Dual-Surface Image Scanning Device Line-By-Line Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image scanning devices with two sensors face challenges in reducing memory capacity requirements for storing data from both sides of a document, as existing systems often need to store and process large amounts of image data simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The device employs two image scanning units, each scanning one side of the document at different positions along a conveying path, with a determining unit that alternates between checking the stored data from both units and processing it in batches, allowing for efficient image processing and reduced memory requirements by only storing a predetermined number of lines at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two scanning sensors are used to scan both surfaces of a document, then scanning capability is improved, but memory capacity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data from each scanning sensor into multiple line groups, where each group contains a predetermined number of lines. This segmentation allows the system to process and store data in smaller, manageable units rather than requiring all data to be held in memory simultaneously, thereby reducing the overall memory capacity requirement while maintaining dual-surface scanning capability.
2Reliability
If all image data from two scanning sensors is stored simultaneously, then data completeness is improved, but memory capacity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic determination and processing of line groups from the first and second storing units. The system alternates between checking and processing data from each sensor in cycles, ensuring that all data is eventually processed and stored completely while only maintaining a limited amount of data in memory at any given time. This periodic action guarantees data completeness without requiring large simultaneous memory capacity.
3Productivity
If image data is processed in batches from multiple storing units, then processing efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a determination unit that continuously monitors the number of lines stored in each storing unit and provides feedback control signals to the processing unit. This feedback mechanism automatically regulates which data group is processed next based on current memory contents, enabling efficient batch processing from multiple sources while keeping control logic manageable through automated decision-making rather than complex manual coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An image scanning device has first and second image scanning units to scan an image on the front and rear surfaces of a document to sequentially output image data on a line-by-line basis. A determining unit determines whether or not the number of lines of the front image is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, and whether or not the number of lines of the rear image is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. A processing unit reads out the front and rear image data on a line-by-line basis for the predetermined number of lines and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the front image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number and performs image-processing on the readout data if the number of lines of the rear image data is greater than or equal to the predetermined number.