Image Reading Apparatus Quasi Push-Scanning via Local Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and increased load due to the need to physically move between an information processing apparatus and an image reading apparatus multiple times to initiate and retrieve scanned images, as the basic reader program in the OS does not support the push-scanning function.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a reader device, user interface, and controller that accepts receiver-identifying information and operates under a basic reader program protocol, allowing it to read images and store data, then transmit it to a connected information processing apparatus, thereby reducing user burden by enabling quasi push-scanning functionality without the need for a scanner driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the basic reader program in the OS is used for image reading, then the image reading apparatus can operate without a scanner driver, but the user must physically move between the information processing apparatus and the image reading apparatus multiple times to initiate and retrieve scanned images
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading apparatus pre-stores scanned image data in its own storage unit before the user requests retrieval. When a scan command is received via the basic reader program, the apparatus automatically stores the scanned data locally and waits for the user to initiate a retrieval command from the information processing apparatus, eliminating the need for the user to physically move to the image reading apparatus immediately after scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The image reading apparatus acts as an intermediary by receiving scan commands from the information processing apparatus through the basic reader program, performing the scanning operation, storing the resulting image data in its own storage unit, and then transmitting the stored data back when a retrieval command is received. This intermediary role allows the user to remain at the information processing apparatus throughout the process.
2Ease of operation
If the push-scanning function is implemented, then the user's load is reduced, but the basic reader program incorporated in the OS does not support this function
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading apparatus performs self-service by automatically storing scanned image data in its own storage unit without requiring user intervention or support from the OS's basic reader program. The apparatus independently manages the scanning, storage, and data transmission processes, enabling push-scanning functionality while maintaining compatibility with the basic reader program's limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image reading apparatus performs the scanning action and stores the image data in advance in its own storage unit, before the user initiates the retrieval command from the information processing apparatus. This preliminary action enables the user to simply issue a retrieval command without needing to physically move to the image reading apparatus or wait for the scanning process to complete at the remote location.
3Productivity
If the user enters a scan command through the information processing apparatus, then the image reading apparatus can read the image, but the user must then move to the image reading apparatus to retrieve the original sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading apparatus pre-stores the scanned image data in its storage unit immediately after scanning, before the user completes the retrieval process. This allows the user to return to the information processing apparatus and retrieve the digital image data without needing to physically visit the image reading apparatus to collect the original sheet, as the data is already available locally at the information processing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The image reading apparatus serves as an intermediary that receives the scan command, performs the scanning operation, stores the resulting image data, and then transmits the stored data back to the information processing apparatus when a retrieval command is received. This intermediary function eliminates the need for the user to physically travel to the image reading apparatus for data retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus, having a reader device, a user interface, a communication interface, and a controller, is provided. The controller accepts entry of first receiver-identifying information, in response to entry of a first scan command through the user interface, controls the reader device to read an image of an original material, and stores image data for the read image in relation with the first receiver-identifying information in a predetermined memory area. In response to receiving of a second scan command including second receiver-identifying information that corresponds to the first receiver-identifying information by identifying the same receiver from an information processing apparatus by use of a specific protocol, the controller reads out the image data stored in relation with the first receiver-identifying information corresponding to the second receiver-identifying information included in the second scan command from the predetermined memory area, and transmits the image data to the information processing apparatus.