Image Reading Apparatus Local Input for Multi-Page Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome operations when setting and reading multiple pages of an original using an image reading apparatus connected to a terminal, requiring repetitive settings and instructions on both the apparatus and terminal, leading to inefficiencies and poor user operability, especially in cloud environments with potential network communication delays.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus connected to a server via a network that allows users to input instructions for reading subsequent pages directly on the apparatus, reducing the need for repetitive terminal operations and improving user interface by displaying prompts and accepting input for continuous reading or ending the process within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user performs original setting on the image reading apparatus and reading instruction on the terminal for each page, then the reading function can be implemented, but the operation complexity increases and user operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal's control functions with the image reading apparatus by allowing the apparatus to display prompts and receive input directly. This integration eliminates the need for separate terminal operations for each page, reducing operation complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The image reading apparatus is designed to autonomously display prompts and accept user input for continuous reading operations. This self-service capability allows the apparatus to handle its own control tasks without requiring the user to repeatedly operate the terminal, thereby improving user operability.
2Productivity
If the user inputs reading instructions on the terminal for multiple pages, then the reading process can be controlled, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading apparatus performs preliminary actions by displaying prompts and preparing to receive input for the next page before the user finishes the current operation. This preliminary preparation reduces the time required for subsequent operations, thereby improving reading efficiency without increasing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus maintains continuous useful action by automatically displaying prompts and accepting input for continuous reading operations without requiring the user to repeatedly return to the terminal. This continuity eliminates idle time between pages, improving productivity while reducing total operation time.
3Loss of energy
If the image reading apparatus displays prompts and accepts input locally, then network communication is reduced, but the apparatus requires additional display and input components
Solution Approach 1:
The image reading apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both display and input capabilities that serve dual purposes: local user interaction and reduced network communication requirements. This universal design allows the apparatus to handle control functions locally while maintaining its primary reading function, reducing energy loss through network communication without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
To read a plurality of pages, it is necessary to notify a server of completion of transfer from an image reading apparatus and transmit a next page reading input instruction from an operation terminal to the image reading apparatus again via the server. In the above reading operation, time from completion of original reading to the start of reading of the next original is prolonged, and user operability lowers. According to an embodiment of this invention, when reading images of a plurality of pages, the first image reading instruction is input from a user terminal. After that, original placement, reading start instruction, and the like for the next page are performed from an input unit provided in the image reading apparatus. This can reduce the network communication amount and improve the throughput and user operability.