Selective URI Notification for Image Processing File Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses with file server functions lack control over URI notification, leading to unnecessary notifications for all files stored, including temporary and hidden files, making it inconvenient for users and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a URI notification system that allows users to set conditions for when to notify external users of file storage, including options to exclude certain files, storage methods, and sources, ensuring notifications are only sent when specific criteria are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the URI notification function is enabled for all files stored through the file server function, then any file can be accessed externally, but unnecessary notifications are sent for temporary files and non-image files, causing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile access capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating notification behavior based on file characteristics. The notification system selectively sends URIs only for specific file types (image files) and storage methods (direct storage to image storage unit), while suppressing notifications for other file types (temporary files, hidden files) and storage methods (files stored via file server function). This targeted approach maintains necessary functionality while eliminating unnecessary notifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the notification function adjustable and conditional rather than static and universal. The notification system dynamically adapts its behavior based on file attributes (type, visibility) and storage method, allowing the same file storage system to produce different notification outcomes depending on the specific conditions of each file operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the file server function is implemented to allow external access, then the image processing apparatus can serve multiple purposes, but it becomes impossible to control URI notification for different data storage methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile server functionalityVSAvoidnotification control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple control dimensions for URI notification based on different file attributes and storage parameters. The system evaluates file type (image vs. non-image), visibility (hidden vs. visible), and storage method (direct storage vs. file server access) as independent parameters, combining these parameters to determine whether to send notifications. This multi-parameter control system enables nuanced differentiation without requiring complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If all stored files are notified with URI information, then complete file accessibility is achieved, but notification traffic increases and user experience deteriorates due to irrelevant notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile accessibilityVSAvoidnotification volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and filtering out files that should not trigger notifications. The notification system extracts only the relevant subset of files (visible image files stored directly to the image storage unit) from the complete set of stored files, excluding temporary files, hidden files, and files accessed through the file server function. This extraction approach maintains reliability for important files while reducing notification volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3232318B1Image processing apparatus having file server function, and control method and storage medium therefor
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 CANON KK
  • EP3232318B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3232318B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3232318B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An information processing apparatus comprises: a storage unit configured to store information and having a plurality of folders including a particular folder that is capable of being accessed from an external apparatus via the network; and a controller having a processor which executes instructions stored in a memory or having circuitry. The controller is configured to store first data, obtained from a first source, in the particular folder, and send a first notification which represents a storage destination of the first data to a predetermined destination according to information about the first source; and store second data, obtained from a second source, in the particular folder, and not send a second notification which represents a storage destination of the second data to the predetermined destination according to information about the second source.