Portable Terminal Mounting Web Service Folders for Offline Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in downloading files from a Web service to a network-connected portable terminal and then transferring them to a network-unconnected image processing apparatus, as they need to manually log in, access directories, and select files, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system where the image processing apparatus, not connected to a network, includes a USB connector and a command transmitter to send file manipulation commands to a network-connected portable terminal, which detects the connection, registers Web service address information, mounts Web service folders onto local folders, and transfers target files upon receiving commands, allowing seamless file access and transfer without manual preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processing apparatus is not connected to a network, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot directly access Web services
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal apparatus serves as an intermediary between the user and the image processing apparatus. It connects to the network, accesses Web services, and transfers files to the apparatus via USB connection, enabling network functionality without requiring the apparatus itself to be network-connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides functionality between two devices: the portable terminal handles network communication and Web service access, while the image processing apparatus handles file storage and printing. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in its strengths.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual file download and transfer process is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to multiple preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal apparatus automatically performs preliminary actions including detecting USB connection, mounting Web service folders, and preparing file transfer before the user initiates the copy operation. This automation eliminates manual preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the image processing apparatus can autonomously obtain files from Web services through the portable terminal without requiring user intervention for logging in, navigating directories, or selecting files.
3Ease of operation
If automatic folder mounting and file transfer is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal apparatus acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of network communication, authentication, and folder mounting. This complexity is isolated in the portable device rather than the image processing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal apparatus performs multiple functions including USB device detection, Web service authentication, folder mounting, and file transfer. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity in a single device that users already possess.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes an image processing apparatus and a portable terminal apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes: a first USB connector; and a command transmitter that transmits a file manipulation command. The portable terminal apparatus includes: a second USB connector; a detector that detects that the portable terminal apparatus is connected to the first USB connector via the second USB connector; a memory being capable of storing a plurality of first folders; a register that registers address information of a Web service, the Web service being combined with at least one first folder stored on the memory; a mounting portion that accesses the Web service and mounts at least one second folder of the Web service onto the at least one first folder; and a controller that obtains a file from the Web service to transfer to the image processing apparatus upon the file manipulation command being received.