Dynamic Channel Allocation for Image Reading Device Conversion Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading devices require multiple conversion units, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to underutilization of channels during single-side or double-sided image reading, especially when handling different sheet sizes.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with two reading units and two conversion units, where the number of channels in each conversion unit is optimized to match the number of sub-regions on each unit, allowing for flexible read modes that reduce the number of channels needed by connecting only necessary channels during single-sided or double-sided reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conversion units are provided for each reading unit, then each reading unit can be independently connected to its own conversion unit, but the conversion unit becomes idle during single-side image reading and is not used effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The first conversion unit is designed to serve dual purposes: it converts analog signals from the first reading unit during single-side reading, and converts analog signals from both the first and second reading units during double-side reading. This multi-functional design allows one conversion unit to replace what would traditionally require two separate conversion units, improving utilization rate while maintaining independent reading capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conversion unit is designed to support the maximum sheet size, then it can handle all reading scenarios, but the conversion unit is not effectively used during double-sided image reading with smaller sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The first reading region is divided into multiple first sub-regions, and the second reading region is divided into multiple second sub-regions. During double-sided reading, only the necessary sub-regions are activated and connected to the conversion unit channels based on the actual sheet size being read. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different sheet sizes while maintaining high channel utilization by activating only the required number of channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion units are provided to handle all reading scenarios, then all reading modes can be supported, but the number of conversion units increases leading to higher cost and space usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate conversion units into one by designing the first conversion unit to handle signals from both reading units through dynamic channel allocation. The read mode setting unit controls which channels are connected to which reading units based on the selected reading mode, allowing a single conversion unit to perform the work of two, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes first and second reading units, first and second converting units, and a setting unit. The first and second reading units include N-number of first sub-regions and M-number of second sub-regions, respectively. Each converting unit includes L-number of channels. Each channel converts analog signal into digital signal. When the setting unit sets the double-sided read mode, P-number of first sub-regions are connected to the first converting unit and M-number of second sub-regions are connected to the second converting unit. When the read mode setting unit sets the single-sided read mode, P-number of first sub-regions are connected to the first converting unit and the remaining first sub-regions are connected to the second converting unit. L is greater than or equal to M and smaller than or equal to N. N is smaller than or equal to 2×L.