Multifunction Peripheral Image Processing Control via Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image data processing systems require frequent updates of registration information in multifunction peripherals for image processing functions performed by host computers, leading to operational challenges and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An image data processing system where a multifunction peripheral and image processing apparatus are communicably connected, allowing the system to automatically detect and utilize available image processing functions, with a control apparatus managing the selection and execution of image processes based on user instructions without the need for frequent updates in the peripheral.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the multifunction peripheral stores registration information on image processing functions locally, then it can autonomously select and execute image processes, but the registration information requires frequent updates when image processing functions change, increasing maintenance burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control apparatus as an intermediary between the multifunction peripheral and image processing apparatus. The control apparatus stores registration information on image processing functions and manages the selection process, freeing the multifunction peripheral from maintaining this information locally. This mediator handles the complexity of registration information updates centrally, while the peripheral simply executes processes directed by the control apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the registration information storage and management function from the multifunction peripheral and relocates it to the control apparatus. By separating this function, the peripheral no longer needs to store or update registration information, reducing its maintenance burden while the control apparatus assumes responsibility for managing the image processing function registry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multifunction peripheral maintains local registration information for image processing functions, then it can independently determine whether to perform processes locally or externally, but updates are required whenever host computer functions change, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control apparatus provides information to the multifunction peripheral about available image processing functions. The control apparatus queries the image processing apparatus to determine which functions are available and communicates this information to the peripheral, enabling the system to adapt to function changes without requiring manual updates at the peripheral.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as a mediator that maintains registration information centrally and provides it to the multifunction peripheral as needed. This intermediary approach allows the system to adapt to changes in image processing functions automatically, as the control apparatus can query and update the registration information without requiring changes at the peripheral device.
3Ease of operation
If the multifunction peripheral stores comprehensive registration information on both internal and external image processing functions, then it can make informed decisions about process execution, but the burden of keeping this information updated increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus serves as an intermediary that maintains the comprehensive registration information on both internal and external image processing functions. Instead of the multifunction peripheral storing and managing this information, the control apparatus holds the registry and provides relevant information to the peripheral when making process selection decisions, thereby reducing the peripheral's maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the registration information management responsibility from the multifunction peripheral and transfers it to the control apparatus. This separation allows the peripheral to focus on execution while the control apparatus handles the complexity of maintaining accurate registration information, reducing operational burden on the peripheral.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a control apparatus that (i) receives, from a multifunction peripheral, information indicative of image process content selected by the user, (ii) detects, in correspondence with image processing function information stored in advance, an image process section that can carry out an image process, and (iii) causes the detected image process section to carry out the image process. This arrangement makes it possible to easily use, at the multifunction peripheral, an image processing function that can be performed by an image processing apparatus.