Image Processing Apparatus Format Conversion for Client Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network scanner techniques compress image data for faster transfer but make it unsuitable for distribution to multiple external client apparatuses, while conventional copying techniques set image data in specific formats for printing, making them incompatible with external processing or viewing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus connected via a network that reads original images, performs processing, converts data into universal formats like JPEG, and transmits it to client apparatuses, allowing for format conversion to match the capabilities of each client, enabling sharing and processing of image data across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data are compressed to increase transfer speed, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the image data become unsuitable for distribution to multiple external client apparatuses with different format requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus performs format conversion in advance before transmission, converting image data into multiple predetermined formats (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP) and storing them in the storage unit. When a client requests image data, the appropriate pre-converted format is selected and transmitted, eliminating the need for real-time conversion and enabling fast transmission while maintaining compatibility with different client apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The image data is segmented into multiple format versions (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP) that are stored separately in the storage unit. Each format version is optimized for different client requirements, allowing the system to provide tailored format segments to different clients without requiring re-scanning or re-processing of the original image.
2Manufacturing precision
If image data are stored in a specific printing format, then printing output quality is improved, but the image data cannot be viewed or edited on external client apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes images for high-quality printing output while simultaneously converting the same images into universal web formats (JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP) suitable for external client apparatuses. The system maintains both printing-optimized and web-optimized versions of images, making the single apparatus universally applicable to both printing and digital distribution scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image data are converted to match each client apparatus attributes, then compatibility is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Format conversion is performed in advance during the image processing stage, before the images are stored in the storage unit. Multiple format versions are pre-prepared and stored, so when a client requests images, the system can immediately retrieve and transmit the appropriate pre-converted format without requiring real-time conversion, thus eliminating format conversion time from the transmission process.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus implements appropriate image processing on image data stored in a storage unit of the image processing apparatus easily and efficiently, and distributes the image data to an external apparatus. An image format conversion unit implements image processing such as resolution conversion processing, filter processing, γ correction processing, and halftone processing on image data stored in an HDD serving as an image data storage unit so that the image data conform to conditions, such as image quality and format, specified by an external client apparatus. The image-processed image data are then distributed to the external client apparatus.