Image Forming Apparatus Workflow Automation via REST API Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses lack the ability to efficiently provide complex workflows that integrate various functions and external web services, limiting user functionality and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that acquire execution requests for workflows, determine conditions for execution, and execute pre-stored functions using agents that communicate with external web service servers via REST API, allowing users to configure and manage workflows through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image forming apparatus provides multiple functions (print, scan, copy, fax, email, storage, FTP), then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including printing, scanning, copying, facsimile, email transfer, storage, and FTP operations within a single device. The controller integrates these diverse functions and manages their coordination through a unified control architecture, allowing the apparatus to serve as a universal document handling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into distinct functional modules, each handling specific tasks such as print control, scan control, copy control, fax control, email transfer control, storage control, and FTP control. This segmentation allows independent management and optimization of each function while maintaining overall system integration through the controller.
2Ease of operation
If image forming apparatus connects to network and cloud services, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user interface and multiple external systems including network devices, cloud servers, and various functional modules. It manages communication protocols, data formats, and coordination between different systems, shielding users from underlying complexity while enabling seamless network and cloud operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates multiple communication modules including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and IrDA to provide universal connectivity across different network types and devices. This multi-functional communication capability enables easy connection to various external systems without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Productivity
If workflow automation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows pre-definition of workflow sequences that combine multiple functions in predetermined orders. Users can configure workflows in advance that automatically execute when specific conditions are met, such as automatically scanning a document and emailing it to designated recipients, or automatically storing scanned files in cloud services. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual step-by-step operation during actual workflow execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors execution status of each function within a workflow and uses this feedback to determine when to proceed to the next step. The system tracks completion of individual tasks, manages error conditions, and adjusts workflow execution based on real-time status information, enabling automated multi-step processes with conditional logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method by which an image forming apparatus provides a workflow service is provided. The method includes acquiring an execution request for a workflow of an image forming operation, determining whether conditions for executing the workflow are satisfied, according to the acquired execution request, and executing pre-stored functions corresponding to the workflow if it is determined that the conditions are satisfied.