Image Scanner Push Notification Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses require the information processing apparatus to start a program or service before receiving image data, increasing the operating load.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus that includes an operation interface, a reading machine, a communication interface, and a processor, which receives user input to control the scanner, transmits device identification information to a push notification server, and sends image data only after receiving a request from the information processing apparatus, allowing for push scanning without pre-starting programs or services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the information processing apparatus starts a program or service before receiving image data, then the image reading apparatus can transmit image data through push scan, but the operating load on the information processing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a push notification server as an intermediary between the image reading apparatus and the information processing apparatus. The server receives push notifications from the image reading apparatus and forwards them to the information processing apparatus, enabling asynchronous communication without requiring the information processing apparatus to maintain active programs or services. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling push scan functionality while minimizing the operating load on the information processing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary registration of the information processing apparatus with the push notification server before actual image data transmission. During this preliminary phase, the system establishes communication channels and registers device identifiers in advance. When push scan is triggered, the pre-established channels enable immediate notification and data transmission without requiring the information processing apparatus to start programs at the moment of image capture, thus reducing operating load while maintaining productivity.
2Speed
If the information processing apparatus maintains programs or services running continuously, then image data can be received immediately, but system resources are consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic polling or event-driven notification mechanisms instead of continuous program execution. The push notification server periodically checks for incoming notifications from the image reading apparatus or uses event-driven architecture to trigger actions only when image data is actually available. This periodic action approach maintains fast response capability while avoiding continuous resource consumption, as the information processing apparatus only activates to process image data when genuinely needed.
3Device complexity
If the image reading apparatus transmits image data directly to the information processing apparatus, then transmission is straightforward, but the information processing apparatus must be actively prepared to receive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the image reading apparatus autonomously initiates the transmission process by sending push notifications to the server, which then automatically forwards notifications to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus simply needs to have the receiving application installed and registered in advance; it does not need to actively monitor or prepare for incoming data. This self-service approach simplifies the transmission process while making reception truly passive and easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image reading apparatus, a processor receives an input instructing to control the scanner to read an original, and controls the scanner to generate image data by reading the original. The processor receives device identification information identifying an information processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus. The process executes a first process and a second process. The first process includes: transmitting to a push notification server via the communication interface the received device identification information and reading information, the reading information including at least one of information specifying the controlling the scanner is start and information specifying the controlling the scanner is complete; receiving request information from the information processing apparatus via the communication interface; and transmitting the generated image data to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving the request information.