Image Reading Apparatus Controller Connection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face user inconvenience due to prolonged connection issues, where one external apparatus connected for a long time prevents other external devices from connecting, disrupting the one-to-many communication path configuration.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a controller that manages two connection states: a one-to-one relationship via a single communication path for exclusive use and a one-to-many relationship, disabling disconnection when idle in the first state but enabling it in the second state after a specified time period, allowing for efficient resource sharing and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image reading apparatus maintains a one-to-many connection state to allow multiple external devices to share the apparatus, then resource utilization and user convenience are improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate because one device connected for a long time prevents other devices from connecting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection state changeable based on operational conditions. The controller dynamically switches between maintaining connection and disconnecting based on whether the external device has been operated within a predetermined time period, allowing the system to adapt between stability and flexibility as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection state parameter based on time and operation status. When no operation is detected within the predetermined time period, the system changes from a stable connected state to a disconnected state, thereby controlling the connection parameter dynamically to resolve the contradiction
2Productivity
If the image reading apparatus disconnects idle external devices to allow other devices to connect, then connection availability for multiple devices is improved, but user convenience deteriorates because legitimate long-term users may be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by monitoring operation status from external devices and using this information to control disconnection decisions. The controller receives feedback about device operations and adjusts connection status accordingly, ensuring that actively used devices are not disconnected while idle devices are released
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a predetermined time period threshold before disconnection occurs. This preliminary criterion allows the system to differentiate between temporary idle states and legitimate long-term usage, preventing premature disconnection of active users while enabling release of truly idle devices
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is configured to control an image reading apparatus to a first connected state in which the image reading apparatus is connected to an external apparatus by a first connection method by which the image reading apparatus is connected to the external apparatus in a one-to-one relationship via a single communication path, and to a second connected state in which the image reading apparatus is connected to the external apparatus by a second connection method by which the image reading apparatus is connectable to a plurality of external apparatuses in a one-to-many relationship via a single communication path. The controller disables disconnection processing of disconnecting the image reading apparatus from the external apparatus to be performed when a first time period elapses without the image reading apparatus being operated in the first connected state, and enables the disconnection processing to be performed when the first time period elapses without the image reading apparatus being operated in the second connected state.