Image Processing Apparatus Error Handling via Pre-Captured Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing large-format inkjet printing apparatuses face inconvenience when errors occur during the output process, as they often require restarting the scanning process after errors like paper jams, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that includes a first output process unit for reading document images, a display unit for showing a selection screen allowing users to choose an alternative output process when an error occurs, and a second performing unit to execute the alternative output process using the same read data, enabling users to select and perform processes like printing, storage, or transmission without needing to rescan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reading process is completed successfully but the printing process encounters an error (e.g., paper jam), then the document image data is already captured, but the process must restart from scanning, causing time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput process completionVSAvoidtime to rescan document
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the reading/scanning action in advance and stores the document image data before the output process begins. When an error occurs during printing or other output operations, the pre-captured image data is reused, eliminating the need to rescan the document. This preliminary capture of data resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability of the output process while avoiding time loss from rescanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the system automatically resumes the original output process after an error, then the process flow is simple, but the user cannot switch to alternative output processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess resumptionVSAvoidoutput process selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system that adapts its behavior based on user input. After an error occurs, the system does not automatically resume the original process but instead presents the user with multiple output process options. The user can then dynamically select from alternatives such as printing, saving to USB, saving to network, or deleting the data. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automated error handling while providing versatility through selectable output options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the reading process is performed again after an output error, then fresh data can be obtained, but the efficiency and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the document image data during the initial reading process and stores it for subsequent use. When output errors occur, this copied data is reused instead of performing another reading operation. The copying principle resolves the contradiction by maintaining data integrity through the use of the original captured image while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating the need to rescan the document.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution improves convenience by allowing users to continue the output process without restarting the scanning process, reducing downtime and enhancing efficiency, especially for large-sized documents, by providing options like printing, storage, or transmission directly from read data.

Implementation Method 1

a reading unit configured to optically read a document image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reading: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240419373A1Image processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium storing program
Publication Date: 2024.12.19 CANON KK
  • US20240419373A1 patent drawing
  • US20240419373A1 patent drawing
  • US20240419373A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing apparatus comprising: a first performing unit configured to perform a first output process using read data read by a reading unit configured to optically read a document image; a display unit configured to display a selection screen on which a second output process different from the first output process is selectable when an error occurs during performing the first output process; and a second performing unit configured to perform the second output process using the read data used in the first output process when the second output process is selected.