Flow Execution Interface for Multi-Function Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatus applications require users to repeatedly input settings and instructions for each function execution, leading to user inconvenience due to separate UIs for each function.

Innovation Solution

An SDK and application framework that allows for efficient information input by handling a series of processes as a single job, incorporating a flow execution unit to manage and execute multiple functions in a predefined order, reducing the need for individual setting inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an SDK is designed to provide a user interface for each function used in an application, then the application can execute multiple functions, but the user must input settings and execution instructions for each function separately, making the process troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction execution capabilityVSAvoiduser input convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple function setting screens into a single integrated setting screen that displays all functions included in a flow. The user can view and input settings for scan, print, and other functions simultaneously on one screen, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple separate screens and reducing the number of operations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated setting screen serves as a universal interface that can handle settings for multiple different functions (scan, print, etc.) within a single application flow. This multi-functional screen design allows the same interface to manage diverse function configurations without requiring separate specialized screens for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an SDK is designed to provide a user interface for each function, then each function can be configured independently, but the application requires multiple setting screens that increase user interaction complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction configuration capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple function-specific setting screens are merged into a single integrated setting screen that consolidates all function configurations. This reduces the number of screens from multiple separate interfaces to one unified interface, thereby reducing user interface complexity while preserving the ability to configure each function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While displaying all functions on a single screen, the interface segments the settings into distinct functional areas (scan settings, print settings, etc.) that can be independently accessed and configured. This segmentation within unity allows users to navigate and modify specific function settings without being overwhelmed by the entire configuration set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If an SDK is designed to provide a user interface for each function, then comprehensive function control is achieved, but the user must navigate through multiple screens increasing operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control capabilityVSAvoidsetting input time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple function setting screens into one integrated screen, allowing users to input all necessary settings for scan, print, and other functions in a single viewing and interaction session. This eliminates the time required to navigate between multiple screens and sequentially input settings for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated setting screen is designed to display all function settings simultaneously before execution, allowing users to review and adjust all parameters in advance. This preliminary comprehensive view enables users to complete all configuration tasks in one go rather than making sequential adjustments across multiple screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3885891B1Image processing apparatus, method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3885891B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3885891B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3885891B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An image processing apparatus (10) includes a flow execution unit (311) configured to receive, in response to an instruction from a user to start an application (332, 342) installed in the image processing apparatus (10), a request to register a flow from the application; store information for identifying functions included in the flow and an execution order of the functions; switchably display setting screens for the respective functions included in the flow in response to a request from the application to execute the flow; and execute the functions identified based on the stored information in the stored execution order based on setting information input on the setting screens for the respective functions.