Automatic Document Feeder Background Removal via Inverted Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-forming apparatuses with automatic document feeders (ADFs) cannot activate the Automatic Background Removal (ABR) function effectively, leading to deteriorated print quality and unnecessary consumable waste when dealing with documents having non-white backgrounds, as the carriage with the light source cannot easily move in ADF mode.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first movement unit for documents and a second movement unit for the carriage with a light source, along with an image processing part and control unit that processes images using a contrast equalization pattern based on specific portions of the document, allowing the ABR function to be activated even when the light source is fixed, by temporarily stopping document movement and applying the most suitable contrast pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the carriage containing a light source is moved to enable Auto Background Removal (ABR) function, then print quality is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and operation becomes more difficult in automatic document feeder mode
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the carriage to achieve background removal, the patent inverts the approach by moving the document while keeping the carriage fixed. The document is fed through the scanner by a feeding mechanism, allowing the light source to scan different portions of the document sequentially, thereby enabling ABR function without requiring carriage movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a document feeding mechanism as an intermediary between the fixed carriage and the document processing. This feeding mechanism moves the document through the scanning area, enabling the fixed light source to capture different portions of the document and perform background removal without the complexity of moving the carriage.
2Ease of operation
If the carriage containing a light source is fixed to simplify device operation, then ease of operation is improved, but Auto Background Removal (ABR) function cannot be activated and print quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the traditional scanning approach by keeping the carriage fixed and moving the document instead. This inversion maintains operational simplicity while enabling the ABR function, as the fixed carriage continues to operate as before but the moving document allows different portions to be scanned and processed for background removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The document itself serves the function of moving through the scanning area, eliminating the need for complex carriage movement mechanisms. The feeding mechanism automatically transports the document, allowing the fixed carriage to perform its scanning and background removal functions without additional operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the carriage containing a light source is moved to read entire document images, then image processing completeness is improved, but the time required for document processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first reading a specific portion of the document (such as the header or a representative section) to determine the background characteristics and select appropriate processing parameters. This preliminary analysis enables the system to quickly process the remaining portions of the document using pre-determined settings, reducing overall processing time while maintaining complete image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by focusing initial processing efforts on a specific portion of the document to establish processing parameters. Once the background removal parameters are determined from the specific portion, the same parameters are applied to the entire document, avoiding the need to perform complex analysis on every portion and thereby reducing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus having an Automatic Background Removal (ABR) function in an automatic document feeder mode and an operation control method thereof. The image-forming apparatus includes a first movement unit to move a document loaded in a document tray from a first position to a second position; a second movement unit to move a carriage containing a light source from the first position to the second position; an image processing part to process an image of the document into predetermined image data; and a control part to control the image processing part to process an image of a specific portion of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the first position and to process an entire image of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the second position in use of a predetermined contrast equalization pattern selected based on a image processing result of the specific portion. The present general inventive concept can adjust the movements of the carriage and a document to perform the Automatic Background Removal function in the automatic document feeder mode to read out the image of the document with the document moving while the light source is fixed.