Image Processing Apparatus Automatic Application Selection

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of image processing applications in image processing apparatuses complicates user selection, leading to prolonged search times for desired applications.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with an image input unit, analysis unit, and processing selection unit that analyzes input image data characteristics to automatically select suitable applications for processing, reducing user effort in application selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of image processing applications is increased to provide more functionality, then the versatility and capability of the apparatus is improved, but the user search time and selection difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of image processing applicationsVSAvoiduser search time for applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing image data characteristics and selecting appropriate applications without requiring user intervention. The analysis unit examines image properties (such as color distribution, texture, subject matter) and the selection unit autonomously matches these characteristics with suitable applications, eliminating the need for users to manually search through multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary mechanism is introduced between the image input unit and the applications. The analysis unit acts as a mediator that processes image data and extracts characteristics, while the selection unit serves as another mediator that uses these characteristics to determine which application should process the image. This intermediary layer automates the selection process and prevents direct user interaction with multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of image processing applications is increased to provide more functionality, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of image processing applicationsVSAvoiduser selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing image data characteristics and selecting appropriate applications without requiring user intervention. The analysis unit examines image properties (such as color distribution, texture, subject matter) and the selection unit autonomously matches these characteristics with suitable applications, eliminating the need for users to manually search through multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Preliminary action is implemented by pre-establishing a database that maps image characteristics to suitable applications. Before the user needs to process an image, the system prepares the selection logic and characteristic databases, enabling rapid automated selection when image data is actually processed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to navigate through multiple applications during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10019209B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: an image input unit configured to input image data; one or more applications configured to process the image data that has been input by the image input unit; an analysis unit configured to analyze a characteristic of the input image data; and a processing selection unit configured to select one or more of the applications suitable for processing the input image data, based on an analysis result obtained by the analysis unit.