Information Acquisition Program Component Tool Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information acquisition programs for electronic devices like printers cannot reliably acquire unique information, such as option settings and color correction data, due to the determination of component tools being based solely on connection methods, leading to incomplete data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
An information acquisition program that determines the appropriate component tool based on both the connection method and the type of information to be acquired, ensuring the right tool is used for the specific data type, thereby enabling reliable information retrieval from connected electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a component tool is determined only based on the connection method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of information acquisition deteriorates because the wrong tool may be selected for specific information types
Solution Approach 1:
The component tool selection process is segmented into multiple decision stages: first determining the connection method (USB, LAN, etc.), then identifying the information type (option information, color correction information, etc.), and finally selecting the appropriate component tool based on the combination of both factors. This segmentation allows for more precise tool selection while maintaining manageable complexity through structured decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds another dimension to the component tool selection criteria by incorporating information type alongside connection method. Instead of using a single-dimensional selection approach (connection method only), the system now uses a two-dimensional selection matrix that considers both connection method and information type, enabling more accurate tool matching without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a single component tool is used for all information types, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of information acquisition deteriorates because specific information may not be retrieved accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the component tool selection process without requiring user intervention. The computer autonomously determines the connection method, identifies the information type, and selects the appropriate component tool based on predetermined relationships stored in the system. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while achieving precise information acquisition through automated multi-criteria selection.
3Reliability
If multiple component tools are maintained for different information types, then the information acquisition reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal component tool management mechanism that can handle multiple information types through a unified selection framework. The predetermined relationship database stores mapping information between connection methods, information types, and component tools, allowing the system to universally apply the same selection logic across different scenarios without requiring separate management procedures for each tool type.
Data Source
AI summary
An information acquisition apparatus is for acquiring information, which a connected electronic apparatus has, from the connected electronic apparatus. The information acquisition apparatus includes a connection port, a component-to-be-used determining unit, and a read back unit. The electronic apparatus is connected to the connection port. The component-to-be-used determining unit determines a component tool to be used for acquiring the information, based on a type of connection port to which the electronic apparatus is connected, and a type of information. The read back unit acquires the information by making an operation of the component tool determined by the component-to-be-used determining unit.