Scanner Accompanying Information for Standard Driver Function Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard driver in information processing systems lacks the capability to determine and execute functions beyond standard image processing, leading to potential image quality degradation and inadequate function utilization when using image processing apparatuses like scanners, especially when upgraded operating systems or vendors' unique functions are involved.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that transmit accompanying information indicating the executed function along with image data, allowing the determination of the appropriate function to be executed, even when using a standard driver, by employing a processor and memory to obtain and process this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard driver is used to access the image processing apparatus, then security is improved and OS upgrading period is shortened, but the function unique to the vendor cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The capability information is segmented into standard capabilities and vendor-specific capabilities. The standard driver handles standard capabilities through the standard TWAIN protocol, while vendor-specific capabilities are transmitted as accompanying information. This segmentation allows the system to use the secure standard driver while still accessing vendor-specific functions through the additional accompanying information channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that translates vendor-specific functions into accompanying information that can be understood by the standard driver. The apparatus includes a transmission unit that sends capability information indicating vendor-specific functions, allowing the standard driver to access these functions without needing vendor-specific code.
2Productivity
If image processing exceeding the standard image processing is performed in the image processing apparatus, then processing capability is improved, but the application cannot know whether the image data has already undergone image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus provides feedback to the application about the processing status through accompanying information. This feedback mechanism includes transmitting capability information that indicates whether image processing has been performed, allowing the application to make informed decisions about subsequent processing operations and avoid degrading image quality through redundant processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing apparatus performs image processing in advance and transmits accompanying information indicating the processing status before the application requests the image data. This preliminary action allows the application to know the processing status beforehand and determine whether further processing is needed, preventing image quality degradation from unnecessary processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vendor driver is used to access the image processing apparatus, then the function unique to the vendor can be supported, but the standard rule compliance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to work with both standard drivers and provide vendor-specific functions. It transmits standard TWAIN protocol data that works with any standard driver, while also transmitting accompanying information about vendor-specific capabilities. This universal design allows the same apparatus to be accessed through standard drivers while still providing access to vendor-specific functions through the accompanying information channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A function which can be executed by an application is determined from information obtained from data obtained within a standard rule, thereby implementing a function within the standard rule. More specifically, processing executed by a scanner is recorded in EXIF information, and the application determines a function to be executed, based on the EXIF information.