Dynamic Scan Speed Adjustment in Image Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses, such as scanners in digital multifunction peripherals, have fixed scan and processing speeds set at manufacturing, limiting users' ability to adjust for varying productivity needs, which can lead to either high costs for low-speed machines or temporary high-speed processing, failing to meet user demands for flexible scan processing.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a scanner, operation panel, and processor that allows users to input desired scan speeds, updating a scan counter for each speed setting, enabling dynamic adjustment of scan speeds and managing scan processing according to user requests, thereby improving productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If scan speed is set to low speed to reduce costs, then cost is reduced, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scan speed adjustment by allowing users to switch between low-speed mode (for cost-effective operation) and high-speed mode (for improved productivity) based on actual processing needs. The system dynamically changes operational parameters including scan speed, processing speed, and charging rates without requiring hardware changes or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple operational parameters simultaneously - scan speed, processing speed, and charging rate - to resolve the contradiction between cost and productivity. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can operate at low cost during normal conditions and switch to high-speed processing when productivity requirements increase, with corresponding adjustments to pricing.
2Productivity
If scan speed is set to high speed to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows temporary switching to high-speed operation mode when productivity requirements increase, with automatic or manual return to low-speed mode when normal operations resume. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to meet peak productivity demands without permanently incurring high operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternation between low-speed and high-speed modes based on processing requirements. Instead of continuous high-speed operation, the system uses intermittent high-speed bursts for time-critical tasks, followed by return to energy-efficient low-speed operation, thereby averaging costs while maintaining productivity capability.
3Device complexity
If fixed scan speed is set at manufacturing to simplify device configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static scan speed configuration into a dynamic, user-adjustable parameter. The system maintains simple default configuration at manufacturing but enables runtime adjustment of scan speed, processing speed, and associated charging rates through user interface or automated detection, providing both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of operational parameters (scan speed, processing speed, charging rate) after manufacturing without increasing hardware complexity. Through software-based parameter adjustment, the device adapts to different usage scenarios while maintaining the same physical configuration, thereby achieving versatility without adding device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image reading apparatus sets a scan speed corresponding to an operating speed input by the operation panel. The image reading apparatus executes a scan job at the set scan speed. In addition, the image reading apparatus updates a scan counter in accordance with the number of pages of an image read at the set scan speed.