MFP Image Routing via External Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) face challenges in processing image data due to incompatible file formats and large file sizes, leading to inability to print files, even when remotely accessing data from external devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system with a memory to store file format and size information, a judging device to assess processability, an image converter to convert data, and a transfer controller to route data to external devices when necessary, enabling MFPs to process files through external devices connected via a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP processes image data locally, then processing speed is fast, but the MFP cannot handle files with incompatible formats or excessively large sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary to handle image data processing. When the MFP receives image data that it cannot process (due to format incompatibility or size constraints), it transfers the data to an external device via network. The external device performs the conversion and processing, then returns the processed data to the MFP for printing. This mediator approach enables the MFP to handle diverse file formats and large files without expanding its own processing capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If the MFP increases internal memory capacity to handle larger files, then file size limitation is removed, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the processing resource from the internal dimension (MFP's own memory) to an external dimension (network-connected external device). Instead of expanding the MFP's internal memory capacity, the system leverages the memory and processing power of external devices through network connectivity. This dimensional shift allows the MFP to access virtually unlimited storage and processing capabilities without physically expanding its own hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If the MFP converts all image data locally, then processing quality is maintained, but processing time increases for large files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conversion and processing operations from the MFP and relocates them to external devices. By separating the printing function (performed by the MFP) from the conversion function (performed by external devices), the system maintains image processing quality while significantly reducing the time the MFP needs to spend on processing. The MFP only needs to perform the final printing operation, while the time-consuming conversion work is handled externally.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor including a memory to store information on the file format and the maximum file size of image data processable by the image processor and image data processable of one or more external devices; a judging device to judge whether image data input to the image processor can be processed by the image processor or one of the external devices in terms of the file format and file size; an image converter; a transfer controller to transfer the input image data to the external device when the input image data cannot be processed by the image processor but can be processed by the external device while transferring the image data to the image converter when the image data can be processed by the image processor; and an output device to output an image based on the image data processed by the external device or the image converter.