Image Data Conversion Based on Actual Sheet Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners using automatic document feeders (ADF) struggle to accurately determine the actual size of sheets due to compact ADF designs, leading to unnecessary image data generation when sheets are smaller than the maximum size, as they scan based on pre-defined maximum sizes rather than actual sizes.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs first sensors to detect the maximum size of sheets and second sensors to determine the actual size, with a controller converting first image data into second image data based on the actual size, storing it in a separate memory region to trim unnecessary data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanner generates image data based on the maximum sheet size, then the scanning area is sufficient to cover all sheets, but unnecessary image data is generated when sheets are smaller than the maximum size
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the actual sheet size using detection means before the scanning process. Based on this preliminary information, the control means adjusts the scanning area to match the actual sheet dimensions, preventing unnecessary image data generation from scanning beyond the sheet boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning area is made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected sheet size. The control means modifies the scanning parameters in real-time according to the actual sheet dimensions, allowing the system to adapt between scanning the full maximum area or a reduced area matching smaller sheets
2Volume of moving object
If the ADF size is reduced to make the device more compact, then the device footprint is smaller, but the sheet conveying distance becomes too short to measure actual sheet size before scanning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on the conveying distance for size detection, the system introduces a separate detection dimension by placing detection means at a specific position within the ADF. This allows sheet size measurement to occur in a different spatial dimension (detection plane) rather than depending on the conveying distance
Solution Approach 2:
Detection means are introduced as intermediary components between the sheet feed and scanner. These intermediaries perform the sheet size measurement function that would otherwise require a long conveying distance, enabling accurate detection in a compact ADF configuration
3Productivity
If the scanner scans based on pre-defined maximum sizes, then the scanning process is simple and fast, but it cannot adapt to sheets of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where detection means measure the actual sheet size and feed this information back to the control means. The control means then adjusts the scanning area accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both speed and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning parameters (particularly scanning area) are changed dynamically based on detected sheet size. The system maintains simple fast scanning for standard sizes while automatically adjusting parameters when non-standard sizes are detected, balancing speed and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a tray, first sensors configured to acquire information related to a maximum size of sheets placed on the tray, a scanner configured to generate first image data for each of the sheets conveyed from the tray based on the maximum size, a sheet conveyor configured to convey the sheets placed on the tray toward the scanner, second sensors configured to acquire information related to an actual size of each of the sheets conveyed by the sheet conveyor, and a controller. The controller converts for each of the sheets having an actual size that is different from the maximum size, the first image data stored in a first memory region into second image data based on the maximum size and the actual size of the sheet, and stores the second image data in a second memory region which is different from the first memory region.