Document Reading Apparatus with Automatic Feeder and Platen Priority Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document reading apparatuses cannot efficiently read documents set on both the automatic document feeder and the platen simultaneously, leading to user inconvenience and the need for manual document rearrangement, especially when handling special documents like OHP sheets or postcards.
Innovation Solution
A document reading apparatus with an automatic document feeder, first and second document tables, and detectors that allow sequential reading of documents from both tables, with the option to prohibit automatic feeder operation if a document extends beyond the platen, and the ability to select which document is read first, insert images from the platen into the ADF read pages, and create a single file from multiple sets of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If documents are set on both the automatic document feeder and the platen for reading, then the reading operation cannot be performed due to system restriction, but this causes user inconvenience and requires manual document rearrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ADF-only mode and combined ADF-platen mode based on document detection. When a document is detected on the platen, the system automatically prohibits ADF operation and displays a message requesting platen document removal. When no document is on the platen, the system permits ADF operation, enabling flexible adaptation to different user needs without manual configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses document detectors to continuously monitor the platen for the presence of documents. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the operational state of the ADF - either permitting or prohibiting its operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual mode switching and prevents reading errors by ensuring the platen is clear before ADF reading begins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special documents like OHP sheets or postcards are copied by being set on the platen, then these documents can be handled, but they cannot be processed as one file with documents handled by the ADF
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the reading operations of the ADF and platen into a single unified job. When the platen is clear and ADF operation is permitted, documents from both sources can be read sequentially and combined into one output file. This merging capability allows special documents copied on the platen to be processed together with ADF documents without requiring separate operations or manual file concatenation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If multiple sets of copies need to be made on a copier with no mechanical sorter, then manual rearrangement of resultant copies is necessary even if the order of copying is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of documents by detecting and separating ADF documents from platen documents before the copying process begins. By using document detectors to identify documents on each surface and establishing a predetermined reading order, the system prepares the document sequence in advance. This preliminary action ensures that copies are produced in the correct order from the start, eliminating the need for manual rearrangement after copying is complete.
Data Source
AI summary
When reading of the documents set on the document feed tray is given priority by user designation, the documents set on the document feed tray are read first, then the document set on the platen plate is read. When reading of the document set on the platen plate is given priority, the document set on the platen plate is read first, then the documents set on the document feed tray are read. Even when originals are composed of documents that can be set on the document feed tray and an original that cannot be set on the document feed tray, use of the above configuration makes it possible to achieve copying of the originals as one job.