Time Divisional Image Processing for Print and Cost Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in processing tasks that require both specific pace and best effort execution, particularly in handling print jobs where cost estimation is delayed until after printing is completed, leading to longer processing times and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a time division determination unit that divides tasks into smaller work items and switches between them based on execution time, allowing for simultaneous execution of print processing and cost estimation tasks in a time-division manner, utilizing the same code with different parameters to optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cost estimation task is executed after print job completion, then cost estimation accuracy is ensured, but total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing the cost estimation task during the image formation process rather than waiting for completion. The work item for cost estimation is prepared and executed in advance during idle intervals, ensuring that when the print job completes, the cost estimation is already available or near-complete, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time dimension by dividing task execution into overlapping time intervals. The print job execution and cost estimation execution occur in different time dimensions simultaneously through time-divisional execution, allowing both tasks to progress without sequentially blocking each other, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining cost estimation accuracy.
2Productivity
If image processing apparatus executes multiple tasks simultaneously, then processing efficiency improves, but resource contention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tasks into smaller work items that can be executed independently in time-divisional manner. The print job is divided into image formation work items, and the cost estimation is divided into separate work items, allowing them to be scheduled and executed in alternating time slots without conflicting for resources, thus improving efficiency while managing complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-divisional execution where the image processing apparatus alternates between executing print job work items and cost estimation work items in periodic time slots. This periodic switching allows multiple tasks to progress simultaneously without continuous resource contention, improving overall productivity while maintaining manageable resource allocation through regular alternation patterns.
3Manufacturing precision
If print job is processed at specific pace, then print quality is maintained, but secondary tasks experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing secondary tasks like cost estimation during idle intervals before the print job completes. By performing these secondary tasks in advance during periods when image formation resources are not fully utilized, the system maintains print quality at the required specific pace while ensuring secondary tasks complete without delaying the primary print process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by utilizing idle intervals during image formation to execute secondary tasks. Instead of leaving resources completely idle, the system continuously performs useful work (cost estimation) during gaps in the primary task execution, thereby maintaining print quality while reducing the overall duration for secondary task completion.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing apparatus that efficiently performs time-divisional image processing tasks related to image formation of an image forming apparatus. A time division determination unit configured to determine and switch which of divided work items to execute based on execution time in a condition where at least one first task to be processed at a specific pace and at least one second task to be processed at best effort are respectively divides into smaller work items. A task execution unit executes the work item switched by the time division determination unit in a time division. This work item uses something as like first band data and second band data.