Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for selecting a printer in a document reproduction environment comprising a plurality of networked printing devices. In one embodiment, a document is received which is to be printed and a set of image quality requirements specific for the document are determined based on the document's image content. A threshold quality expectation level is set for the document based on the set of image quality requirements. Device specific image quality metrics are obtained for each of the networked printing devices and then compared with the threshold quality expectation level. A printing device which best exceeds the threshold quality expectation level is selected as a result of the comparison. The document is sent to the selected networked printing device. If none of the networked printing devices is found to meet the threshold then an operator is signaled that the document cannot be printed.

Abstract: The invention provides an image-forming apparatus, having an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charging unit, a light-exposure unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, and a controller that controls the traveling speed of the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor and that thus makes a period from charging to development variable, wherein: the electrophotographic photoreceptor has an undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer; and the undercoat layer contains metal oxide fine particles with an acceptor compound added thereto; and an image is formed by charging, light exposure, development and transfer while causing the peripheral surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor to travel in a predetermined direction; and a process cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus.