Integrating Scan Data into Existing Image Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies in adding new scan data to existing image data files, requiring re-scanning or using multiple applications to combine data, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable medium with instructions that enable an information processing device to communicate with an image processing device, allowing users to select and integrate new scan data into existing image files through a simple right-click operation, automatically determining scan settings and saving formats based on file attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users add new scan data to existing image data files by re-scanning or using multiple applications, then the scan data can be integrated, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of adding scan dataVSAvoidtime required to add scan data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the scan function and file management function into a single integrated operation. When a user right-clicks on an existing image data file, the scan application launches automatically and pre-configures the output file path to match the selected file, eliminating the need for separate scan and combine operations. This merging of functions directly improves productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of scan parameters and output file paths before the actual scanning occurs. By pre-setting the output file path to match the selected existing file and automatically configuring scan settings based on file attributes, the system eliminates the need for users to manually configure these parameters during the scanning process, thereby reducing operational steps and time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If users manually configure scan settings and file paths for each scan operation, then scan data can be processed, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of adding scan dataVSAvoidcomplexity of scan configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scan application automatically detects the selected existing image data file and self-configures the output file path to match it. The system also automatically determines appropriate scan settings based on the file attributes without requiring user input. This self-service approach significantly simplifies operation while reducing the perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts scan parameters and output file path parameters based on the selected existing file's attributes. By dynamically changing these parameters to match the target file's characteristics, the system simplifies the user interface and reduces the number of configuration steps required, making the operation easier while managing complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If users integrate scan data into existing files using multiple applications, then data can be combined, but the process requires switching between applications and is labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of integrating scan dataVSAvoidconvenience of integrating scan data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scan acquisition function with the file integration function into a single application workflow. The scan application directly integrates new scan data into the selected existing image data file without requiring users to switch to separate combination applications. This unified approach improves both productivity and ease of operation by eliminating application switching and manual data transfer steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9712691B2Image processing system for combining scanned data with previously stored data

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An information processing device may display a first image indicating a first image file stored in a memory. The information processing device may display a second image in response to receiving a first specific operation. The first specific operation may be performed on the first image. The information processing device may receive first path information in response to receiving a second specific operation. The first path information may indicate a location of the first image file. The information processing device may send an execution instruction to the image processing device in a case that the second specific operation is received. The information processing device may receive scan data from the image processing device. The information processing device may integrate the received scan data to the first image file designated by the first path information.