Image Processing Settings Sync via Virtual Device Mediation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies, such as those described in JP2012-174279A and JP2020-119016A, fail to reflect the settings of one image processing device to another, which can occur in image forming devices like scanners as well.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that synchronizes the settings of a first virtual image processing device with a second image processing device by applying the settings of a second virtual image processing device to a first virtual image processing device, using a server to manage and verify the settings before applying them to the first device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing printing systems are used, then printing jobs can be processed, but settings cannot be reflected from one image processing device to another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual image processing device that copies settings from a physical image processing device. The virtual device stores setting information and can transfer it to other physical devices, enabling setting reflection without directly modifying the original physical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual image processing device acts as an intermediary between physical image processing devices. It receives settings from one physical device, stores them, and transfers them to another physical device, facilitating setting reflection across different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If settings are manually transferred between devices, then setting reflection is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic setting transfer without manual intervention. The virtual image processing device automatically receives settings from a source physical device and transfers them to a target physical device, eliminating the need for manual setting transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the virtual device monitors and manages setting transfers automatically. The system can detect when settings need to be transferred and executes the transfer process autonomously, reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual image processing devices are introduced, then setting synchronization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual image processing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a settings storage unit and a communication intermediary. This universal design reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual image processing device is nested within the existing physical device architecture. It leverages the physical device's hardware and software frameworks, embedding the virtual functionality within the existing structure rather than adding completely separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a processor configured to receive a print job and target device information from a connected terminal device, transmit the received target device information to a connected server, acquire setting information of a target device from the connected server, and print data in the received print job based on the acquired setting information.