Document Feeding Controller for Variable Size Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses face reduced throughput when handling documents of varying sizes, as the feeding operation is temporarily stopped or slowed to accommodate image processing times, leading to inefficiencies, especially when processing larger documents like A3 size, which do not fit within the processing time allocated for smaller A4 size documents.

Innovation Solution

The image reading apparatus employs a controller that adjusts the feeding operation based on document size by stopping and restarting the feeding unit after the leading and rear ends of documents pass predetermined positions, with varying times for different document sizes, allowing for optimized throughput by setting appropriate wait times and speeds according to the size of the document.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the feeding operation is temporarily stopped to secure time for image process, then the image process can be completed for A4 size documents, but the throughput is greatly reduced when processing A3 size documents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage process completionVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the feeding operation adjustable between stopped and moving states based on document size. The control unit dynamically changes the feeding unit's operation mode: stopping it for A4 documents to ensure complete image processing, and allowing it to continue for A3 documents to maintain throughput. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliable image processing and productive document handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the feeding unit based on document size detection. When an A4 document is detected, the feeding parameter is changed to 'stopped'; when an A3 document is detected, the feeding parameter is changed to 'continued'. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize between image processing completion and throughput for different document types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the feeding operation is slowed down instead of stopped, then the image process can be performed, but it takes time to return to high-speed feeding operation, reducing throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage process completionVSAvoidtime to return to high-speed operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of slowing down the feeding operation (gradual deceleration), the patent inverts the approach by completely stopping the feeding operation and then restarting it. This inversion eliminates the time-consuming gradual speed adjustment phase, allowing the system to quickly transition between stopped and high-speed states, thereby reducing the time loss when returning to high-speed feeding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a single drive motor is used for transporting documents, then the device complexity is reduced, but it is not possible to stop or slow down only the feeding operation while the document is being transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive system complexityVSAvoidfeeding operation control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drive system into two independent parts: a transport drive motor for moving documents through the reading unit, and a feeding drive motor for advancing documents from the stack. This segmentation allows independent control of the feeding operation without affecting the transport operation, providing the necessary flexibility to stop or slow down feeding while transport continues, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by having the feeding unit serve dual purposes: it can operate independently to control document advancement from the stack, and it works in coordination with the transport unit to move documents through the system. This universal design allows the feeding operation to be controlled separately from transport, enabling flexible adaptation to different document sizes and processing requirements without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11218611B2Image reading apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a transport unit that transport a document, a feeding unit that transports the document to the transport unit, a controller that stops the feeding operation of the feeding unit after the leading end of the preceding document transported from the feeding unit reaches the transport unit and restarts the feeding operation after the rear end of the preceding document passes a predetermined position. The controller, restarts the feeding operation a first time after the rear end of the succeeding document following the preceding document passes the predetermined position when a size of the preceding document indicates a first size, and restarts the feeding operation a second time after the rear end of the succeeding document passes the predetermined position where the second time is longer than the first time when the size indicates a second size larger than the first size.