Master-Slave Image Forming System Print Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face inefficiencies in managing print data distribution and destination selection across multiple image forming apparatuses, leading to increased wait times and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a master image forming apparatus and slave image forming apparatuses connected through a communication circuit, where the master apparatus performs image processing and determines the print destination for processed data, allowing for efficient data distribution and energy-saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If each image forming apparatus performs image processing independently, then processing capability is distributed, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments image forming apparatuses into master and slave roles. Master apparatuses perform image processing, while slave apparatuses handle only printing. This segmentation allows processing capability to be distributed across multiple master apparatuses while keeping individual device complexity low, as slave apparatuses have simplified functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The master image forming apparatus acts as an intermediary between information processing devices and slave image forming apparatuses. It receives print data, performs image processing, determines print destinations, and transmits processed data to selected slave apparatuses. This intermediary role centralizes complex processing functions while simplifying the architecture for slave apparatuses.
2Loss of time
If print data is distributed to multiple image forming apparatuses, then wait time is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to multiple devices operating
Solution Approach 1:
The assignment control section dynamically determines print destinations based on real-time conditions such as apparatus availability, workload, and power consumption states. This dynamic assignment allows the system to optimize the balance between parallel processing (reducing wait time) and energy efficiency by selecting the most appropriate slave apparatuses for each print job.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by allowing slave image forming apparatuses to operate in power-saving modes when not actively printing, while master apparatuses remain active for processing. This parameter change enables multiple apparatuses to be available for rapid print distribution without continuously consuming high energy, as slaves can enter low-power states between jobs.
3Ease of manufacture
If slave image forming apparatuses without image processing capabilities are used, then device cost is reduced, but the master apparatus must handle all processing load
Solution Approach 1:
Master image forming apparatuses are designed with universal image processing capabilities that can handle various types of print data and formatting requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single master apparatus to serve multiple slave apparatuses with different capabilities, reducing the need for each slave to have expensive built-in processing while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The master image forming apparatus creates processed versions of print data that are optimized for transmission to slave apparatuses. By preprocessing and formatting the data centrally, the master apparatus enables simple slave apparatuses to produce high-quality output without requiring complex processing hardware, effectively copying the processing intelligence from master to slave through data preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is connected to an information processing device and at least one external image forming apparatus through a communication circuit. The image forming apparatus includes a communication section, an image forming section, an image processing section, and an assignment control section. The image processing section performs image processing on print data received from the information processing device. The assignment control section determines a print destination for processed print data subjected to image processing by the image processing section from the image forming apparatus of its own and the at least one external image forming apparatus.