Image Processing Apparatus for Automated Token-Based Scan Uploads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for uploading scanned documents to cloud services require manual specification of resolution and save location, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in shared devices, and constructing an external service for scan settings is complex and not easily introduced.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a scanner, storage device, and processors that receive scan jobs, including settings and access tokens, allowing users to save jobs and automatically execute transmission processes based on user operations, eliminating the need for manual specification and external service construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual specification of resolution and save location is required for each scan job, then flexibility and control over scan settings are improved, but operation time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the image processing apparatus automatically acquire and store scan settings and authentication information from an external service before the actual scanning operation. The scan job is pre-configured with all necessary parameters and access credentials, so when execution is triggered, the apparatus only needs to retrieve the pre-stored settings and execute the scan without requiring manual specification during operation.
2Extent of automation
If an external service is constructed to store scan settings and authentication information, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of introduction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an external service as an intermediary component that handles the storage and management of scan settings and authentication information. This external service acts as a mediator between the user and the image processing apparatus, allowing the apparatus to automatically access stored settings without needing to build complex internal storage and management systems. The intermediary external service simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling automation.
3Ease of operation
If scan settings are stored in an external service on the network, then ease of operation and automation are improved, but reliability and security worsen due to network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring and storing authentication information (such as access tokens) in advance within the image processing apparatus before the scanning operation. This pre-acquired authentication information is stored locally in the apparatus, ensuring that even if network connectivity is interrupted during the scanning process, the apparatus can still access the external service using the pre-stored credentials, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a scanner and a storage device configured to save one or more jobs receives, from an information processing apparatus, a scan job including a scan setting, a transmission destination of image data to be obtained in a reading process by the scanner based on the scan setting, and a token acquired from an authorization server to access the transmission destination, saves the received scan job in the storage device, identifies, based on a user operation via an operation unit of the image processing apparatus, a target scan job from the storage device, and executes a transmission process based on image data obtained by executing the identified scan job and a token and a transmission destination included in the identified scan job.