Image Processing Apparatus Folder Selectability Based on Protocol Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses restrict the type of communication protocol for 'My Folder' when using functions like 'Scan and Send' and 'Scan and Save', leading to potential failures in file transmission and storage, which hinders user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The image processing apparatus manages folder information, including path and protocol types, associated with user information, allowing it to determine protocol availability for 'Scan and Send' and 'Scan and Save' functions. If the protocol is available, 'My Folder' is displayed as a selectable destination; otherwise, it is unselectable, ensuring appropriate protocol usage based on function requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processing apparatus restricts the type of communication protocol for 'My Folder' when using functions like 'Scan and Send' and 'Scan and Save', then processing failures are prevented, but user convenience is hindered and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol availability is made dynamic based on the selected function. The system determines protocol availability specifically for the selected function (Scan and Send or Scan and Save) rather than applying a fixed restriction. This allows the folder selection interface to adaptively display selectable or unselectable states for My Folder based on real-time function-protocol compatibility, resolving the contradiction between preventing failures and maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction is applied locally to specific function-protocol combinations rather than globally to all functions. The system evaluates protocol availability independently for each function (Scan and Send, Scan and Save) and applies selectability restrictions only where incompatible, allowing users to access My Folder with available protocols while preventing failures with incompatible ones.
2Ease of operation
If the image processing apparatus allows selection of 'My Folder' for all functions regardless of protocol compatibility, then user convenience is improved, but processing failures occur during file transmission and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines protocol availability for the selected function and adjusts the selectability of My Folder accordingly. This real-time adaptation ensures users see accurate availability information without manual configuration, improving convenience while preventing failures through automatic compatibility verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user interface about protocol compatibility between My Folder and the selected function. The folder is displayed as selectable or unselectable based on real-time compatibility assessment, giving users immediate feedback without requiring them to understand protocol details, thus maintaining convenience while ensuring reliability.
3Device complexity
If the image processing apparatus displays 'My Folder' as always selectable, then the interface is simpler, but incompatible protocol usage leads to processing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The interface applies different visual states (selectable vs. unselectable) to My Folder based on local protocol compatibility conditions for each function. This localized differentiation maintains interface simplicity while preventing incompatible selections, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
4Reliability
If the image processing apparatus implements protocol availability determination for each function, then processing failures are prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of protocol availability when the function is selected, before the user attempts file transmission. This advance checking prevents failures by identifying incompatibilities early in the workflow, managing system complexity through proactive rather than reactive error prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines protocol compatibility and adjusts folder selectability without requiring user configuration or manual protocol selection. This self-service approach manages complexity by having the system handle protocol compatibility autonomously, preventing failures while maintaining a simple user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus displays My Folder in a selectable manner on a screen for selecting a saving destination of a file in a case where a protocol included in My Folder information is determined to be available for a function selected by a user, and displays My Folder in an unselectable manner on the screen for selecting the saving destination of the file in a case where the protocol included in My Folder information is determined to be unavailable for the function selected by the user.