Image Processing Device Service Registration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-based image processing systems are unsuitable for environments where the number of services frequently changes, requiring users to frequently register new functions in digital copying devices, leading to increased administrative burdens.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes an image processing device capable of selecting services from a service supply unit based on information provided by an information supply unit, eliminating the need for users to manage service types and locations, even when the number of available services increases significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are added to the host computer and made available through user registration in the digital copying device, then the functionality of the system is improved, but the administrative burden and time required for user registration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The digital copying device automatically receives function information from the host computer and registers itself without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously manages the registration process by receiving control command codes and density information, then automatically storing and making functions available to users without manual registration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The host computer sends function information back to the digital copying device, creating a feedback loop where new functions are automatically propagated to the device. This feedback mechanism ensures that the device continuously updates its function list without requiring users to manually register each new function.
2Ease of operation
If the digital copying device stores function information locally to make it available to users, then the ease of function access is improved, but the device complexity and information management burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function information storage and management responsibilities from the user and places them in the digital copying device. The device automatically receives, stores, and manages function information from the host computer, freeing users from the complexity of manual information management while maintaining easy access to functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system requires frequent user registration to accommodate changing services, then the adaptability to dynamic environments is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital copying device performs preliminary action by automatically receiving and registering function information from the host computer before users need to access these functions. This advance preparation eliminates the need for users to manually register functions at the time of use, maintaining high system efficiency while adapting to dynamic service changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system, which includes an image processing device including at least one of an image reading unit which reads an image and generates image data representing the image and an image printing unit which prints an image represented by image data, a service supply unit configured to execute a service regarding at least one of image data generated by the image reading unit and image data representing an image to be printed by the image printing unit, in response to a request from the image processing device, and an information supply unit which supplies the image processing device with information on services executable by the service supply unit. The information supply unit includes a service storage unit that stores the information on services executable by the service supply unit, and a service information transmitting unit that transmits the stored information on services to the image processing device.