Server Apparatus for Image Forming Machine Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-end image forming machines struggle to meet high-quality printing demands, particularly in poster printing and special paper applications, due to variations in image density between the front and rear sides of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus that communicates with multiple image forming machines and user terminals, analyzing job density information and image quality data to determine the most suitable machine for high-quality printing by using reference paper with gradations in specific directions, ensuring minimal density differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low-end image forming machines are used for on-demand printing, then printing availability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to density variations between front and rear sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user terminal and multiple image forming apparatuses. The server manages job information, analyzes density characteristics of different machines, and intelligently routes printing jobs to appropriate devices. This intermediary system enables low-end machines to be used for on-demand printing while maintaining image quality by selecting suitable machines based on their density characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes density parameters as key characteristics to evaluate and select image forming apparatuses. By analyzing and comparing density values from different machines (particularly the density difference between front and rear sides), the system dynamically selects the most appropriate machine for each printing job, transforming the selection process from static to parameter-based dynamic decision-making.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-end image forming machines are used for high-quality printing, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image forming apparatus fleet into different categories based on their density characteristics and printing capabilities. Instead of requiring a single high-end machine for all tasks, the system divides the workload across multiple machines with different performance levels, assigning high-quality jobs to appropriate devices based on their segment-specific characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus serves multiple functions: it manages job information, analyzes density characteristics, determines appropriate image forming apparatuses, and transmits jobs. This multi-functional server eliminates the need for each individual machine to have complex built-in decision-making capabilities, centralizing the intelligence while keeping individual machines simpler.
3Stability of the object's composition
If density variation between front and rear sides is reduced, then printing consistency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical density measurement instruments with image analysis-based density calculation. By analyzing image data from the image forming apparatuses and calculating density values through software processing, the system achieves the necessary measurement precision without requiring additional specialized measurement equipment, thus maintaining printing consistency while avoiding increased hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A server apparatus that communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses respectively having scan functions and a user terminal that provides an image that should be formed by any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The server apparatus includes a receiving unit, an analyzing unit, and a determining unit. The receiving unit receives job information indicating the image that should be formed transmitted by the user terminal. The analyzing unit analyzes density in the image from the job information. The determining unit determines, based on the density information and image quality information of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses obtained by scanning, in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, reference paper on which monochrome reference images having gradations in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction are formed in separated positions of at least two parts in the first direction, a proper machine suitable for forming the image out of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.