Scan Apparatus Direct Virtual Space Group Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies when sharing image data generated by scanning, as they need to manually transmit the data from a scan apparatus to a personal computer and then post it to an online meeting service in a virtual space, consuming time and effort.

Innovation Solution

A scan apparatus that communicates directly with an information processing apparatus providing a virtual space service, allowing users to select a group within the service, scan documents, and transmit the image data for display within the selected virtual space group.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If image data is transmitted from scan apparatus to personal computer and then posted to virtual space service, then image sharing functionality is achieved, but user time and effort are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of image sharingVSAvoiduser time and effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intermediate personal computer from the image sharing process. The scan apparatus directly transmits image data to the virtual space service, removing the manual transfer step through PC that previously consumed user time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a direct communication channel as an intermediary between the scan apparatus and virtual space service. This mediator enables automated data transmission, replacing the manual intermediary process of copying files through a personal computer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual transmission through personal computer is used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scan apparatus is enhanced with multi-functionality, combining scanning, data processing, and direct network communication capabilities. This universal device can directly interact with virtual space services, eliminating the need for separate PC mediation while maintaining system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If direct transmission from scan apparatus to virtual space service is implemented, then user time and effort are saved, but communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sharing efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scan apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-processing image data and preparing it for transmission before the actual sharing operation. This includes formatting and packaging data in advance, enabling direct efficient transmission to the virtual space service without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12341835B2Scan apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A scan apparatus that communicates with an information processing apparatus that provides a service for information sharing in a virtual space, the scan apparatus includes a user interface that accepts, from a user, selection of a group that is managed by the service, a scanner that generates image data by scanning an image of a document, and a communicator transmits the generated image data to the information processing apparatus, wherein an image of the image data transmitted by the communicator is displayed, to members of the selected group, in a virtual space viewable by members of the selected group.