Printer Image Editing via Network Action Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in editing complex images captured by digital cameras, as they require specialized software like PHOTOSHOP and complex processes to achieve desired edits, which is not conveniently accessible on photo or multi-function printers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow users to share and apply image editing functions through a network, enabling the selection and application of 'action items' such as special effects directly on printers, eliminating the need for advanced software and simplifying the editing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users use specialized software like PHOTOSHOP on PC to edit complex images, then image editing capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage editing capabilityVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex image editing functions from traditional PC-based specialized software and transfers them to a printer device. The printer now contains an image processing unit that can perform editing operations directly, eliminating the need for users to download and operate complex software like PHOTOSHOP on their PCs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The printer is transformed from a simple output device into a multi-functional device that combines printing capabilities with advanced image editing functions. The image processing unit within the printer can perform various editing operations (refocusing, brightness adjusting, special effects), making the printer a universal device that handles both printing and complex image manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users download photographs to PC and use applications like PHOTOSHOP for editing, then image editing functionality is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage editing functionalityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printer performs image editing operations autonomously without requiring user intervention in complex software environments. Users simply send images to the printer and select from predefined editing functions or templates, and the printer's image processing unit automatically applies the desired edits and outputs the results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides predefined editing templates and functions that have been prepared in advance. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust multiple parameters in complex software, the printer offers pre-configured editing options (such as refocusing, brightness adjustment, and special effects) that can be applied directly to images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If users perform image editing on PC with applications like PHOTOSHOP, then editing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting precisionVSAvoidediting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides predefined editing templates and functions that have been prepared in advance with precise parameters. These templates contain pre-calculated settings for various editing operations, allowing the printer to apply high-quality edits instantly without requiring users to spend time manually adjusting parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual, time-consuming process of adjusting editing parameters in software with an automated system. The printer's image processing unit automatically applies editing algorithms to images, substituting the mechanical interaction of manual software control with automated digital processing that maintains precision while reducing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8856208B2Method and apparatus for forming image
Publication Date: 2014.10.07 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US8856208B2 patent drawing
  • US8856208B2 patent drawing
  • US8856208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of forming an image includes displaying a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; selecting at least one editing item from the displayed list; and converting the image t using the at least one selected editing item and processing the image. An apparatus for forming an image includes a display unit that displays a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; an input panel unit that receives a selection of at least one editing item from the displayed list of editing items; and a control unit that converts the image using the at least one selected editing item. The editing items may be stored in the apparatus for forming an image or may be registered to a server. Therefore, the editing items having an image editing function can be shared between users and thus an image desired by a user can be easily and conveniently obtained.