Image Data Distribution Apparatus with Segmented Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image data distribution apparatuses can only designate one distribution destination for image data read through a series of document operations, making it impossible to flexibly change distribution destinations based on the read source or distribute to multiple destinations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An image data distribution apparatus that separates image data into multiple pieces based on predetermined conditions and determines separate distribution destinations for each piece, allowing flexible distribution to various destinations according to the read source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image data read through a series of document operations is handled as one piece of image data with a single distribution destination, then the distribution process is simple, but it is impossible to flexibly change distribution destinations based on the read source or distribute to multiple destinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution destination flexibilityVSAvoiddistribution process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments image data from a series of document operations into multiple separate pieces based on read sources. Each piece of image data is associated with its specific read source (platen reading unit, ADF top-side reading unit, or ADF back-side reading unit), enabling independent distribution destination assignment for each segment while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different distribution destinations to different segments of image data based on their specific read sources. Instead of a uniform distribution approach, each piece of image data receives a customized distribution destination assignment according to its characteristics, achieving local optimization of the distribution process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple distribution destinations are designated for different pieces of image data, then distribution flexibility is improved, but the complexity of managing distribution destinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-destination distribution capabilityVSAvoiddistribution destination management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically associates each piece of image data with its read source and determines appropriate distribution destinations based on pre-set rules or user preferences. This self-service mechanism reduces manual intervention complexity while enabling multi-destination distribution, as the system autonomously manages the association between image data segments and their respective distribution destinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8958122B2Image data distribution apparatus, image data distribution system, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image data distribution apparatus includes an image data separating unit configured to separate image data obtained through a series of document read operations into a plurality of pieces of image data according to a predetermined condition; and an image data distributing unit configured to determine a distribution destination for each of the separated pieces of image data and distribute the separated pieces of image data to the corresponding distribution destinations, respectively.