs from the first print condition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of print data into multiple versions corresponding to different print conditions (first converted data, second converted data) and stores them in advance. When reprinting is requested, the system selects the appropriate pre-converted data based on the current print conditions, avoiding the need for real-time reconversion while ensuring image quality matches the required conditions.
2Device complexity
If print condition is automatically set to the same condition as storage, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because the condition cannot be set to be suitable for the output equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts print conditions based on the relationship between stored print data and current reprint requests. The print condition management is flexible and adaptive, allowing the system to automatically determine whether to use original print conditions or adjust to new conditions based on equipment availability and user needs, without requiring complex manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual setting of print conditions is required for each reprinting, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages print conditions during reprinting operations by comparing the second print condition with the first print condition and autonomously selecting or converting data accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually configure print conditions while maintaining full adaptability to different printing scenarios, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes a storage unit (110), an input receiving unit (102), an acquiring unit (104), a determining unit (105), a converting unit (106), and a print control unit (109). The storage unit stores therein print data and first converted data. The first converted data is obtained by reflecting a first print condition in the print data and converting the print data into a printable form. The input receiving unit (102) receives an input of a reprint instruction to reprint the first converted data. The acquiring unit (104) acquires a second print condition for reprinting the first converted data. The determining unit (105) determines, when the input of the reprint instruction is received, whether the first converted data is printable in the second print condition by comparing the acquired second print condition against the first print condition reflected in the first converted data. When it is determined that the first converted data is unprintable in the second print condition, the converting unit (106) acquires the print data from the storage unit (110), and converts the print data into second converted data by reflecting the second print condition in the print data. The print control unit (109) prints out the second converted data.