Image Processing Apparatus Compression Scheme Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for compressing scan data obtained by optical reading of documents lack flexibility in selecting appropriate compression schemes based on user preferences and document types, leading to suboptimal compressed file generation.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that allows users to select between two compression schemes (normal and high compression) based on designated saving formats and compression levels, enabling the generation of appropriate compressed files tailored to user settings and document types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a predetermined compression scheme is used based on automatic document type determination, then the compression process is simple and fast, but the user cannot control the compression level and the compressed file may not meet user requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression operation simplicityVSAvoidcompression scheme adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: automatic mode (first-kind option) where the compression scheme is determined by the system based on document type, and manual mode (second-kind option) where the user can specify the compression scheme. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to different user needs while maintaining ease of operation in automatic mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of compression scheme selection based on the user's choice of option. When the first-kind option is selected, the parameter is set to automatic determination; when the second-kind option is selected, the parameter allows user-specified values. This parameter change enables the system to transition between different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user is allowed to select compression schemes freely, then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression scheme selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the compression scheme selection into two distinct parts: a predefined set of compression schemes (first and second kinds) and a user selection mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to provide flexibility without exposing the user to the full complexity of all possible compression parameters, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a universal option selection mechanism that can handle both automatic and manual compression scheme selection through a unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the same system structure to serve both simple automatic compression and flexible manual compression needs, reducing overall system complexity.

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

3Quantity of substance

If high compression is applied to reduce data size, then the compressed file size is reduced, but the character readability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed file data sizeVSAvoidcharacter quality precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different compression schemes (first-kind and second-kind) are designed with different local qualities: the first-kind option prioritizes character quality preservation, while the second-kind option prioritizes data size reduction. The system allows users to select the appropriate scheme based on their specific needs, applying the right quality characteristics to the right situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the compression parameter (compression level) based on the user's option selection. When the first-kind option is chosen, the parameter is set to preserve character quality; when the second-kind option is chosen, the parameter is set to maximize compression. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for different objectives without compromising either quality or size in absolute terms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9386187B2Image processing apparatus and operations of selecting compression scheme to generate compressed file
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US9386187B2 patent drawing
  • US9386187B2 patent drawing
  • US9386187B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to receive selection of one of options including a first-kind option and a second-kind option, and receive designation of a saving format and a compression level; acquire scan data generated; and generate a compressed file by compressing the scan data, wherein in a case where the first-kind option is selected and where a specific saving format is designated as the saving format, the processor configured to generate the compressed file by using a first compression scheme, regardless of the designated compression level. In a case where the second-kind option is selected and where the specific saving format is designated as the saving format, the processor configured to select one compression scheme from the first compression scheme and the second compression scheme, according to the designated compression level, and generate the compressed file by using the selected compression scheme.