Document Inclination Correction in Multifunction Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multifunction apparatuses with image reading and forming capabilities, the challenge lies in accurately correcting document inclination during image transmission, especially in facsimile mode, where slight document inclinations can lead to incomplete or unclear output results, making it difficult to visually verify the output.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an inclination amount calculating unit and an image inclination correcting unit that utilize Hough transform and affine transformation to detect and correct document inclination, generating new image information with corrected orientation, and a controller that decides when to apply these corrections based on transmission mode and document type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image inclination correction is performed in facsimile mode, then image transmission accuracy is improved, but transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting document inclination during the reading process and calculating correction parameters before the actual facsimile transmission begins. The inclination amount is calculated from edge information obtained during reading, and correction is prepared in advance, allowing the transmission to proceed efficiently without requiring time-consuming correction operations during transmission itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the correction process based on the detected inclination amount and document characteristics. When inclination is detected, the system applies dynamic correction parameters to adjust the image data during transmission, rather than using a fixed correction approach. This allows the system to adapt the correction intensity and timing based on actual document conditions, optimizing both accuracy and transmission time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical document correction is applied to non-standard documents, then handling flexibility is improved, but processing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the document handling process into distinct phases: reading phase where edge information is captured, inclination calculation phase where parameters are determined, and correction phase where actual adjustment is applied. This segmentation allows non-standard documents to be handled through a modular process that can adapt to different document types without requiring a completely complex system redesign. Each phase processes specific information independently, reducing overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters based on document characteristics by detecting edge information and calculating inclination amounts specific to each document type. Rather than using fixed mechanical correction for all documents, the system adjusts correction parameters (such as rotation angles and transformation matrices) according to the detected document properties. This parameter-based adaptation provides flexibility for non-standard documents while keeping the core processing mechanism relatively simple.
3Productivity
If document inclination is not corrected, then processing speed is maintained, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing edge information and calculating inclination parameters during the initial reading phase, before the actual image transmission or copying begins. This preliminary detection and parameter calculation allows the correction to be prepared in advance, so that when the actual image processing occurs, the correction can be applied efficiently without significantly slowing down the overall process. The inclination amount is determined from edge data obtained during reading, enabling subsequent rapid correction application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical document correction (physically adjusting the document position) with digital image processing correction. Instead of using mechanical means to straighten documents during transport, the system uses computational methods to calculate and apply digital corrections to the captured image data. This substitution maintains processing speed because digital correction operates on image data rather than requiring physical manipulation, while still achieving the desired image quality through mathematical transformations based on detected inclination parameters.
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
This solution ensures accurate image transmission by correcting document inclination, preventing errors in facsimile output and enhancing the reliability of image reproduction, particularly for standard-sized documents, while allowing non-standard documents to be handled through mechanical correction during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit that irradiates the document passing through the reading position with light and reads reflected light so as to generate image information representing an image of the document and an edge of the document
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction apparatus includes a transporting unit that transports the document, a reading unit that irradiates the document passing through a reading position with light and reads reflected light so as to generate image information representing an edge of the document and an image of the document, an inclination amount calculating unit that calculates an inclination amount of the document on the basis of the image information; a first inclination correcting unit that corrects an inclination of the image represented by the image information, on the basis of the inclination amount of the document, so as to generate new image information representing the image whose inclination is corrected, and a controller that prevents, in a transmission mode for transmitting image information, the first inclination correcting unit from performing an image inclination correction operation, and transmits a facsimile signal on the basis of the image information generated by the reading unit.