Image Processing Linkage with Token-Based Direct Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems require intermediation of an apparatus linkage system for uploading scanned data, print data, and facsimile reception data to external storage systems, which can be inefficient and limit user flexibility.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus equipped with a processor executes an external linkage program to acquire tokens directly from an external storage system, allowing direct uploading or downloading of data without intermediation by the apparatus linkage system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data upload/download is performed through the apparatus linkage system as an intermediary, then system integration and centralized control are improved, but processing time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two operational modes: indirect linkage through the apparatus linkage system for integrated control scenarios, and direct linkage from the image processing apparatus to the storage system for time-critical operations. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific use case, resolving the contradiction between centralized control and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between indirect and direct linkage modes based on operational requirements. The image processing apparatus can select the appropriate data transfer path (through apparatus linkage system or directly to storage system) depending on whether centralized control or fast processing is the priority, making the system adaptable to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If data upload/download is performed through the apparatus linkage system, then centralized authentication and security management are improved, but operational flexibility and user autonomy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity managementVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication and security management are segmented into centralized (through apparatus linkage system) and decentralized (direct access with pre-acquired tokens) components. The token mechanism allows users to authenticate once through the centralized system and then operate autonomously without continuous intermediary involvement, balancing security with flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Once authentication is completed through the apparatus linkage system and tokens are acquired, the image processing apparatus performs self-service operations by directly accessing the storage system without requiring continuous intermediary involvement. This enables operational flexibility while maintaining the security benefits of centralized authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If direct linkage between image processing apparatus and storage system is implemented, then processing speed and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and integration requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus linkage system serves as an intermediary that provides the image processing apparatus with authentication tokens and access credentials needed for direct communication with the storage system. This mediator approach enables direct high-speed data transfer while managing the integration complexity centrally, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication and authorization are performed in advance through the apparatus linkage system before direct data transfer begins. By completing the complex integration tasks (authentication, token acquisition, permission setup) beforehand, the system enables simple, high-speed direct operations without repeating the complex integration process for each transfer operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250324010A1Image processing apparatus linked with external system, and image processing system including such image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a first control device including a processor, and configured to act as an external linkage device, when the processor executes an external linkage program. The external linkage device acquires a token for a user, acquired by an apparatus linkage system linked with the image processing apparatus from an external storage system, from the apparatus linkage system, downloads print data in the storage system from the storage system using the token, without intermediation of the apparatus linkage system, and executes a printing operation according to the print data.