Image Processing Apparatus Format Combination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems cannot individually specify combinations of input and output formats for image data, limiting the flexibility in processing and outputting data across multiple selected formats.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes a receiving unit for designating multiple applications with different input and output format combinations, and a processing unit to execute these applications collectively, allowing for arbitrary combinations of input and output formats for image data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input formats and multiple output formats are selected independently, then the system can process data in all selected formats, but it cannot specify particular combinations of input and output formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into multiple independent application units, where each application handles a specific input-output format combination. This allows the system to select and execute only the relevant applications for the desired format pairs, rather than processing all possible combinations. The segmentation enables precise control over format mappings while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic application selection and execution, where the system can flexibly choose which applications to run based on the desired input-output format combinations. The processing unit dynamically starts execution of selected applications rather than running all applications continuously, allowing adaptability to different processing needs while optimizing resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image processing is carried out in all selected output formats for each input format, then comprehensive format coverage is achieved, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by executing only the necessary applications for the desired input-output format combinations rather than running all applications for all formats. The processing unit selectively starts execution of specific applications based on user selection, performing exactly the processing needed without redundant operations, thus maintaining format coverage while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the execution parameter from running all applications continuously to dynamically selecting and starting execution of specific applications based on the desired processing task. This parameter change allows the system to maintain comprehensive format coverage capability while optimizing processing efficiency by executing only the required applications.
3Ease of operation
If individual application execution is used for each input-output format combination, then precise format control is achieved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple application selection and execution functions into a unified interface and processing unit. The receiving unit receives designation for multiple applications with different input-output format combinations, and the processing unit collectively manages their execution. This merging simplifies user operation by providing a single point of control while maintaining the capability for precise format specification through the application selection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An MFP includes a receiving unit that receives designation for a plurality of applications having mutually different combinations of an input format for image data and an output format for the image data; and a processing unit that collectively starts execution of the plurality of designated applications.