Scanning Device with Removable Storage for Direct Image Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of scanning devices are not as conveniently able to print hardcopies of scanned images without a host computing device, unlike digital camera users who can use removable storage media directly with printing devices.

Innovation Solution

A scanning device with a built-in removable storage media mechanism that allows scanned image data to be stored on media such as flash memory cards, enabling direct transfer and printing without a host computing device, and also includes a multi-function capability to scan, print, copy, and fax.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If scanning devices are used to scan images, then image data can be obtained from scannable media, but the user cannot directly store images on removable storage media without a host computing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of image storageVSAvoidrequirement for host computing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the scanning mechanism and removable storage media mechanism into a single integrated scanning device. The scanning device includes both a scanning mechanism that scans image data from scannable media and a removable storage media mechanism that stores the scanned image data on removable storage media, eliminating the need for a separate host computing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform scanning, storage, and printing operations independently. The device can scan images, store them on removable storage media, and print hardcopies without requiring connection to a host computing device, making it a universal solution for image processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If scanning devices are limited to scanning only, then the device structure remains simple, but the user must use a host computing device for printing hardcopies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect printing capabilityVSAvoidintegration of storage and printing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scanning mechanism, removable storage media mechanism, and printing mechanism into a single integrated device. This allows the device to scan images, store them on removable storage media, and print hardcopies without requiring external computing devices, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform scanning, storage, and printing operations independently. The device can scan images, store them on removable storage media, and print hardcopies without requiring connection to a host computing device, making it a universal solution for image processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If digital cameras use removable storage media, then users can print images without host computing device, but scanning devices cannot provide this same convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from host computing deviceVSAvoidcompatibility with printing devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the scanning mechanism and removable storage media mechanism into a single integrated scanning device. The scanning device includes both a scanning mechanism that scans image data from scannable media and a removable storage media mechanism that stores the scanned image data on removable storage media, eliminating the need for a separate host computing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform scanning, storage, and printing operations independently. The device can scan images, store them on removable storage media, and print hardcopies without requiring connection to a host computing device, making it a universal solution for image processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7417751B2Scanning to storage medium using scanning device

Publication Date: 2008.08.26 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A scanning device of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a scanning mechanism and a removable storage media mechanism disposed within a housing of the scanning device. The scanning mechanism is to scan image data from scannable media. The removable storage media mechanism is receptive to a removable storage medium on which the image data scanned from the scannable media is stored.