Scanned Data Sorting via Tagging and Folder Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for storing scanned data in shared folders of personal computers face challenges in labor-saving, particularly in file classification and movement, due to fixed information positions and hierarchical level complexities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that allows users to set and transmit sorting information lists, enabling the sorting of scanned data based on selected criteria during the scan operation, with options to separate folders, add tags to file names, or embed tags within files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If scanned data is classified by folders using hierarchical structure, then data organization is achieved, but file retrieval becomes difficult when hierarchical levels cannot be followed or when levels are crossed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tagging dimension that operates parallel to the traditional folder hierarchy. Instead of relying solely on nested folder structures, the system adds metadata tags that can associate files with multiple categories simultaneously, enabling retrieval across hierarchical boundaries without increasing folder depth complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tagging system as an intermediary layer between the folder structure and file retrieval operations. Tags serve as metadata that bridge the gap between hierarchical organization and flexible searching, allowing files to be associated with multiple concepts without requiring complex folder nesting
2Device complexity
If information position is fixed in the conventional system, then storage structure is simple, but files cannot be moved flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static folder-based organization into a dynamic system where files can be associated with multiple tags that represent different categorization perspectives. This allows the same file to belong to different logical groups without physically moving it through multiple folder hierarchies, providing flexibility while maintaining storage structure simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the organization function into two independent components: the physical storage structure (folders) and the logical categorization (tags). This segmentation allows files to be organized physically in simple structures while being logically categorized through multiple tag associations, enabling flexible retrieval without complex storage hierarchies
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional folder-based classification is used, then data is stored systematically, but labor-saving is reduced due to difficulty in referring to files across hierarchical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tagging system that provides feedback mechanisms for file retrieval. Users can search and retrieve files by tag names without needing to navigate through hierarchical paths, and the system responds by locating files based on tag associations, significantly reducing the time to refer to files across different categories
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus sets a sorting information list and a sorting method used for a sort operation, and transmits the sorting information list set to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus displays a selection screen on which a user can select sorting information from the sorting information list, and transmits the sorting information selected on the selection screen to the information processing apparatus, and transmits scanned data to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus sorts the scanned data using the sorting information based on the sorting method set.