Multi-Resolution MFD Workflow Template

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-function devices (MFDs) require scanning a document multiple times to produce images at different resolutions, which is inefficient and inconvenient for users who need varying resolutions for different output purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow a document to be scanned once to generate multiple scanned images at different resolutions, using a workflow template that enables the MFD to produce images at various resolutions, including the highest resolution for printing and lower resolutions for display, with the ability to save and output these images accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a document is scanned multiple times at different resolutions, then multiple resolution images can be obtained, but the scanning time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple resolution outputVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary high-resolution scanning to capture the complete document image at maximum quality, then subsequently generates multiple lower-resolution versions from this single high-resolution source through digital processing, eliminating the need for multiple physical scans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating multiple original scans at different resolutions, the system creates digital copies of the single high-resolution scan at various resolution levels, allowing unlimited resolution variations from one source without additional scanning time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If a document is scanned multiple times at different resolutions, then multiple resolution images can be obtained, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple resolution outputVSAvoidscanning operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning system is designed to perform multiple functions: it scans at high resolution and automatically generates multiple resolution variants, providing both high-resolution and low-resolution outputs through a single unified scanning operation rather than requiring separate scanning processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs the resolution conversion process without requiring user intervention - after scanning the document at high resolution, the system self-service generates all necessary lower-resolution versions and prepares them for output without additional user actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11172085B2MFD workflow template with multiple resolutions

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A method for scanning a document a single time on a multi-function device (MFD) to generate a scanned image in different resolutions is disclosed. For example, the method is executed by a processor of the MFD and includes receiving the document, causing a scanner to scan the document, generating a plurality of scanned documents, wherein each one of the plurality of scanned documents have different resolutions, and outputting the plurality of scanned documents.