Relaying Device for Advanced Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing devices lack the capability to perform advanced processing on scanned data before printing, limiting the functionality of printed images.
Innovation Solution
A relaying device is introduced to connect with image processing devices and servers via a network, capable of identifying and executing selected data processes on output data from image processing devices, including processes like monochrome processing, N in 1 processing, and watermarking, to enhance the quality and format of printed images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image processing device performs basic scanning and printing functions, then device complexity is kept low, but processing capability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A relaying device is introduced as an intermediary between the image processing device and the server. The relaying device receives scan data from the image processing device, executes advanced processing operations (monochrome conversion, N-in-1 processing, watermarking, format conversion), and transmits the processed data back to the image processing device for printing. This mediator approach allows the image processing device to maintain simplicity while gaining access to advanced processing capabilities through the relaying device.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple devices. Basic scanning and printing functions remain in the image processing device, while advanced processing functions (monochrome processing, N in 1 processing, format conversion) are placed in the relaying device, and server-side processing is handled by the server. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive processing capabilities.
2Productivity
If image processing device executes all processing functions locally, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity and processing capability limits increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relaying device serves as an intermediary that handles processing tasks that are too complex or resource-intensive for the image processing device to execute locally. By offloading these tasks to the relaying device, the system achieves faster and more sophisticated processing without burdening the image processing device with complex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing architecture is extended from a single-device local processing model to a distributed multi-device model involving the image processing device, relaying device, and server. This dimensional expansion allows processing tasks to be distributed across different devices with specialized capabilities, improving overall processing speed and capability while maintaining device simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced processing functions are added to image processing device, then processing capability is improved, but ease of operation and device simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The relaying device acts as an intermediary layer that provides advanced processing functions without requiring the image processing device to have these capabilities. The image processing device simply sends scan data to the relaying device, which handles the complex processing operations and returns the processed data for printing. This maintains the simplicity and ease of operation of the image processing device while providing advanced processing capabilities through the relaying device.
Data Source
AI summary
A relaying device may be configured to communicate with an image processing device via a network. The relaying device may identify a data process as a selected data process in accordance with the process identification information received from the image processing device. The relaying device may receive, from the image processing device, process identification information for identifying a selected data process. The selected data process being executed on output data outputted from the image processing device. The relaying device may identify a selected instruction-module from among a plurality of instruction-modules. The relaying device may execute the selected instruction-module so as to execute the selected data process on the output data. The relaying device may transmit processed data created by the selected instruction-module to the image processing device. The relaying device may cause the image processing device to execute a printing process based on the processed data.