Image Processing Workflow Attribute Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image processing apparatuses face inconvenience in setting up individual functions for tasks like copying, e-mail transmission, and storage, as they need to define multiple workflows for different systems, leading to increased workload and repetitive processes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with an attribute information management unit that sets attribute values required by external systems, allowing for the transmission of image data with appropriate attribute information to multiple systems within a single workflow execution, reducing the need for multiple workflow definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple workflows are defined for different external systems, then image data can be transmitted to various systems, but user workload increases and repetitive processes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal workflow template that can be applied to multiple external systems. Instead of creating separate workflows for each system, a single workflow template with configurable parameters (such as system name, connection details, and transmission settings) can be instantiated for different destinations. This multi-functional approach allows the same workflow structure to serve multiple systems, significantly reducing the number of workflows users need to define and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying and reusing workflow templates across different external systems. A workflow template defined for one system can be copied and adapted for other systems by modifying template parameters rather than creating entirely new workflows. This copying mechanism eliminates repetitive workflow creation and reduces user workload while maintaining the ability to transmit image data to multiple different systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate workflows are created for each external system, then system-specific transmission requirements are met, but the number of workflows and their execution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments workflow configuration into two distinct layers: a reusable workflow template layer and a system-specific parameter layer. The template layer contains the common workflow logic and structure that remains consistent across systems, while the parameter layer holds system-specific details that can be easily configured or copied. This segmentation allows system-specific requirements to be met through simple parameter adjustments rather than creating entirely separate complex workflows, thereby reducing overall workflow management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to adapt a single workflow template to multiple external systems. By defining configurable parameters within the workflow template (such as destination system identifiers, connection parameters, and format settings), the same workflow structure can be dynamically adjusted for different systems. This parameter-based adaptation eliminates the need for multiple hardcoded workflows and simplifies the management of system-specific transmission requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple workflows are executed for different systems, then complete attribute information is provided to each system, but execution time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining workflow templates with all necessary attribute information structures and validation rules in place. The template preparation phase includes configuring all required attributes, data formats, and transmission parameters beforehand. When executing workflows for multiple systems, this preliminary setup allows for rapid instantiation and execution without repeating the configuration process, thereby reducing execution time while ensuring complete and accurate attribute information is provided to each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple workflow executions into a unified template-based execution framework. Instead of sequentially executing separate workflows for each system, the system uses a single template that can be instantiated and executed for multiple destinations in a coordinated manner. This merging approach consolidates the execution overhead and allows for batch processing or parallel execution of multiple system transmissions, reducing total execution time while maintaining complete attribute information for each target system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that can transmit an image outputted after the execution of a workflow as well as an attribute information file including attribute information suitable for an external system as a transmission destination to the external system. An attribute information management unit manages attributes required by the external system when the image data is transmitted to the external system. A workflow execution unit executes a workflow as a sequential processing in which a plurality of functions of the image processing apparatus are combined. An attribute value setting unit sets attribute values for the attributes required by the external system when the communication unit transmits the image data to the external system. An external system interconnection unit causes the communication unit to transmit the image data output from the workflow execution unit to the external system with reference to the attribute values set by the attribute value setting unit.