Server-Based Color Reproducibility in Distributed Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial and industrial printing, distributed print processing often fails to achieve reliable high color reproducibility, and frequent color calibration of image forming apparatuses reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system where a server coordinates multiple image forming apparatuses to execute print jobs by forming test images, generating test information, and determining which apparatuses to use based on this information, ensuring high color reproducibility without the need for frequent calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color calibration is performed on each image forming apparatus before distributed print processing, then color reproducibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary color calibration of image forming apparatuses and stores calibration results in advance. When a print job is received, the server selects apparatuses based on pre-stored calibration information, eliminating the need for real-time calibration and maintaining both color accuracy and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-evaluates and stores color calibration status of each image forming apparatus. Before distributed print processing, the server retrieves this pre-stored calibration information to determine apparatus selection, avoiding time-consuming on-the-spot calibration while ensuring color reproducibility
2Productivity
If distributed print processing is performed without color calibration, then productivity is improved, but color reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where color calibration results of each image forming apparatus are measured, stored, and used for subsequent job allocation. This feedback loop ensures that only apparatuses meeting color accuracy standards are selected, maintaining color reproducibility without requiring calibration at the time of printing
Solution Approach 2:
The server continuously monitors and stores color calibration status of image forming apparatuses. When distributing print jobs, the server uses this stored calibration feedback information to automatically select appropriate apparatuses, ensuring color consistency while maintaining high productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If hue information correction is applied to color data, then color reproducibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages color calibration information and apparatus selection. Instead of complicating each image forming apparatus with correction functions, the server handles color data adjustment and apparatus matching based on stored calibration profiles, centralizing complexity in the management system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the server as a mediator to store and manage color calibration characteristics of each apparatus. When a print job arrives, the server automatically matches the job with the most suitable apparatus based on pre-stored calibration data, eliminating the need for complex real-time correction mechanisms in the image forming apparatuses themselves
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system according to the present invention includes a server 20 that causes a plurality of image forming apparatuses to execute a print job, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30a to 30d that are connected to the server via a network 40 and that receive the print job from the server. The image forming apparatuses forms a test image in accordance with test image data, generates test information relating to the test image that has been formed, and transmits the test information to the server. The server receives the test information from the image forming apparatuses, and determines image forming apparatuses that are to be caused to execute the print job in accordance with the test information.