Image Processing Apparatus Job Template Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses struggle to accurately generate processing request templates from a series of processing requests with varying time intervals, often incorrectly grouping jobs based on time intervals rather than commonality among image data.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a processing request template generation unit that associates processing requests with commonality in image data, generating a job flow and displaying it as a template, using a job history database to identify and group jobs with similar image data and order information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If processing requests are associated using time interval, then job flow generation is simplified, but accuracy of job flow identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of job flow generationVSAvoidaccuracy of job flow identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces image data as an intermediary element to connect processing requests. Instead of directly using time intervals to associate jobs, the system uses image data similarity as a mediator to identify relationships between processing requests, thereby achieving both ease of generation and high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based association system with an information-based association system. Instead of relying on temporal proximity (mechanical time measurement), the system uses image data content analysis to determine job flow relationships, substituting a more intelligent approach for a simpler but less accurate one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If processing requests are associated by time interval threshold, then template generation is automated, but false grouping of unrelated jobs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of template generationVSAvoidreliability of job grouping

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by analyzing the actual content of image data associated with processing requests. The automation is guided by feedback from image data similarity analysis, which continuously refines the grouping decisions to ensure reliability while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter for association from time interval to image data similarity. This parameter change allows the system to maintain automation while significantly improving reliability, as image data similarity is a more robust criterion for identifying related jobs than temporal proximity alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If processing requests are associated by time interval, then processing speed is improved, but accuracy of reflecting user intent deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of job flow generationVSAvoidaccuracy of user intent reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of image data characteristics before finalizing job flow associations. By pre-analyzing image data similarity and preparing association rules in advance, the system achieves both high speed in job flow generation and high accuracy in reflecting user intent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11163509B2Image processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing image processing program

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes processing request template generation unit that generates a processing request flow in which plural processing requests are associated with each other, as one processing request template, in a case where there is a commonality among plural pieces of image data relating to plural processing requests each of which request type is identified, and a template display control unit that displays the processing request template on a display unit.