Image Processing Apparatus Blank Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing systems, when input image data is determined to be blank, it is not output during an output job, making it difficult for users to identify the cause of failure, as history information only refers to input job data without storing the actual image data.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a holding unit for image data, an executing unit for inputting and outputting image data, a storing unit for storing job history information, and a control unit that stores image data with a blank indication during the input job and refers to input job data for output job history, allowing users to easily identify output failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If image data is not stored for output jobs when input image data is determined to be blank, then storage space is saved, but users cannot easily identify the cause of output failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the history information storage into two parts: essential metadata (job ID, timestamp, status) that is always stored, and actual image data that is conditionally stored based on whether the input image was blank or not. This segmentation allows the system to save storage space by not storing image data for blank inputs while maintaining sufficient history information for troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of history information storage from a binary state (store all image data or store none) to a conditional state where the storage decision is based on the blank determination result. When the input image is determined to be blank, the system stores only metadata; when not blank, it stores both metadata and image data, thus optimizing storage space while preserving necessary troubleshooting information.
2Loss of energy
If only metadata is stored for output jobs without actual image data, then storage cost is reduced, but troubleshooting capability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary blank determination on input image data before the output job execution. Based on this preliminary assessment, the system proactively decides whether to store the actual image data or not. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary storage of blank image data while ensuring that potentially problematic non-blank image data is preserved for troubleshooting, thus reducing storage costs without significantly compromising troubleshooting capability.
3Reliability
If image data is stored for all input jobs, then complete history information is maintained, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from a fixed policy (store all image data) to a dynamic policy based on the blank determination parameter. The system evaluates each input image and adjusts the storage behavior accordingly: storing image data only when the blank determination indicates it is necessary (i.e., when the image is not blank). This parameter-based approach maintains reliability for troubleshooting while significantly improving storage efficiency by eliminating redundant blank image storage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a printing system is provided which determines whether image data input by execution of an input job is a blank and, in a case where the image data is determined to be a blank, the printing system records information indicating the determination of a blank as history information of the input job. Thus, in a case where image data input by execution of an input job is not output by execution of an output job, the user is able to easily confirm the cause of the output failure of the input image data.