{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854124","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854124","title":"Image forming apparatus and image forming method","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-17T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":6,"abstract":"An image forming apparatus includes a receiving processing portion, a first printing processing portion, and a second printing processing portion. The receiving processing portion is configured to receive an operation for designating a designation page to which a predetermined printing condition is to be applied, of a document including a plurality of pages. The first printing processing portion is configured to print a partial document including the designation page, of the document. The second printing processing portion is configured to print a remaining document obtained by excluding the partial document from the document, in accordance with a predetermined confirmation operation after the printing by the first printing processing portion."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method patent introduces a novel approach to printing, focusing on selective and customized document output. The core innovation lies in its ability to designate specific pages within a document for printing based on predetermined conditions. This addresses the common problem of wasted paper and time associated with printing entire documents when only specific sections are needed. The system employs a receiving processing portion to identify the designated page, followed by two distinct printing processing portions. The first prints the partial document containing the designated page, and the second prints the remaining document after a confirmation operation. \n\nThis segmented printing approach offers significant business value by reducing paper consumption, minimizing printing costs, and improving workflow efficiency. The technology is applicable across various industries, including legal, education, and finance, where document management is critical. By enabling users to prioritize and customize their printing needs, the Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method enhances productivity and promotes sustainable resource management. \n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as businesses increasingly seek solutions to optimize their printing processes and reduce their environmental footprint. The competitive advantages of this system include its ability to designate specific pages, its segmented printing approach, and its confirmation operation, which ensures accuracy and minimizes errors. The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method is poised to revolutionize the printing industry by providing a user-centric and environmentally responsible printing solution. This patent represents a valuable asset for companies seeking to enhance their document management capabilities and reduce their operational costs.","layman_explanation":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method patent addresses the common problem of wasted resources when printing documents. Many times, individuals only need a specific page or section from a larger document but are forced to print the entire thing. This leads to unnecessary paper consumption, wasted ink, and increased costs for businesses and individuals.\n\nThis patent offers a solution by allowing users to designate specific pages or sections of a document that they want to print. The system then prioritizes printing only those selected portions. After printing the selected pages, the system prompts the user to confirm if they need the remaining document printed. This confirmation step prevents the accidental printing of the entire document, further reducing waste.\n\nThe significance of this technology lies in its potential to reduce operational costs and promote environmental sustainability. By minimizing paper consumption and ink usage, businesses can save money on printing supplies and reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the improved workflow efficiency can lead to increased productivity and reduced time spent managing documents. The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method represents a practical and effective solution for optimizing printing processes and promoting responsible resource management.\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with cloud-based document management systems and the development of intelligent printing suggestions based on user behavior. Market adoption is expected to increase as businesses and individuals become more aware of the cost savings and environmental benefits associated with selective printing. The investment implications are favorable, as the technology offers a clear return on investment through reduced printing costs and improved efficiency.","technical_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method patent outlines a system designed to improve printing efficiency through selective page printing. The technical architecture centers around three main components: a receiving processing portion, a first printing processing portion, and a second printing processing portion. The receiving processing portion acts as the interface, allowing users to designate specific pages or sections within a document for printing. This can be implemented through a software application or a control panel on the printing device itself. \n\nThe first printing processing portion handles the immediate printing of the designated pages. This component would likely utilize standard printing protocols and drivers, but with modifications to target specific page ranges. The second printing processing portion is responsible for printing the remainder of the document, but only after a confirmation step. This confirmation step is crucial, as it prevents the entire document from being printed accidentally if only a specific page was initially required. \n\nImplementation would require modifications to existing printer drivers and software interfaces. The algorithm for page selection and processing would need to be highly efficient to minimize delays and ensure accurate printing. Integration with existing document management systems would also be a key consideration. Performance characteristics would depend on the speed of the printer and the complexity of the document. Code-level implications would involve modifications to the printing queue and the handling of page ranges. The system could also incorporate advanced features such as automatic page detection and intelligent printing suggestions based on user behavior.","business_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method presents a significant business opportunity by addressing the pervasive problem of printing inefficiency. The market for printing solutions is substantial, with businesses and individuals spending billions of dollars annually on printing supplies and equipment. This technology offers a compelling value proposition by reducing paper consumption, minimizing printing costs, and improving workflow efficiency. The market opportunity size is significant, as businesses increasingly seek solutions to optimize their printing processes and reduce their environmental footprint. The competitive advantages of this system include its ability to designate specific pages, its segmented printing approach, and its confirmation operation, which ensures accuracy and minimizes errors. \n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is substantial, as it can be implemented in various business models, including licensing, subscription, and hardware sales. Licensing the technology to printer manufacturers would generate recurring revenue streams. Offering a subscription-based service for document management and printing optimization would provide a steady stream of income. Selling hardware that incorporates this technology would generate upfront revenue and create opportunities for aftermarket sales of printing supplies. \n\nStrategically, this technology positions a company as an innovator in the printing industry, enhancing its brand reputation and attracting new customers. The ROI projections are favorable, as the cost savings associated with reduced paper consumption and improved workflow efficiency can quickly offset the investment in implementing this technology. This patent represents a valuable asset for companies seeking to enhance their document management capabilities and reduce their operational costs.","faqs":null,"topics":["image forming","printing apparatus","selective printing","document management","printing efficiency","image","forming","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Forming Apparatus and Method - Patent US-9854124","description":"Discover the Image Forming Apparatus and Method patent for selective printing. Reduce waste & increase efficiency. Full analysis, claims, & prior art search.","keywords":["image forming","printing apparatus","selective printing","document management","printing efficiency","patent","patent US-9854124"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854124","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854124","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image forming apparatus and image forming method\" (US-9854124). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854124","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854124","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854124","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T09:42:10.586Z"}