Dual Reading Section Image Scanner Speed Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in improving the speed of both single and double face reading due to limitations in the original document transport path, particularly with double face reading requiring complex transport paths and longer times, while single face reading speed remains unchanged.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs a dual reading section system with controlled transport paths and gates to differentiate between odd and even numbered documents, allowing for increased speed by varying transportation speeds and bypassing switchback sections, thereby optimizing the transport path and reading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If double face reading is implemented using a single reading section with switchback section, then double face reading function is achieved, but transport path becomes longer and reading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reading function into two separate reading sections (first reading section and second reading section) positioned at different locations in the transport path. This segmentation allows simultaneous reading of both faces of documents without requiring the document to pass through the same reading position twice, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with switchback operations while maintaining the double face reading function.
2Speed
If transportation speed of original document is increased, then reading speed is improved, but resolving power of read image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reading function into two reading sections positioned at different locations, the system can read documents at optimal speeds at each position without the need for slow switchback operations. The first reading section reads at a normal speed and the second reading section reads the other face, allowing both to operate at speeds that maintain image quality while improving overall reading throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by positioning reading sections at different locations in the transport path rather than using the same reading position for both faces. This dimensional change allows simultaneous or near-simultaneous reading operations without requiring the document to reverse direction, thereby maintaining reading speed and image quality.
3Productivity
If single face reading speed is improved, then productivity increases, but transport path modification room is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading function into two reading sections that can operate independently or simultaneously. For single face reading, the system can utilize either the first reading section or the second reading section, effectively doubling the available reading capacity and allowing faster throughput without requiring complex modifications to the basic transport path structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus for reading images on original documents, including: a first reading section to read the images on the original documents; a second reading section to read the images on the original documents at a position downstream of a reading position of the first reading section, in a transporting direction of the original documents; and a controller; wherein, the controller controls in such a way that: the first reading section and the second reading section alternately read images on multiple original documents sequentially from document to document; and when an original document is transported to the reading position of the second reading section without an image on the original document being read by the first reading section, a transporting speed of the original document is higher than a transporting speed while the image on the original document being read.