--- I heard that MEAP technology is revolutionary. First of all, could you tell
me what MEAP is?
 "To put it simply, MEAP enables us to program digital MFPs." (Endo)
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Endo: (smiles wryly) Well... I don't know if MEAP is really revolutionary or not, but to put
it simply, MEAP enables us to program digital MFPs. --- What a simple answer! So, you can even command an MFP to let someone know when
it has made, say, 30 copies of a document, right? Endo: Yes, that's just one of many features. We wanted to make copiers tailored to each user's
requirements just as a computer or a server connected with a network in the office.--- I see. Your goal was to make copiers as easy to operate from a computer terminal
as printers. Endo: Not really. We set our sights on higher goals. In order to make MFPs truly adaptable to
customers' needs, we added computer functions to the devices. This way, you can give commands to MFPs directly,
without using a computer.--- A digital MFP serves as a computer, right? Endo: Yes. An MFP becomes a network computer with a printer and scanner attached. MEAP, which
stands for Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform, is an application platform in network MFPs. Just like
with computers, you can run applications on MEAP-enabled MFPs.--- And these applications give the machines various functions. But had it not
been for copiers, MEAP would not have been invented, right? Endo: We started developing MEAP in 1996. It had been our dream to make all devices, including
copiers and scanners, uniformly useful and make the most of every device by controlling them with computers.
To this end, we developed the device control architecture CPCA (Common Peripheral Controlling Architecture),
which performs an essential role in controlling most models in our imageRUNNER (iR) series of MFPs.--- So, you can handle copiers and scanners from your computer if you operate CPCA
via the network. Endo: You may be satisfied with that if you want to operate all devices with a computer. But
then, a question arises: why do you still need a copier? Actually, we used to work on the computer-related areas,
and saw copiers as peripherals featuring printing and scanning functions. --- Since a printer and scanner connected to a computer can function as a copier,
you don't need copiers anymore. Is that your point? Endo: No, quite the opposite. We started thinking about the purpose of copiers, what makes them
necessary? We needed to find compelling and tangible reasons other than the added value.--- So then, you wanted to raise the importance of the copier so that it becomes
the "central player" in the office? Endo: Not really. We actually hoped that our MFP would work in synchronization with other devices
such as computers. A copier has its own strong points. For instance, it's far easier to handle than a computer
and quickly makes copies. We strived to create a machine that could be used to best exploit the advantages of
a copier and that would act as a network computer featuring printing and scanning functions.--- You developed MEAP to enable MFPs to cooperate with various office machines.
With MEAP, you can easily send commands to devices on the network and even create your own customized MFP. Isn't
that great? |
