Virtual Image-Forming Apparatus Replicas for Accurate Process Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

During simulation of processes in a virtual image forming apparatus, the setting information set for the actual image forming apparatus cannot be reflected, limiting the accuracy of the simulation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires and synchronizes setting information between a virtual image forming apparatus and an actual image forming apparatus, allowing the simulation to reflect actual settings and verify processes using duplicated virtual objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a process is simulated in a virtual image forming apparatus, then the simulation can be performed, but the setting information set for the actual image forming apparatus cannot be reflected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidsetting information reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual image forming apparatus that copies the setting information from the actual image forming apparatus. This allows the virtual apparatus to simulate processes using the same settings as the real device, thereby maintaining simulation accuracy while enabling safe verification of process changes before applying them to the actual apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If setting information is synchronized between virtual and actual image forming apparatus, then simulation accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation fidelityVSAvoidsynchronization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it manages the virtual image forming apparatus, synchronizes setting information with the actual apparatus, and provides a user interface for verification. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple virtual objects are used for simulation, then verification capability is enhanced, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the simulation process by creating multiple virtual objects (virtual image forming apparatus instances) that can be independently configured and tested. This allows parallel verification of different process changes without interfering with each other, improving reliability while managing processing overhead through organized segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12462517B2Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire plural objects indicating virtual image forming apparatuses generated by using setting information set in a predetermined image forming apparatus and capable of simulating a process executed by the image forming apparatus, perform control to synchronize the setting information between a first object among the plural objects and the image forming apparatus, and perform control to simulate the process executed by the image forming apparatus using a second object different from the first object.