Scanner Extension Software for Document Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard driver in Windows® does not support scanner-vendor-specific functions, such as document-orientation setting, limiting the ability to obtain image data in the correct orientation with the top edge of the document at the top.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a program that supports general-purpose scanning software, allowing a computer to display a document orientation setting value and issue a scan instruction based on user input, thereby extending the functionality of standard drivers to include scanner-vendor-specific features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard driver is used for scanning, then ease of operation is improved, but scanner-vendor-specific functions cannot be specified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension application as an intermediary layer between the standard driver and the scanning device. This extension application receives scan instructions from the standard driver, adds vendor-specific parameters (such as document orientation settings), and transmits the enhanced instructions to the scanning device. This mediator approach allows the standard driver to maintain its simplicity while the extension application provides access to vendor-specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scanning software into multiple components: the standard driver layer for general scanning operations and the extension application layer for vendor-specific functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently, with the extension application supplementing the standard driver's capabilities without requiring modification to the driver itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanner-vendor-specific functions are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of vendor-specific functions externally, without integrating this complexity into the standard driver or scanning device itself. The extension application manages document orientation settings and other vendor-specific parameters, keeping the core scanning system simple while providing enhanced functionality through the intermediary layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension application is designed to work with multiple scanning devices from different vendors while providing vendor-specific functionality. It achieves this universality by detecting the connected device type and applying appropriate vendor-specific parameters, allowing a single extension application to enhance multiple device types without increasing their individual complexities.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method is provided for an information processing apparatus including a program for supporting general-purpose scanning software that is commonly available for use with image processing devices provided by a plurality of manufacturers, the control method including displaying a display screen that accepts a document orientation setting value on a display unit by executing an application program that supports the program, and issuing a scan instruction to an image processing device based on the setting value accepted on the display screen.