Document Removal Detection for Secure Image Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses face the challenge of preventing documents from being left behind after reading, especially when security settings are in place, which can lead to confidentiality issues and user inconvenience due to delayed output processing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that generates image data by reading documents and only initiates output processing after determining that the document has been removed from the document positioning plate, ensuring that security-related functions like ID-card copy or confidential printing are executed only after the document is cleared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If output processing is inhibited from starting until removal of a document is detected, then document loss prevention is improved, but output processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different control strategies for different types of jobs. For ordinary copy jobs, the system allows output processing to start immediately after reading without waiting for document removal detection. For confidential copy jobs with security settings, the system waits for document removal detection before starting output processing. This differentiated approach optimizes both processing speed and document loss prevention based on the specific job requirements.
2Reliability
If a sensor detecting a document is added to detect document removal, then document loss prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the document positioning plate cover's own opening action as the detection mechanism. When the user opens the cover to remove or check the document, the system automatically detects this state change and uses it as the trigger to start output processing. This eliminates the need for separate sensors or detection mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining document loss prevention capability.
3Reliability
If document removal detection is required for all jobs, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements security measures selectively based on job type. For confidential copy jobs with security settings enabled, the system requires document removal detection before starting output processing. For ordinary copy jobs without security settings, the system allows immediate output processing without waiting for document removal detection. This selective application of security protocols maintains high security where needed while preserving user convenience for standard operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a first reading unit configured to generate image data by reading a document set between a document positioning plate and a document-positioning-plate cover, an output unit configured to output image data, a receiving unit configured to receive an execution instruction of a job for outputting, performed by the output unit, the image data generated by the first reading unit, and a control unit configured to control, in a case where a predetermined setting is set, the output unit not to perform output of the image data until it is determined that the document is to be removed from the document positioning plate, after the first reading unit has completed reading the document.