Image Reading Apparatus Network 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 is not physically connected to a network, leading to potential data loss and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus includes a processor that receives settings for the transmission destination of input images and prohibits transmission via a secondary communication device when the primary communication device is set as the destination, but only if it is not physically connected to the network, allowing seamless switching to alternative communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image reading apparatus prohibits transmission via the second communication device when the first information processing apparatus is set as the transmission destination, then data loss is prevented, but transmission reliability deteriorates when the first communication device is not physically connected to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between communication paths based on network connectivity status. The processor monitors whether the first communication device is physically connected to the network and dynamically adjusts transmission routing: using the first communication device when connected, and switching to the second communication device when disconnected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static in its communication path selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication devices based on network connectivity conditions. When the first communication device loses physical network connection, the system changes the transmission parameter from 'prohibited' to 'permitted' for the second communication device. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable transmission by adapting to changing network conditions.
2Productivity
If the image reading apparatus allows transmission via the second communication device when the first communication device is not connected to the network, then transmission continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic detection and switching. The processor automatically detects when the first communication device loses network connectivity and autonomously switches to the second communication device without requiring user intervention or complex manual configuration. This self-service approach maintains transmission continuity while minimizing the operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from network connectivity detection to control transmission routing. The processor continuously monitors the physical connection status of the first communication device and uses this feedback to determine whether to permit transmission via the second communication device. This feedback mechanism simplifies complexity by using automatic status monitoring rather than complex user-managed switching logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image reading apparatus monitors network connectivity status to enable automatic switching, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first communication device performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own network connectivity status. The processor within the image reading apparatus detects connection status changes and autonomously makes switching decisions without requiring external management or complex user configuration. This self-monitoring capability provides adaptability while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback from network connectivity monitoring to automatically adjust communication path selection. The processor receives feedback about the physical connection status of the first communication device and uses this information to determine whether to switch to the second communication device. This feedback-driven approach enhances adaptability while maintaining relatively simple control logic compared to manual or externally-managed switching systems.
Data Source
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 the second communication device when the first information processing apparatus that can communicate via the first communication device is set as the transmission destination of the input image, determine whether the first communication device is in a state physically communicable with a network. The processor permits transmission of the input image via the second communication device when the first information processing apparatus is set as the transmission destination of the input image and it is determined that the first communication device is not in a state physically communicable with the network.