MFP Scan Settings Management Without Dedicated Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses, such as scanners and MFPs, require complex user operations and dedicated servers to utilize multiple scan settings, limiting usability when performing pseudo-push scanning.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that allows scanning using multiple scan settings stored in an information processing apparatus without a dedicated server or complex user operation, by integrating a controller with a scanning section and image output section, enabling direct communication and processing of scan settings through a network, and displaying selectable options on a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scan server is used to enable multiple scan settings, then the MFP can use multiple scan settings stored in the host PC, but the processing becomes complicated requiring server provision and user registration operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scan setting management functionality from the host PC and relocates it to the MFP's controller. The controller now directly stores and manages multiple scan settings locally, eliminating the need for a scan server and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to use multiple scan settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP's controller performs self-service by autonomously managing multiple scan settings without requiring external server infrastructure. The controller can independently store, retrieve, and apply different scan settings based on user selection, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex server-based management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scan settings are changed on the host PC to support different conditions, then multiple scan conditions can be supported, but user operations become complex requiring setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple scan settings in the controller's storage unit with different condition parameters. When a user wants to scan under different conditions, they simply select from pre-configured settings rather than changing settings each time, significantly reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically selects and applies appropriate scan settings based on current scanning conditions and user selection. The system can switch between different stored settings without requiring manual reconfiguration, providing adaptive operation that simplifies user interaction while supporting diverse scan conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If pseudo-push scanning is implemented, then cost is reduced by not supporting multiple communication protocols, but the MFP can only use a single scan setting associated with the host PC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the MFP's universality by enabling it to handle multiple scan settings within the pseudo-push scanning framework. The controller is designed to store and manage multiple scan settings locally, allowing the single-protocol pseudo-push system to provide multi-functionality equivalent to or exceeding multi-protocol systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the host PC and the scanning operation, managing multiple scan settings locally. This intermediary role allows the MFP to maintain the simple pseudo-push communication protocol while still providing access to multiple scan settings through its own internal storage and management capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus which is capable of performing scanning of an original, using a plurality of scan settings stored in an information processing apparatus, without necessitating a dedicated server or a complicated user operation before execution of the scanning. An image processing apparatus (MFP) receives and displays host PC names and scan setting names transmitted from host PCs on a display section (S714). The MFP finalizes a host PC name selected by a user from the host PC names and one of scan setting names associated with the finalized host PC name, which is selected by the user (S716). The MFP sends a scan execution instruction to the host PC to instruct the same to execute scanning using a scan setting associated with the finalized scan setting name (S718).