Image Quality Parameter Matching for Distributed Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed printing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent image quality across multiple image forming apparatuses due to mechanical differences, despite existing techniques focusing on comparing specifications and ideal values rather than actual image quality variations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system and method that connects multiple image forming apparatuses through a network, utilizing a management apparatus to select devices with similar image quality parameters, such as tone, density balance, and line width, for distributed printing, and allows for periodic image quality correction to minimize differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distributed printing is performed using multiple image forming apparatuses, then productivity is improved, but image quality consistency deteriorates due to mechanical differences between apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting image quality parameters (such as tone, density, line width) for each image forming apparatus based on measured actual values. The management apparatus stores these parameters and uses them to compensate for mechanical differences between apparatuses, thereby maintaining image quality consistency while enabling distributed printing across multiple devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If image quality adjustment is performed in each apparatus, then image quality consistency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional measurement and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management apparatus as an intermediary that centralizes the measurement, storage, and management of image quality parameters. Individual image forming apparatuses only need to provide measured actual values, while the management apparatus handles the complex task of parameter adjustment and distribution, thereby reducing the burden on each individual apparatus and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image forming apparatus performs self-measurement of its actual image quality parameters using built-in measurement functions and reports these values to the management apparatus. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external measurement equipment and reduces the operational complexity of the system.
3Ease of operation
If specifications and ideal values are compared for apparatus selection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because actual image quality variations are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the management apparatus pre-measure and store actual image quality parameters for each image forming apparatus before distributed printing begins. This pre-characterization allows the system to automatically select appropriate apparatuses and adjust parameters during printing, combining the simplicity of automated selection with the precision of actual measured values rather than relying solely on specifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected through a network, the image forming system including a control unit that controls the image forming apparatuses, wherein when a plurality of image forming apparatuses output a job requested in an arbitrary image forming apparatus, the control unit compares image quality parameters, such as a tone, a density balance, and a line width, in the image forming apparatuses, selects image forming apparatuses that have image quality parameters similar to each other and that can output the job, and causes the selected image forming apparatuses to output the job.