Unified Image Processing Control Unit for Multi-Function Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image data processing devices require complex and error-prone settings for multiple functions, making it difficult to set processing conditions uniformly across various functions such as printing, scanning, and faxing.
Innovation Solution
An image data processing device with a control unit that includes a microcomputer, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, allowing for the storage and association of processing conditions across multiple functions, enabling easy and error-free setting of conditions for all functions simultaneously through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processing conditions are set individually for each function through separate function selection screens, then each function can have customized processing conditions, but the setting process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal setting interface that can set processing conditions for multiple functions simultaneously. The control unit displays a unified setting screen where users can select from multiple functions (print, copy, scan, fax) and apply the same processing conditions (resolution, brightness, tone, recording medium type) to all selected functions in one operation, eliminating the need for separate setting screens for each function.
2Ease of operation
If processing conditions are set individually for each function, then each function can have specific settings, but uniform setting across multiple functions becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the setting operations for multiple functions into a single unified operation. The control unit allows users to select multiple functions and apply processing conditions collectively through one setting screen, ensuring that the same conditions are applied uniformly to all selected functions. This eliminates the risk of inconsistent settings that would arise from separate individual settings, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate function selection screens are used for each function, then detailed function-specific settings can be made, but the number of screens and operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides a universal setting screen that handles multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the number of screens users must navigate. Users can select from print, copy, scan, and fax functions on a single screen and apply processing conditions to all selected functions in one operation, rather than switching between separate screens for each function, thereby significantly reducing the time required for setting.
Data Source
AI summary
An image data processing device includes a plurality of image data treating units, a storing unit, and a setting unit. The plurality of image data treating units treats image data. The storing unit stores a plurality of conditions relating to a property of image data to be treated by each of the image data treating units. The setting unit is configured to set a condition in the storing unit to each of at least two of the image data treating units at a time. The conditions set to the at least two of the image data treating units is associated with one another so that the at least two of the image data treating units treat image data with same concept of processing.