Dual-Section Scanner Simultaneous Double-Side Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners lack the capability to efficiently process and handle diverse user requests for reading images on both sides of a sheet, particularly in terms of simultaneous reading and separate processing of double-sided sheets, with limited flexibility in image handling and processing options.
Innovation Solution
A scanner with dual reading sections, where the first and second reading sections are arranged closely along the conveyance path, allowing simultaneous reading of both sides of a sheet, with individual processing and file creation for each side, and the option to perform OCR, email sending, storage, and ground tint detection, enabling flexible handling of double-sided sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a scanner reads double sides of a sheet sequentially (one side at a time), then the device structure is simple, but the processing efficiency and user satisfaction are insufficient due to inability to handle diverse processing requests simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is divided into two independent reading sections: a first reading section for reading the first surface of sheets and a second reading section for reading the second surface. Each reading section operates independently and simultaneously, allowing the scanner to process both sides of sheets at the same time, thereby improving processing efficiency without requiring complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Each reading section is equipped with independent image processing capabilities, allowing them to perform different processing operations (such as OCR, image enhancement, format conversion) on images from different surfaces simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the scanner to handle diverse user requests for double-sided sheet processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scanner uses separate processing for each side of a sheet, then diverse user requests can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system is segmented into independent processing units associated with each reading section. Each processing unit can independently execute different processing algorithms and operations on images from its corresponding reading section, enabling diverse handling options while maintaining modular architecture that prevents system complexity from becoming unmanageable
Solution Approach 2:
Different image processing operations can be applied locally to images from different surfaces based on specific user requirements. For example, OCR can be applied only to the first surface, while the second surface undergoes different processing, allowing customized handling of each surface independently
3Productivity
If the space between reading sections is large, then each section can process images independently, but the reading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second reading sections are positioned in close proximity to each other along the sheet conveyance path, with the space between them being shorter than the sheet length in the conveyance direction. This merging of reading sections in space allows both sections to read images from opposite surfaces of the same sheet simultaneously during a single pass, significantly improving reading speed while maintaining independent processing capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
Generally, a scanner of the present embodiment, which reads a first surface with a first reading section configured to read the first surface of a sheet and a second surface with a second reading section configured to read the second surface opposite to the first surface of the sheet, executes individual processing on a first reading image of the first surface and a second reading image of the second surface.