Remote Scanner Control via Intermediary Application Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face labor-intensive processes when scanning documents, as they need to operate both the scanner device and the computer to set up and control scanner driver programs, especially for detailed settings like higher resolutions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that communicates with a scanner device to receive identification information, specify a driver, acquire settable items, receive scan instructions, and send set values to control the scanner device for scanning, allowing remote operation without needing to access the computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user wants to perform detailed scanning settings (e.g., higher resolution), then scanning precision is improved, but user operation complexity increases because the user must physically go to the computer to operate the scanner driver program
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner application unit on the scanner device acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer-based scanner driver program. It receives scan instructions and set values from the user through the scanner device's own interface, then transmits these to the driver program on the computer via communication, eliminating the need for the user to physically access the computer while maintaining access to detailed scanning settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user needs to access detailed scanner settings through the driver program, then scanning capability is improved, but time consumption increases because the user must move between the scanner device and the computer
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a communication dimension between the scanner device and the computer, allowing control signals to be transmitted wirelessly or via network. This enables the user to operate detailed scanning settings from a remote location (such as a mobile device or different computer) without physically moving to the scanner device or the computer, significantly reducing time consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner driver program provides extensive setting options, then scanning flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases as the user must manage multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the scanning control function into two parts: the scanner driver program on the computer that provides extensive setting options and flexibility, and the scanner application unit on the scanner device that presents a simplified user interface. This segmentation allows the complex driver program to exist without increasing perceived complexity for the user, as the application unit handles the user interaction and communicates necessary settings to the driver program
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes a specification unit configured to receive identification information for identifying a scanner device, and specify a driver configured to control the scanner device identified by the identification information; an item acquirer configured to acquire a list of items that are settable by the specified driver for controlling the scanner device, and return the list to a transmission source of the identification information; a scan instruction receiver configured to receive a scan instruction and set values for the respective items from the transmission source of the identification information; and an execution controller configured to send, in accordance with the reception of the scan instruction, the set values to the driver that is specified based on the identification information to cause the driver to perform scan using the scanner device.