Control Server for Multifunction Peripheral Scan Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems lack the ability to control multifunction peripherals to prevent multiple scans of a document image while saving and copying the image, without external apparatus intervention.
Innovation Solution
A control server is configured to receive instructions from a multifunction peripheral to execute scan saving and copying processes, generating and saving scan data in a destination apparatus, and converting color spaces as needed to optimize scanning and printing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the multifunction peripheral executes both scan saving process and copying process separately, then the document image can be saved and copied, but the document image must be scanned multiple times increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control server performs preliminary action by storing the scanned document image data in its storage unit before the copying process is executed. When the copying instruction is received, the control server retrieves the pre-stored scan data instead of requiring the multifunction peripheral to scan the document again, thus eliminating redundant scanning time and improving overall processing efficiency.
2Loss of time
If the control server manages both scan saving and copying processes, then multiple scans are eliminated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control server acts as an intermediary between the multifunction peripheral and the storage apparatus. It receives scanning instructions, stores scan data temporarily, manages the copying process by retrieving pre-stored data, and coordinates color space conversions. This intermediary role centralizes control logic, allowing the multifunction peripheral to remain relatively simple while the control server handles the complexity of coordinating multiple processes and data transformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control server is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse operations: it manages scan saving processes, copying processes, color space conversions (RGB, CMYK, grayscale), and coordinates with both the multifunction peripheral and storage apparatus. By consolidating these multiple functions in a single control server, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing complexity centrally while achieving efficient process integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If scan data is converted to different color spaces for printing and saving, then image quality is optimized for each purpose, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control server dynamically changes the color space parameters of scan data based on the specific requirements of different processes. For printing operations, it converts scan data to CMYK color space which is suitable for print output. For saving operations, it may convert to grayscale or other formats appropriate for digital storage. The server performs these parameter transformations on-demand, optimizing image quality for each specific use case while managing conversion time through efficient processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A control server may receive, from a multifunction peripheral, instruction information; send a scan instruction for generating first scan data to the multifunction peripheral in a case where the instruction information is received, send, to the multifunction peripheral, a sending instruction for sending the first scan data to a predetermined server in the case where the instruction information is received, send, to the multifunction peripheral, a print instruction for receiving, from the predetermined server, second scan data obtained using the first scan data, and for printing the document image represented by the second scan data in the case where the instruction information is received and executes a predetermined process for saving, in the destination apparatus, third scan data obtained using the first scan data in the case where the instruction information is received.