Setting Data Import-Export with Unicode for Character Code Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with character garbling when transferring setting data due to differences in character codes, leading to incorrect display of characters during import and export operations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a data processing apparatus and method that includes a converting unit to convert Unicode data into the character code of the target apparatus, and vice versa, ensuring accurate import and export of setting data by handling character code differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If character code conversion is not performed during import-export operations, then the import-export function operates simply and quickly, but character garbling occurs when transferring setting data between apparatuses with different character codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Unicode as an intermediary character encoding format between the export apparatus and import apparatus. When exporting setting data, the system converts the apparatus-specific character code data into Unicode format, which serves as a universal intermediary that can be correctly interpreted by any apparatus regardless of its native character code. This intermediary approach eliminates direct character code compatibility requirements between different apparatuses while maintaining accurate character display.
2Reliability
If character code conversion is performed for all setting data, then character display accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial conversion by selectively converting only the character string data portions of setting data into Unicode format, while leaving other data types (such as numerical values, booleans, and structured configuration parameters) unchanged. This partial action approach converts only the specific data elements that are susceptible to character garbling, thereby achieving reliable character display while minimizing unnecessary processing overhead for other data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the encoding parameter of character data based on the operation type: during export, character code data is converted to Unicode encoding; during import, Unicode data is converted to the apparatus's native character code. This parameter change in encoding format allows the system to adapt to different apparatus configurations while maintaining efficient processing by only transforming data when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple character codes natively, then compatibility with different apparatuses is improved, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Unicode conversion function universal by integrating it into both the export and import processes. The export apparatus universally converts its native character code data to Unicode, and the import apparatus universally converts Unicode data to its native character code. This universal application of conversion at the interface level eliminates the need for each apparatus to natively support multiple character codes, achieving broad compatibility through a standardized intermediary format rather than through multi-code support in each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus that is capable of reducing the garbling of characters caused by the difference among the character codes when setting data are transferred to another apparatus by the import-export function. A storage unit stores setting data for the data processing apparatus. A receiving unit receives an instruction for exporting the setting data stored in the storage unit. A converting unit converts Unicode data included in the setting data into character code data of language, which is set to the data processing apparatus. An export unit exports the character code data converted by the converting unit and the Unicode data.