Unified Basis Weight Classification for Mixed Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In print instruction systems, existing technologies face challenges in managing and standardizing basis weight classifications across multiple image forming apparatuses, leading to inconsistencies and difficulties in selecting appropriate paper trays for printing jobs, especially in environments with diverse printer models and varying basis weight settings.

Innovation Solution

A print instruction apparatus that acquires basis weight class information from multiple image forming apparatuses, generates a common basis weight classification, and subdivides it to eliminate gaps or overlaps, allowing users to select appropriate basis weight classes and ensure correct tray selection for printing, even in systems with mixed printer models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image forming apparatuses with different basis weight classifications are connected in a print instruction system, then the system can handle diverse printing requirements and increase versatility, but inconsistencies in basis weight settings across different apparatuses lead to difficulties in tray selection and reduce ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse printing requirementsVSAvoidease of tray selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The print instruction apparatus serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple image forming apparatuses. It acquires basis weight class information from each apparatus, generates a unified classification that covers all apparatuses, and presents this unified classification to the user. This mediator approach allows users to work with a single standardized classification system rather than dealing with multiple different classifications, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The print instruction apparatus creates a universal basis weight classification that can be applied across all connected image forming apparatuses regardless of their individual classifications. This universal classification system allows the same user interface and selection process to work with diverse printing requirements, making the system multi-functional while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each image forming apparatus maintains its own basis weight classification, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific capabilities, but this leads to gaps or overlaps in classification when apparatuses are combined, reducing manufacturing precision of the classification system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus-specific optimizationVSAvoidprecision of classification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The print instruction apparatus changes the parameters of the classification system by acquiring basis weight class information from multiple apparatuses and generating a new unified classification. This process adjusts the classification parameters (basis weight ranges) to ensure continuous coverage without gaps or overlaps, thereby improving the precision of the overall classification system while maintaining apparatus-specific capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The unified basis weight classification is segmented into distinct ranges that map to specific apparatus capabilities. By dividing the overall basis weight range into non-overlapping segments, each apparatus can be assigned to specific segments based on its capabilities, maintaining apparatus-specific optimization while ensuring precise, gap-free classification across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a unified basis weight classification is generated across multiple apparatuses, then ease of operation improves with consistent tray selection, but the complexity of acquiring and processing information from multiple apparatuses increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency in tray selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of information processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The print instruction apparatus performs preliminary actions by acquiring basis weight class information from all connected image forming apparatuses in advance and generating a unified classification before actual printing operations begin. This preliminary information gathering and processing establishes a consistent classification framework that simplifies subsequent tray selection operations, trading initial complexity for long-term operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10365872B2Print instruction apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A print instruction apparatus includes an acquiring unit that acquires basis weight class information from multiple image forming apparatuses to be selected, the basis weight class information representing information on basis weight class of recording paper set for each of the multiple image forming apparatuses, and a generating unit that generates a common basis weight classification from the acquired basis weight class information, the common basis weight classification including a basis weight class common to the multiple image forming apparatuses.