{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854135","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854135","title":"Information processing apparatus and recording medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-05-23T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06K","G06K","H04N","H04N","G06F","H04N"],"num_claims":8,"abstract":"An information processing apparatus of the present invention determines whether or not there is a bias in jobs distributed to a plurality of printers to be used in a distributed printing system. In addition, in a case where there is a bias in distributed jobs, the information processing apparatus decides a color correction target to be applied to a printer having a small number of distributed jobs and resulting in an unused state, applies the decided color correction target to the printer having a small number of jobs, to thereby decide a timing of performing color adjustment on the printer having a small number of jobs. The printer having a small number of jobs and resulting in an unused state is subjected to color adjustment at the decided timing."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent addresses the problem of uneven job distribution in distributed printing systems, where some printers are overused while others remain idle. This leads to premature wear and tear, increased downtime, and inefficient resource utilization. The core innovation of this patent is a system that monitors job distribution, detects biases, and proactively applies color correction targets to underutilized printers. This ensures consistent print quality and balances the workload across all printers in the network.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes printer usage patterns and identifies deviations from the expected distribution. The system then determines a color correction target based on factors such as printer color profile, paper type, and ambient lighting conditions. This target is applied to the underutilized printer to maintain its readiness and prevent performance degradation due to inactivity.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to optimize printer utilization, reduce downtime, and lower operational costs. By balancing the workload across all printers in the network, the system extends the lifespan of the equipment and minimizes the need for frequent maintenance. The proactive color correction ensures consistent print quality, reducing the risk of reprints and wasted resources.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant. Any organization that relies on a distributed printing system can benefit from the enhanced efficiency and reliability offered by this patent. This includes offices, educational institutions, commercial printing services, and government agencies. The potential for cost savings and improved performance makes it a compelling investment for businesses looking to optimize their printing infrastructure.\n\nFurthermore, the Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting more efficient resource utilization, reducing unnecessary printer wear and tear, and minimizing downtime, which translates to less waste and lower energy consumption. This positions the technology as a valuable asset for organizations committed to environmental responsibility.","layman_explanation":"The Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent addresses a common problem in businesses and organizations with multiple printers: some printers get used much more than others. This uneven distribution of work can lead to several issues, including faster wear and tear on the heavily used printers, underutilization of the less used ones, and inconsistent print quality across the board.\n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nImagine a company with ten printers. Over time, two or three printers handle 80% of the workload, while the rest sit mostly idle. The heavily used printers break down more often, require more maintenance, and need to be replaced sooner. The underutilized printers, meanwhile, are essentially wasted assets. This patent aims to solve this imbalance, ensuring that all printers are used more evenly and efficiently.\n\n**How Does It Work?**\n\nThe Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent describes a system that monitors how often each printer is used. It then intelligently distributes new print jobs to ensure that the workload is more balanced. Think of it like a traffic controller for printers, directing print jobs to the printers that are currently less busy. In addition, the system proactively adjusts the color settings of the less used printers to keep them in optimal condition. This is like a mechanic tuning up a car that hasn't been driven in a while, ensuring it's ready to go when needed.\n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis technology matters because it can save businesses money and improve efficiency. By balancing the workload across all printers, it extends the lifespan of the equipment, reduces maintenance costs, and minimizes downtime. It also ensures consistent print quality, which is important for maintaining a professional image. The market impact is significant for companies looking to optimize their resources and improve their bottom line. The competitive advantages it provides are in the form of reduced operational costs and increased efficiency.\n\n**What's Next?**\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with cloud-based printing services and the use of machine learning to predict printer usage patterns. This would allow the system to proactively adjust printer settings and distribute jobs even more efficiently. The market adoption timeline will depend on how quickly businesses recognize the value of this technology and the investment implications are favorable due to the potential for significant cost savings and improved efficiency.","technical_analysis":"The Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent introduces a system designed to optimize the performance and longevity of printers within a distributed network. At its core, the system employs a real-time monitoring mechanism that tracks the workload of each printer. This involves collecting data on the number of print jobs, the size of these jobs, and the duration of each printing task. This data is then fed into an algorithm that analyzes the distribution of work, identifying instances where certain printers are disproportionately utilized while others remain idle.\n\nWhen such a bias is detected, the system initiates a color correction process. This involves determining a specific color correction target tailored to the underutilized printer. The algorithm considers a variety of factors, including the printer's color profile, the type of paper being used, and the ambient lighting conditions. The goal is to proactively adjust the printer's color settings, ensuring that it maintains optimal print quality even when it's not actively processing print jobs.\n\nThe color correction process involves generating a series of test color patches. These patches are printed on the underutilized printer, and the resulting output is analyzed using a spectrophotometer. The data gathered from the spectrophotometer is then used to calculate the necessary adjustments to the printer's color settings. These adjustments are automatically applied, ensuring that the printer remains calibrated and ready for use.\n\nThe system also includes a scheduling component that manages the timing of color adjustments. This component takes into account the printer's usage patterns and the time required to perform the adjustments. The system aims to schedule these adjustments during periods of low activity, minimizing any disruption to the overall printing workflow.\n\nThe technical architecture of the Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium integrates seamlessly with existing printing infrastructure. It can be implemented as a software solution that runs on a central server, communicating with printers over the network. The system also supports a variety of printer models and manufacturers, making it a versatile solution for diverse printing environments.\n\nFrom a code-level perspective, the system relies on a combination of data analysis algorithms, color management libraries, and network communication protocols. The data analysis algorithms are responsible for identifying biases in job distribution. The color management libraries are used to generate and apply color correction targets. The network communication protocols enable the system to communicate with printers and retrieve performance data.","business_analysis":"The Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent presents a compelling business opportunity within the distributed printing market. The core value proposition of this technology lies in its ability to optimize printer utilization, reduce downtime, and lower operational costs, all of which translate into significant cost savings for businesses.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. Any organization that relies on a distributed printing system can benefit from the enhanced efficiency and reliability offered by this patent. This includes offices, educational institutions, commercial printing services, government agencies, and healthcare providers. The size of the market is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, with a growing demand for solutions that can improve printer management and reduce printing costs.\n\nThe competitive advantages of the Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent are numerous. First, it offers a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple aspects of printer management, including job distribution, color correction, and printer scheduling. Second, it is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing printing infrastructure, minimizing the need for costly hardware upgrades. Third, it is based on a sophisticated algorithm that ensures optimal printer utilization and consistent print quality.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. The system can be sold as a software license, with recurring revenue generated through maintenance and support agreements. It can also be offered as a managed service, with the vendor responsible for monitoring and optimizing the customer's printing infrastructure. The potential for upselling and cross-selling is also high, with opportunities to offer additional services such as printer supplies and maintenance contracts.\n\nThe business model for this technology can be either direct sales or through channel partners. Direct sales would involve selling the system directly to end-users, while channel partners would involve working with resellers and distributors to reach a wider audience. The choice of business model will depend on the target market and the resources available to the company.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, the Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium patent can be positioned as a premium solution that offers superior performance and reliability. It can also be positioned as a cost-effective solution that delivers a high return on investment. The key is to clearly communicate the value proposition to potential customers and demonstrate the benefits of the technology through case studies and testimonials.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium - Optimize Printer Usage","description":"Discover how Information Processing Apparatus and Recording Medium balances printer workload, reduces downtime, and ensures consistent print quality. Full patent analysis available.","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854135","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-9854135","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Information processing apparatus and recording medium\" (US-9854135). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854135","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854135","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854135","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:07:51.734Z"}