Universal Scan Software Extension for Contrast and Brightness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The standard scan driver in Windows® does not support contrast and brightness adjustment functions specific to scanning device vendors, limiting user flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an application program that extends the universal scan software, enabling the display of settings for adjusting contrast and brightness, and outputs scan instructions interpretable by various manufacturers' image processing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard driver is used for universal scanning, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an extension application as an intermediary layer between the standard driver and the scanning device. This extension application receives scan instructions from the standard driver, adds vendor-specific parameters (such as contrast and brightness adjustment), and transmits the enhanced instructions to the scanning device. This mediator approach allows the universal standard driver to access specialized functions without requiring users to install vendor-specific drivers, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vendor-specific scan driver is used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the standard driver multi-functional by enabling it to perform both universal scanning operations and vendor-specific advanced functions through the extension application. The extension application extends the standard driver's capabilities to include contrast adjustment, brightness adjustment, and other manufacturer-specific functions. This allows a single universal driver to serve multiple purposes across different scanning devices, eliminating the need for users to switch between standard and vendor-specific drivers while maintaining access to specialized functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard driver function is extended, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the driver functionality into two distinct components: the standard driver that handles universal scanning operations and the extension application that provides vendor-specific enhancements. This segmentation allows the core standard driver to remain simple and universally compatible, while the extension application independently manages the additional complexity of vendor-specific functions. The modular architecture reduces overall system complexity by separating concerns and allowing independent development and maintenance of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250373739A1Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program which supports function of universal scan software, control method for information processing apparatus, and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CANON KK
  • US20250373739A1 patent drawing
  • US20250373739A1 patent drawing
  • US20250373739A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an application program which causes an information processing apparatus to perform a control method, the control method including displaying a display screen for receiving a setting for adjusting contrast or brightness of an image which is scanned by an image processing device, and outputting, with use of universal scan software, a scan instruction for causing the image processing device to perform scanning of an image according to the setting received via the display screen. The application program supports the universal scan software, which is capable of outputting a scan instruction interpretable by a plurality of image processing devices from various manufacturers.