Decoloring Apparatus Image Consistency Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current decoloring apparatuses incorrectly identify papers with only non-decolorable forms as defective, leading to unnecessary rejection of reusable papers, as they fail to differentiate between decolored images and remaining non-decolorable forms during the decoloring process.

Innovation Solution

A decoloring apparatus equipped with a scanner, memory, and control section that determines whether the scanned image matches a predetermined form, and conveys papers with matching images to specific discharging positions, allowing for the separation of papers with only non-decolorable forms from those with residual decolorable images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the scanner scans all papers after decoloring processing to detect residual images, then the reliability of defect detection is improved, but the paper on which only the predetermined form remains is incorrectly determined as defective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection reliabilityVSAvoidpaper waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image recognition task by comparing the scanned image against a predetermined form template. The control section determines whether the scanned image matches the predetermined form, separating papers with only forms from papers with residual images. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable defect detection while correctly identifying reusable papers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the control section determines all papers with images as defective, then the simplicity of the judgment process is improved, but the distinction between decolored images and non-decolorable forms cannot be made

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejudgment process complexityVSAvoidimage type differentiation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the predetermined form template in the control section before the scanning process. This allows the system to directly compare scanned images against the known form pattern, enabling precise differentiation between forms and residual images without complex real-time analysis, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If papers with only predetermined forms are discharged to the same position as defective papers, then the simplicity of the discharge mechanism is improved, but the productivity of paper recycling is reduced due to mixing reusable and non-reusable papers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge mechanism complexityVSAvoidpaper recycling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the paper discharge into multiple positions: a first discharge position for papers containing residual images (defective) and a second discharge position for papers containing only the predetermined form (reusable). This segmentation enables the discharge mechanism to maintain simplicity while improving recycling productivity by separating reusable from non-reusable papers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively identifies and separates papers with only non-decolorable forms, enabling the reuse of papers where only the predetermined form remains after decoloring, thereby optimizing paper recycling and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

A decoloring unit (12) is provided which carries out a decoloring processing for decoloring the color of an image on a paper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a scanner (13) which scans the paper to which the decoloring processing is carried out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3181366B1Decoloring apparatus and paper conveyance method
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3181366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3181366B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3181366B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A decoloring apparatus (1) comprises a decoloring unit (12) configured to carry out a decoloring processing which decolors the color of an image formed on a paper (S) with a decolorable color material; a scanner (13) configured to scan the papers (S) to which the decoloring processing is carried out; a memory (15) configured to store data of a predetermined image indicating a predetermined form formed on the paper (S); a conveyance section (17) configured to convey the paper (S) scanned by the scanner (13) to a plurality of paper discharging positions (21, 22, 23); and a control section (14) configured to determine whether or not the scan image generated by the scanner (13) is consistent with the predetermined image, and to drive the conveyance section (17) to respectively convey the papers (S) on each of which the scan image is consistent with the predetermined image and the papers (S) on each of which the scan image is not consistent with the predetermined image to different positions (21, 22, 23).