Scanner Preview Image Generation for Multi-Setting Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanners can only store one pattern of scan setting data, requiring users to re-input settings each time they scan, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A scanner capable of storing multiple patterns of scan setting data, with a preview image creation device generating images reflecting each pattern, allowing users to select and input settings without re-entering data each time, using a multi-function device system that includes a setting data storage device, preview image creation device, and output device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a scanner stores only one pattern of scan setting data, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must re-input settings each time
Solution Approach 1:
The scan setting data is segmented into multiple stored patterns (e.g., pattern 1, pattern 2) within the setting data storage device. Each pattern contains a complete set of scan settings, allowing users to select from pre-configured options rather than re-inputting all settings each time, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Scan setting data is prepared in advance and stored in multiple patterns in the setting data storage device. Users can select from these pre-prepared patterns during scanning operations, eliminating the need for real-time re-input of settings and significantly improving operational convenience
2Ease of operation
If a scanner stores multiple patterns of scan setting data, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting data storage device is designed to store multiple patterns of scan setting data, making the scanner capable of supporting various scanning scenarios (e.g., different resolutions, formats, color modes) without requiring separate devices or manual reconfiguration. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while the complexity is managed through a unified storage and selection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to re-input settings, the system creates copies of scan setting data in multiple stored patterns. Users can select from these copies (e.g., pattern 1, pattern 2) during scanning operations, which improves ease of operation while the copying mechanism is handled transparently by the device's internal storage system
3Loss of time
If a scanner executes pre-scan at lower resolution, then the time required to create thumbnail images is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is segmented into two stages: a pre-scan at lower resolution for quick thumbnail image generation, and a precise scan at higher resolution for final output. The pre-scan creates thumbnail images rapidly while the precise scan ensures measurement precision and image quality, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-scan performs a partial scanning action at reduced resolution, which is sufficient for generating thumbnail images and displaying preview content. This partial action is intentionally less precise than the final scan but is optimized for speed and efficiency, while the full precision scan is executed separately when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device may be provided with a setting data storage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device. The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality of patterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create, for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data is reflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview images created by the preview image creation device.