MFP Folder Navigation Automation for Scan Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems require significant time and labor to designate a storage destination for image data, especially when a folder with no subfolders is selected, as users must perform additional operations to read and store documents.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically determines and displays a scan setting screen for folders with no subfolders, allowing users to set reading parameters directly for storage, reducing the need for manual selection and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folder with no subfolders is selected from the folder list, then the folder is designated as storage destination, but additional operations are required to read and store documents
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of whether a selected folder has subfolders before displaying the folder list. When no subfolders exist, the system proactively displays the scan setting screen with the folder pre-designated as storage destination, eliminating the need for users to perform additional operations to initiate document reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when a folder with no subfolders is selected and self-adjusts by displaying the scan setting screen with that folder pre-designated as the storage destination. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually configure storage settings or perform additional selection operations.
2Measurement precision
If the system displays an empty folder list for folders with no subfolders, then folder structure is accurately represented, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the selected folder's characteristics. When a folder with no subfolders is detected, the system transitions from displaying an empty folder list to automatically showing the scan setting screen with the folder pre-designated, adapting the interface to the user's likely intent.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of following the conventional approach of displaying an empty list when no subfolders exist and requiring users to manually initiate document reading, the system inverts the logic by automatically initiating the scan setting process when no subfolders are present, assuming this is the user's intended action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of storage destination is required, then user control is maintained, but time and labor are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by detecting whether the selected folder contains subfolders and automatically adjusting the interface accordingly. When no subfolders are found, the system feeds back by displaying the scan setting screen with the folder pre-designated, creating a responsive workflow that adapts to the folder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters based on the folder structure. When a folder with no subfolders is selected, the system changes from requiring manual storage destination selection to automatically setting the storage destination and displaying the scan setting screen, optimizing the process based on detected conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
When an MFP receives selection of any one of a plurality of folders managed in a hierarchy structure, the MFP displays, if the selected folder has subfolders, a list of at least one of the subfolders on a display unit, and displays, if the selected folder has no subfolders, a setting screen for setting a reading parameter for a document on the display unit.