Image Processing Apparatus Format Conversion Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image processing, redundant processing occurs when print settings are applied multiple times during file format conversion, leading to unintended changes in print output, such as multiple pages being allocated to a single sheet, resulting in suboptimal printing results.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a display controller compares pre-conversion and post-conversion print settings information and alerts the user to potential redundancy, allowing for user intervention to adjust settings before printing, thereby preventing redundant processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If file format conversion is performed by external apparatus and image processing apparatus both applying print settings, then format compatibility is improved, but redundant processing occurs leading to unintended print output changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidprint output accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external apparatus performs file format conversion in advance before the image processing apparatus receives the data. By completing the conversion beforehand, the system ensures format compatibility while allowing the image processing apparatus to focus solely on print settings application, thereby preventing redundant processing and maintaining print output accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion function is extracted from the image processing apparatus and placed in the external apparatus. This separation of functions ensures that the image processing apparatus does not inadvertently apply print settings during conversion, eliminating the source of redundant processing while preserving the ability to apply settings correctly at the printing stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If Nup setting is applied by both external apparatus and image processing apparatus, then processing coverage is improved, but processing redundancy occurs leading to incorrect page allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing coverageVSAvoidpage allocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The Nup setting application function is extracted from the image processing apparatus and performed exclusively by the external apparatus during file format conversion. This prevents duplicate application of Nup settings that would cause incorrect page allocation, while still ensuring that all pages are processed and covered in the conversion output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The Nup setting is applied in advance by the external apparatus during the file format conversion process. By completing the page allocation and multi-page setup beforehand, the system ensures comprehensive processing coverage while preventing redundant Nup application at the image processing apparatus that would lead to accuracy errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If print settings are applied multiple times during conversion, then processing thoroughness is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing thoroughnessVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

All print settings application is extracted from the image processing apparatus and consolidated in the external apparatus during file format conversion. This ensures that settings are applied thoroughly and correctly once, eliminating redundant multiple applications while improving overall processing efficiency by avoiding repeated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Print settings are applied in advance by the external apparatus during the file format conversion process. By completing all necessary setting applications beforehand, the system ensures thorough processing of the converted file while improving efficiency by eliminating the need for repeated setting applications at subsequent stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10983741B2Image processing apparatuses and an external server configured in a case image information in an unsupported format is not supported, controls so as to perform conversion of the unsupported format

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a display controller that performs comparison in a case where image information in an unsupported format is received, an external server performs conversion of the unsupported format of the image information to a supported format, and an image is formed. The comparison is performed between a piece of print settings information before the conversion and a piece of print settings information after the conversion. The display controller displays at least one of a preview screen and a message indicating redundancy if there is the redundancy in the pieces of print settings information.