Image Processing System Dynamic Function Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems require frequent updates of application software to accommodate new functions or function set values in multi-function peripherals, leading to inefficiencies and complexities, especially when managing multiple devices, as they cannot display function setting screens for newly added or updated functions without updating the application.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes an information processing apparatus and connected image processing apparatuses, where the information processing apparatus stores identifying information for functions and function groups, allowing it to generate screen information that includes identifying information for displaying function setting screens, and the image processing apparatuses can identify and display newly added function set values without updating the application, enabling users to select and set these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the application software is updated to recognize new functions or function set values, then the function setting screen can display new functions and set values, but the operation complexity and update frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function information into two parts: (1) basic function structure defined by the application, and (2) dynamic function set values stored in the image processing apparatus. This allows the application to remain simple while the apparatus stores and manages expanded function sets locally, enabling new function values to be displayed without application updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the image processing apparatus pre-store multiple function set values including newly added ones in its internal storage before the application needs to display them. When the apparatus requests a function setting screen, it includes identifiers for these pre-stored new function values, allowing the screen to display them immediately without requiring application software updates.
2Ease of operation
If the application remains unchanged, then the operation is simple, but new functions and function set values cannot be displayed on the function setting screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the image processing apparatus itself acts as a mediator between the static application software and the dynamic function set values. The apparatus stores function information including new function values in its own storage, and when generating a function setting screen request, it includes identifiers for these stored functions. This intermediary approach allows the simple application to access and display new functions without being updated, as the apparatus bridges the gap between the static application and dynamic function expansion.
3Extent of automation
If multiple image processing apparatuses are managed by one information processing apparatus, then centralized management is achieved, but the application must be updated for each new function added to any device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each image processing apparatus to have its own local storage of function set values while maintaining a common application. Each apparatus stores the function information specific to its capabilities in its own memory, including newly added function values. This means the function data quality and availability are localized to each device, allowing centralized management through a common application interface while each device independently maintains its own function value set without requiring application updates when new functions are added to individual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes an information processing apparatus and one or a plurality of image processing apparatuses that can be connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. A function whose function set value is to be displayed on a function setting screen is identified from identifying information included in screen information made by the information processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes an identifying information storage part in which identifying information of a function is stored, and of the functions whose identifying information is stored, all function set values of the identified function are displayed on a display part in a mode that can be selected by a user.