Job Execution Time Calculation for Image Forming Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the operation rate of image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, do not accurately account for suspension times due to errors, leading to an overestimation of the actual load on the devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires job log and error log information to identify job processing times and suspension times, allowing for the calculation of accurate job execution times by subtracting suspension times from the total processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If job processing time is calculated by subtracting start time from end time using job log information, then the calculation is simple and straightforward, but the suspension time due to errors is included in the processing time leading to overestimation of actual load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the job processing time into effective processing time and suspension time by introducing error log information. The identification unit separately identifies job processing time from job log information and job suspension time from error log information, allowing the calculation unit to compute accurate job execution time by subtracting suspension time from processing time. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining calculation simplicity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces error log information as an intermediary element between the job log information and the final job execution time calculation. The identification unit uses this intermediary to extract suspension time data, which then mediates the calculation process to produce accurate job execution time that excludes error-related downtime. This intermediary enables precise measurement without complicating the overall calculation approach.
2Device complexity
If suspension time due to errors is included in job processing time, then the calculation uses only job log information which is easily available, but the estimated load becomes higher than actual load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time measurement into two components: job processing time (from job log information) and job suspension time (from error log information). By segmenting the data sources and calculation steps, the system maintains ease of information acquisition while improving load estimation accuracy through the calculation unit that processes both segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where error log information is used to correct and refine the initial job processing time calculation. The identification unit extracts suspension time data from error logs and feeds this back to the calculation unit, which then computes accurate job execution time by adjusting the initial processing time estimate. This feedback loop eliminates the overestimation problem while maintaining system simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the operation rate is calculated using total processing time including suspension time, then the calculation is straightforward, but the analysis of operational efficiency becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation rate calculation into two stages: first calculating job processing time from job log information, then adjusting it by subtracting job suspension time from error log information. This segmentation maintains the ease of operation while significantly improving the reliability of operational analysis by excluding error-related downtime from the final operation rate calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces error log information as an intermediary correction factor that mediates between the simple job log-based calculation and the accurate operational analysis. The identification unit extracts suspension time from this intermediary error log, and the calculation unit uses it to adjust the operation rate, ensuring reliable analysis while keeping the overall process straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
When an image processing apparatus acquires job log information and error log information from an image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus identifies a job processing time from a job start time and a job end time of each job which are recorded in the acquired job log information. Subsequently, the information processing apparatus identifies a job suspension time from an occurrence time and a recovery time of an error of each log which is recorded in the error log information. Then, the information processing apparatus calculates a job execution time based on the identified job processing time and the job suspension time.