Image Processing Apparatus Redundant Reading Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing systems require users to perform complex operations by repeatedly selecting and executing multiple instructions, leading to unnecessary reading and transmission processing, especially when the same reading processing generates duplicate image data.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system and method that allows users to execute multiple process definition files simultaneously, transmitting image data according to each file's definition, thereby reducing redundant operations and optimizing data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conventional method executes reading processing for each selected instruction, then each instruction can be executed independently, but reading processing is executed multiple times generating duplicate image data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstruction execution independenceVSAvoidredundant reading operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple reading operations into a single reading execution. When multiple instructions are selected, the system performs reading processing only once and reuses the generated image data across all selected instructions, eliminating redundant reading operations while maintaining independent instruction execution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs reading processing in advance as a preliminary action before executing multiple instructions. The image data is generated once beforehand and then reused for all selected instructions, preventing the need to repeat reading operations for each instruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the user selects multiple instructions sequentially, then each instruction can be executed in order, but the user must perform complicated operations repeatedly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess execution completenessVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows the user to select multiple instructions simultaneously in one operation rather than selecting them one by one. The system executes all selected instructions based on a single user selection action, reducing the number of user operations required while ensuring all intended processes are executed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional selection mechanism that handles both single and multiple instruction selections through a unified interface. The same selection operation can execute one instruction or multiple instructions simultaneously, simplifying the user interface and operation flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If reading processing is executed for each instruction definition, then each transmission can be customized, but network traffic increases due to duplicate image data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission customizationVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates copies of the generated image data for transmission to multiple destinations according to different instruction definitions. Instead of re-reading the document multiple times, the system generates the image data once and creates necessary copies for each transmission target, reducing network traffic while maintaining transmission customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2182713B1Image processing apparatus, image processing system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 CANON KK
  • EP2182713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2182713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2182713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus (103) comprising: acquisition means (218) configured to acquire a plurality of process definition files (410, 1300), the process definition files each including a definition of reading processing to be executed by the reading means (221) and a definition of transmission processing for transmission of the generated image data; file selection means (219,211)configured to select a plurality of the process definition files acquired by the acquisition means for execution; reading means (221) ; reading control means (211) configured to cause the reading means (221) to read an image of a document and to generate image data based on the read document image in accordance with the reading processing defined in at least one of the selected process definition files; and transmission control means (218, 211) configured to instruct transmission of the image data generated by the reading means in accordance with the transmission processing defined in each of the selected plurality of process definition files.