Facsimile Batch Processing Unprocessed Image Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facsimiles require users to manually designate and process each piece of unprocessed image information, which is inefficient when dealing with large quantities, as existing systems lack the ability to perform batch processing on unprocessed image data.
Innovation Solution
A facsimile system with a memory to store image information and circuitry that identifies unprocessed data, enabling collective processing of multiple pieces of unprocessed information through specific processing operations such as transmission and print processing, facilitated by a user-operable interface for batch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually designate and process each piece of unprocessed image information, then processing accuracy is maintained, but processing time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing task by distinguishing between unprocessed and already-processed image information. The identification unit separates unprocessed information from the total stored information, allowing batch processing to apply only to the unprocessed segment. This segmentation enables automated batch processing while maintaining the ability to track and manage individual processing states, thus improving productivity without compromising operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying unprocessed image information before the actual processing occurs. The identification unit pre-sorts and flags unprocessed information, so when batch processing is initiated, the system already has a prepared list of candidates. This preliminary identification reduces the user effort required during the processing phase, as users don't need to manually designate each item.
2Productivity
If batch processing is implemented on unprocessed image information, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facsimile device incorporates a multi-functional architecture where the identification unit, storage unit, and processing unit work together across different operating modes. The same identification unit that identifies unprocessed information for batch processing also supports individual processing modes. This universal design allows the system to handle both batch and individual operations using a unified framework, improving operational efficiency while avoiding the need for separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification unit serves as an intermediary component between the storage unit and the processing unit. It mediates the flow of image information by filtering and identifying unprocessed items, then passing them to the processing unit for batch processing. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a clear separation of concerns, where each unit has a specific function, thus managing system complexity while enabling efficient batch processing.
3Reliability
If all stored image information is processed, then completeness is ensured, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total stored image information into two distinct segments: unprocessed information and already-processed information. The identification unit continuously maintains this segmentation by tracking the processing state of each item. When batch processing is performed, only the unprocessed segment is targeted, ensuring that all information will eventually be processed (completeness) while avoiding re-processing of already-handled items (time efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the identification unit, which continuously monitors and identifies the processing state of image information. After batch processing completes, the system provides feedback by updating the status of processed items, which are then excluded from future batch processing targets. This feedback mechanism ensures that processing is both complete (all unprocessed items are eventually handled) and efficient (no item is processed more than necessary).
Data Source
AI summary
A facsimile includes a memory and circuitry. The memory stores a plurality of pieces of image information. The circuitry is configured to identify unprocessed information, which is information on which particular processing has not performed yet, among the plurality of pieces of image information, enable specific processing to be performed collectively on a plurality of pieces of the unprocessed information among the plurality of pieces of image information, and collectively perform the specific processing on the plurality of pieces of the unprocessed information.