Image Processing Apparatus Sequential Operation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems lack flexibility in allowing operators to specify and perform multiple processes on images in a sequential and non-conflicting manner, particularly after an initial image reading process has started.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a first accepting unit for specifying an initial process before starting, a controller for initiating image reading, and a second accepting unit for specifying subsequent processes without conflicting with ongoing operations, allowing operators to choose from multiple functions like printing, copying, fax transmission, and image storage after image reading has begun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system waits for process specification before starting image reading, then process configuration flexibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image reading before the operator specifies the process. The first accepting unit accepts a starting instruction to initiate image reading, and the controller controls the image reading unit to read the image even before process specification is completed. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by executing time-consuming image reading in advance while maintaining the flexibility to accept process specifications afterward through the second accepting unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processes are allowed after image reading starts, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation accepting function is segmented into two distinct units: the first accepting unit for initial operations before image reading, and the second accepting unit for subsequent operations after image reading starts. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing multiple processes to be specified in a structured manner, maintaining operational flexibility while managing system complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation accepting capability based on the reading state. Before image reading starts, only the first accepting unit is active. After reading starts, the second accepting unit becomes active to accept additional process specifications. This dynamic behavior allows operational flexibility while managing complexity through state-dependent functionality.
3Productivity
If image reading is performed before process specification, then processing efficiency is improved, but control precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Image reading is performed as a preliminary action before process specification is completed. The controller initiates image reading upon receiving a starting instruction, even though the specific process to be applied to the image may not yet be determined. This improves processing efficiency by eliminating waiting time while control precision is maintained through the second accepting unit that allows process specification to be refined afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a first accepting unit, a controller, and a second accepting unit. The first accepting unit accepts a first operation from an operator to specify a process to be performed on an image of a paper, which is to be read, from among multiple processes before accepting a starting instruction from the operator. The controller controls, in a case where the starting instruction is accepted before the first operation is accepted, an image reading unit to perform an image reading process on the image of the paper. The second accepting unit accepts, after the image reading process is started, a second operation from the operator to specify a process to be performed on the image from among the multiple processes.