Action Tags for Multi-Function Device Workflow Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function devices (MFDs) lack the ability to efficiently incorporate and manipulate stored documents within job workflows, requiring users to print and re-scan combined documents, limiting document actions to only printing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of action tags that can be added to workflow templates, allowing users to associate actions with stored documents, enabling automatic execution of these actions during job execution, such as including, attaching, printing, or sharing documents, thereby enhancing user experience and workflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users want to incorporate stored documents into jobs, then document functionality is expanded, but the process requires manual printing and re-scanning which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving and incorporating stored documents into the job workflow before the user completes the scan. The MFD proactively manages document incorporation without waiting for manual print-and-re-scan cycles, thus saving time while expanding document functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFD acts as an intermediary between the stored document and the job workflow, automatically managing the incorporation process. Instead of requiring the user to manually print and re-scan, the MFD mediates by directly integrating the stored document into the job, eliminating the time-consuming manual steps while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If MFDs only allow printing for stored documents, then the system is simple to operate, but document functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The MFD is enhanced with multi-functionality by enabling stored documents to perform multiple actions beyond printing. The system now supports automatic document incorporation, attachment to scans, and integration into job workflows, all while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes that require minimal user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFD provides self-service by automatically managing the incorporation of stored documents into jobs without requiring complex user operations. The system handles document retrieval, integration, and workflow management autonomously, thus expanding document functionality while keeping the interface simple and easy to operate.
3Ease of operation
If users manually print and re-scan combined documents, then document combination is achieved, but workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary document combination actions automatically before the user completes the scan. The MFD retrieves stored documents, combines them with new scans, and integrates them into the job workflow in advance, eliminating the need for manual print-and-re-scan cycles and thereby improving workflow efficiency while maintaining document combination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of printing and re-scanning is replaced by an automated digital system. The MFD uses software-based document retrieval, combination, and integration processes to replace the physical print-and-rescan workflow, thereby maintaining document combination capability while significantly improving productivity and workflow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for executing a job on a multi-function device (MFD) is disclosed. For example, the method is executed by a processor and includes receiving a selection of a workflow template, receiving a selection of an action tag to add to the workflow template, scanning a document, and executing the job on the document via the workflow template that includes the action tag that was selected.