Scanner Driverless Scan Data Acquisition via Pseudo Image File

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing devices require a scanner driver to acquire scan data, which is inconvenient and limits platform independence.

Innovation Solution

A scanner with a communication device and controller that executes scan processing without a driver by using a named pipe as a false image file, allowing the scanner to transmit scan data directly to the information processing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a driver is installed on the information processing device to acquire scan data, then the scanner can transmit scan data to the information processing device, but the system requires additional software installation and loses platform independence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of scan data acquisitionVSAvoidsoftware installation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a false image file as an intermediary between the scanner and information processing device. The scanner writes scan data to this file, and the information processing device reads it as a normal image file, eliminating the need for driver installation while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanner is designed to function both as a traditional scanning device and as a file storage device. By implementing USB storage class functionality, the scanner can be read by any information processing device that supports standard file reading, achieving platform independence without requiring device-specific drivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a driver is installed on the information processing device to acquire scan data, then the scanner can transmit scan data to the information processing device, but the system loses platform independence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan data transmissionVSAvoidplatform independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The false image file serves as a universal intermediary that can be read by any information processing device with standard file access capabilities. This eliminates platform-specific dependencies while ensuring reliable scan data transmission through a standardized interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the scan data in the form of a false image file that mimics standard image file formats. This allows the information processing device to read the scan data using standard file reading operations without requiring proprietary driver software, thereby achieving platform independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9462140B2Scanner and non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by the scanner

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A scanner includes: a communication device communicable with an information processing device; and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the scanner to execute: a determination processing in which the scanner determines whether a reading request which is a request for reading a pseudo image file is received from the information processing device; a scan executing processing in which the scanner executes a scan processing when the reading request for reading the pseudo image file is received in the determination processing; and a scan-data writing processing in which the scanner writes scan data created in the scan executing processing, into the pseudo image file.