Image Processing Apparatus USB Device Control Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of an externally added operating key unit as a USB device in MFPs leads to malfunctions when using expansion applications developed for conventional MFPs, resulting in a decrease in the general versatility of these applications, as they are not ready for control on the new operating key unit.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a communication unit, control unit, and determination unit that communicates with connected devices and determines if they are predetermined operating devices, controlling such devices using the operating system to prevent malfunctions and maintain versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the expansion application is developed based on specifications of conventional MFPs, then the expansion application can control USB devices in conventional MFPs, but the expansion application causes malfunction of the externally added operating key unit in MFPs with new arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of expansion application with conventional MFPsVSAvoidmalfunction of operating key unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (determination unit and control logic) that mediates between the expansion application and the operating key unit. When the operating key unit is detected as a connected USB device, the system determines whether to allow the expansion application to control it based on compatibility assessment. If incompatible, the OS module controls the device instead, preventing malfunction while maintaining expansion application functionality for compatible devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the information on operating key type is deleted from the identification information to prevent malfunction, then the operating key unit is protected from malfunction, but the number of types of USB devices controllable by the expansion application is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of operating key unit malfunctionVSAvoidnumber of controllable USB device types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the control permission specific to each USB device type rather than applying a global restriction. The determination unit assesses each connected USB device individually, comparing its identification information against the expansion application's supported device types. This allows the expansion application to control compatible USB devices (maintaining versatility) while blocking control of incompatible devices like the operating key unit (ensuring reliability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines control permission based on the actual connected device rather than using a static configuration. When a USB device is connected, the system retrieves its identification information, compares it with the expansion application's compatibility list, and dynamically decides whether to grant control permission. This dynamic approach allows the same expansion application to work with multiple different USB device types while preventing malfunction on incompatible devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the expansion application is modified for exclusive use in MFPs with new arrangement, then the operating key unit malfunction is prevented, but the general versatility of the expansion application for MFP models is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of operating key unit malfunctionVSAvoidgeneral versatility across MFP models

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the expansion application universal by enabling it to work across different MFP models and USB device types through a compatibility assessment mechanism. Rather than creating a separate modified version for each MFP arrangement, the single expansion application uses the determination unit to assess whether the connected USB device is compatible. This allows the same expansion application to function universally across conventional MFPs and MFPs with externally added operating key units, maintaining general versatility while preventing malfunction through selective control permission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10963197B2Image processing apparatus that installs application modules, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus which is able to prevent a decrease in general versatility of an expansion application. The image processing apparatus has an operating system and the expansion application for expanding functions. When a USB device is connected to the image processing apparatus, a USB I/F communicates with the connected USB device. The connected USB device is controlled using the operating system or the expansion application. It is determined whether or not the connected USB device is a predetermined operating device that operates the image processing apparatus. When the connected USB device is the predetermined operating device, the connected USB device is controlled using the operating system.