Scanner Expansion Application for Light Amount Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard driver for scanning apparatuses does not support manufacturer-specific functions, such as light amount control, limiting user functionality in scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
A control program and method that allows a user to use the light amount control function by installing an expansion application on the host computer, which adds manufacturer-specific functions to the standard driver, enabling a setting screen for light amount control and generating a scan instruction command based on user settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard driver is used for scanning apparatuses, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturer-specific functions cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The driver functionality is segmented into a standard driver component and an expansion application component. The standard driver provides basic scanning operations, while the expansion application adds manufacturer-specific functions through a plugin architecture, allowing independent installation and management of additional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard driver is designed to work with multiple scanning apparatuses from different manufacturers, providing universal compatibility. The expansion application extends this universality by offering a framework that can accommodate various manufacturer-specific functions while maintaining compatibility with the standard driver interface.
2Device complexity
If a standard driver is used, then device complexity is reduced, but light amount control function is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion application acts as an intermediary between the standard driver and the scanning apparatus. It receives commands from the standard driver, translates them into manufacturer-specific commands when needed, and returns results, thereby enabling light amount control without modifying the standard driver itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver system transitions from a static, fixed-function standard driver to a dynamic system where the expansion application can be loaded or unloaded based on needs. The light amount control function is dynamically activated only when the expansion application is installed and the function is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific functions are added to the standard driver, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturer-specific functions are extracted from the standard driver and placed into a separate expansion application. This extraction allows users to install only the specific functions they need (such as light amount control) without being required to use the entire expanded driver package, maintaining simplicity for basic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can choose to install only the partial functionality they require from the expansion application. If light amount control is needed, only that specific function is activated through the expansion application, rather than requiring all manufacturer-specific functions to be installed and configured.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage medium storing a control program for an information processing apparatus which is capable of allowing a user to use a light amount control function. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that supports a general-purpose program capable of commonly being used in scanning apparatuses of a plurality of manufactures and causes an information processing apparatus into which the program is installed to execute a method including displaying a setting screen on which a set state of a light amount in a scanning process is accepted, and outputting a command to cause a scanning apparatus to execute the scanning process with the set state of the light amount accepted on the setting screen.