Image Processing Apparatus Parallel Conversion Scanning Bottleneck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, prioritize scan speed over transmission speed, leading to user dissatisfaction due to long waiting times for data confirmation after scanning, as they do not efficiently convert images into transmitting formats during the scanning process.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a reading unit, conversion unit, and transmitting unit that converts image data into a predetermined format in parallel with scanning, allowing for simultaneous image reading and conversion, and subsequent transmission after all pages are read, thereby reducing waiting time and enhancing transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image conversion is performed after all pages are scanned, then scan speed is maintained, but user waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image conversion processing during the scanning process rather than waiting until all pages are scanned. The control unit starts converting image data to the predetermined format as soon as pages are read, preparing the data in advance for transmission. This overlaps the conversion process with the scanning process, so that when scanning completes, conversion is already finished or near-finished, significantly reducing user waiting time while maintaining scan speed.
2Loss of time
If image conversion is performed during scanning, then user waiting time is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by making the image conversion process continuous and overlapping with the scanning process. Instead of sequential processing (scan then convert), the system performs both operations simultaneously/overlappingly. The control unit continuously converts image data to the predetermined format as pages are being read, ensuring that the conversion action is continuous and productive throughout the entire scanning duration, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing total processing time.
3Productivity
If scan processing is prioritized over transmission, then scanning efficiency is improved, but transmission speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing image data in the required transmission format during the scanning process itself. The control unit converts scanned pages to the predetermined format (such as JPEG, PDF, or other transmission-ready formats) as they are being read, so that when scanning completes, the data is already prepared for immediate transmission. This eliminates the need for post-scanning conversion delays and enables faster transmission without compromising scanning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus of this invention converts image data into a predetermined transmitting format in turn from a read page before images are read from all pages of originals. Upon completion of reading operations of all the pages of the originals, the image processing apparatus controls a transmitting unit to transmit image data in association with the image data of a page, which has already been converted into the transmitting format, and controls to convert image data into the transmitting format and then controls the transmitting unit to transmit the image data, in association with the image data of a page, which has not been converted into the transmitting format.