Scanner Capability Detection for Consistent File Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing application programs cannot appropriately generate files indicating images read by scanners, as some scanners are capable of executing specific processing while others are not, leading to inconsistent file generation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an application program that communicates with scanners to determine if they can generate files executable by specific processing programs, embedding usable information only in files from scanners capable of such processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the application program generates files with embedded usable information for all scanners, then files from scanners capable of specific processing can be properly executed, but files from scanners incapable of specific processing will have unnecessary information embedded and may not be properly executed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile execution compatibilityVSAvoidfile generation logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application program performs preliminary detection of scanner capability before generating the file. It obtains capability information from the scanner and determines whether to embed usable information in advance, preventing execution errors while avoiding unnecessary processing for incompatible scanners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The file generation process is customized based on the specific scanner's capability. Files from scanners capable of specific processing include embedded usable information, while files from incompatible scanners exclude this information, ensuring each file is optimally structured for its source device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the application program detects scanner capability and conditionally embeds usable information, then file generation becomes precise and compatible, but the processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile generation accuracyVSAvoidfile generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The capability detection is performed as a preliminary step before file generation, allowing the system to determine the appropriate file format in advance. This prevents rework and ensures the first attempt at file generation is successful, offsetting the initial detection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scanner provides its own capability information to the application program, eliminating the need for complex external detection mechanisms. The scanner essentially serves itself by reporting its capabilities, reducing the burden on the application program.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the application program obtains capability information from the scanner, then it can generate appropriate files, but the communication overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capability information mechanism is designed to work across different scanner types and models. A universal approach allows the application program to obtain capability information from any scanner using the same method, enhancing compatibility without requiring scanner-specific code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The capability information acts as an intermediary that bridges the scanner and the application program. This intermediate data structure allows communication of scanner capabilities without requiring complex direct integration or proprietary protocols between specific scanner models and the software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10681243B2Scan system, method, and program product for generating a file with embedded useable information from a scanned image depending on scanner information

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

There is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing application program executable by a processor of an information processing apparatus which communicates with a scanner having specific information. The specific information indicates whether the scanner is configured to generate a specific file for which specific processing is executable by a specific program. The application program, when executed by the processor, causes the information processing apparatus to: obtain an image read by the scanner; obtain the specific information from the scanner; and generate a file indicating the obtained image. In a case that the specific information is first information, the application program causes the information processing apparatus to generate the file with usable information embedded therein. In a case that the specific information is second information, the application program cause the information processing apparatus to generate the file without the usable information embedded therein.