Virtual Plug-in Workflow for Image Processing Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems require sequential use of plug-in modules and lack the ability to combine them arbitrarily, limiting workflow flexibility and efficiency in distributing image data.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a storage unit for plug-in modules, a combining information acquisition unit, a combining unit to generate virtual plug-ins, and a workflow control unit, allowing arbitrary combination and control of plug-in modules for flexible workflow setup and message distribution processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If small-size plug-in modules are used to take various users into consideration, then the system becomes more adaptable to different users, but the workflow setup becomes more complex as users have to combine the same plug-in module repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small-size plug-in modules into a single virtual plug-in module that encapsulates a sequence of processing steps. This allows users to create complex workflows by selecting and combining virtual plug-ins rather than repeatedly configuring individual small modules, thereby reducing workflow setup complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of plug-in module combinations. Once a sequence of plug-in modules is configured for a specific workflow, it can be copied as a virtual plug-in and reused multiple times without reconfiguration. This eliminates the need to repeatedly set up the same workflow combinations and reduces setup complexity.
2Reliability
If plug-in modules are specified to be executed sequentially (plug-in module 2 after plug-in module 1), then the execution order is controlled, but the workflow setup flexibility is reduced as modules cannot be simultaneously used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workflow into hierarchical levels: individual plug-in modules, virtual plug-in modules (which are sequences of modules), and workflows (which combine virtual plug-ins). This segmentation allows simultaneous use of multiple plug-ins at different hierarchical levels while maintaining execution order control within each segment, thereby increasing workflow flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual plug-in module acts as an intermediary between individual plug-in modules and the workflow. It encapsulates a sequence of modules with defined execution order, allowing the workflow to treat it as a single unit while internally maintaining the sequential execution of constituent modules. This intermediary enables both order control and flexible combination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plug-in modules are combined into a virtual plug-in, then the workflow flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the additional combining and management functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual plug-in mechanism that can encapsulate any sequence of plug-in modules regardless of their specific functions. The virtual plug-in system provides multi-functional capabilities: it can store module sequences, manage execution orders, handle parameters, and be reused across different workflows. This universal approach enhances workflow flexibility while avoiding the need for separate management systems for each type of module combination.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming device adapted to acquire image data and distribute the image data, a storage unit stores respective plug-in modules of an input process, an image transforming process, and an output process with respect to the image data. A combining information acquisition unit acquires combining information including plug-in identifiers which respectively indicate the plug-in modules. A combining unit combines two or more of the plug-in modules to generate a virtual plug-in based on the combining information. A flow setting unit sets up a workflow in which the plug-in modules including the virtual plug-in are combined arbitrarily. A workflow control unit controls processes included in the workflow when a message distribution process based on the workflow is requested.