Control Device Format Determination for Image Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image output devices, such as MFPs, face challenges in determining whether specific data has a format that can be interpreted, as they rely solely on file name extensions, which may not accurately reflect the data's interpretable format, leading to inappropriate determination and processing.
Innovation Solution
A control device for image output apparatuses is configured with a first acquisition unit for server identification, a second acquisition unit for file type information, a determination unit to assess format interpretability using both server and file type information, and a conversion processing unit to execute data conversion when necessary, ensuring appropriate processing based on the determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control device determines data format interpretability based solely on file name extensions, then the determination process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of format determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the format determination process into multiple independent steps: (1) acquiring server identification information, (2) acquiring file type information from the server, (3) determining format interpretability based on both pieces of information, and (4) executing appropriate processing. This segmentation allows each step to focus on a specific aspect, improving overall accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional format determination (using only file name extensions) to two-dimensional determination by incorporating server identification information as an additional dimension. This dimensional expansion enables more accurate format assessment by considering both the server context and file type information, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
2Productivity
If the control device executes data conversion for all received data, then all data can be processed, but processing time and resources are wasted when conversion is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of format interpretability before executing data conversion. By first acquiring server identification information and file type information, then determining whether the format is interpretable, the system avoids unnecessary conversion operations. This preliminary action filters out cases where conversion is not needed, improving processing efficiency and reducing time waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination of format interpretability directly influences the subsequent conversion decision. Based on the feedback from format analysis, the control device dynamically adjusts its processing behavior - executing conversion only when necessary and skipping conversion when the format is already interpretable, thereby optimizing processing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control device requests server conversion for unsupported formats, then the data can be processed, but the interaction complexity with the server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary determination process that acts as a mediator between the control device and the server. Before requesting conversion, the system first determines format interpretability using server identification information and file type information. This intermediary step filters and pre-processes the data, allowing the control device to make informed decisions about which data requires server conversion and which can be processed locally, thereby managing interaction complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes: a first acquisition unit which, when a specific data storage server is selected, acquires specific server identification information; a second acquisition unit which, upon acquiring the specific server identification information, acquires specific file type information of specific data from the specific data storage server; a determination unit which determines whether the specific data has an interpretable format, based on the specific server identification information and the specific file type information; a conversion processing execution unit which, when the specific data does not have the interpretable format, causes a specific conversion server to convert the specific data to data having the interpretable format; and an output processing execution unit which causes an image output apparatus to output a specific image expressed by the specific data without causing the specific conversion server to execute the conversion when the specific data is determined to have the interpretable format.