Image Reading Apparatus Automatic Path Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in managing the transmission of input images across multiple communication paths, particularly when the primary communication path with a server is unavailable, leading to inconvenience in switching between communication destinations.

Innovation Solution

The image reading apparatus includes a processor that determines the physical connectivity of communication devices with information processing apparatuses, prohibiting image transmission via alternative communication paths only when the primary path is physically connected to the network, and permitting transmission via alternative paths when the primary path is not connected, ensuring appropriate management of the transmission destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image reading apparatus communicates with multiple information processing apparatuses to allow flexible transmission destination selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple communication paths and their states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission destination flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication path management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image reading apparatus automatically detects the connectivity state of each communication path and autonomously determines which path to use for transmission, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex user management of multiple communication paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different communication paths based on real-time connectivity detection, allowing the transmission destination to adapt automatically to the current operational state of each communication path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the apparatus automatically switches communication paths when the primary path is unavailable, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of accidental transmission to unintended destinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission availabilityVSAvoiderroneous transmission risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the connectivity state of communication paths and uses this feedback information to make intelligent transmission decisions, ensuring that images are only transmitted when the destination is confirmed to be reachable and appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus performs preliminary connectivity detection and destination verification before initiating image transmission, preventing erroneous transmissions by ensuring the communication path is both physically connected and appropriate for the intended destination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the apparatus prohibits transmission via alternative communication paths when the primary path is connected, then the transmission destination management is improved, but the reliability decreases when the primary path becomes unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission destination accuracyVSAvoidautomatic path switching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the primary communication path becomes unavailable and autonomously switches to an alternative path without requiring user intervention, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11632476B2Image reading apparatus to manage transmission destination of input image

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 PFU LTD

AI summary

An image reading apparatus includes a first communication device provided communicatively with a first information processing apparatus, a second communication device provided communicatively with a second information processing apparatus, and a processor to receive a setting for a transmission destination of an input image, prohibit transmission of the input image via a communication device different from a communication device provided communicatively with the transmission destination, and determine whether the communication device provided communicatively with the transmission destination is in a state physically communicable with a network or an information processing apparatus. The processor permits transmission of the input image via the communication device different from the communication device provided communicatively with the transmission destination when it is determined that the communication device provided communicatively with the transmission destination is not in a state physically communicable with the network or the information processing apparatus.