Image Feeder Control via Real-Time Scan Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct copying techniques in image forming apparatuses often result in unnecessary blank sheet outputs since printing is initiated before the completion of sheet reading, leading to inefficiencies and increased paper usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a scanner, feeder, and processor to read a document, determine if the read data contains an image by checking for a predetermined number of pixels exceeding a darkness threshold, and only start feeding sheets to the printer if an image is detected, thereby reducing blank sheet outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If printing is started without waiting for the completion of sheet reading (direct copying), then copying speed is improved, but unnecessary blank sheets are output
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of image data during the sheet reading process before committing to print. By checking whether read data contains effective image information (meeting threshold conditions) during scanning, the system can determine in advance whether a blank sheet would be produced, allowing it to prevent unnecessary printing while still enabling fast direct copying when images are present.
2Loss of substance
If sheet feeding is delayed until image detection is complete, then blank sheet output is reduced, but copying speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial image detection during the sheet reading process rather than waiting for complete reading. It evaluates whether the detected pixels meet the threshold condition for effective image data at intermediate points during scanning, enabling early determination of whether to proceed with printing without requiring full sheet reading completion, thus balancing speed and waste reduction.
3Loss of substance
If the system waits for complete sheet reading before printing, then blank sheet output is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring read data during sheet reading and comparing it against threshold conditions for effective image data. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically determine whether to proceed with printing based on actual image content detection, enabling early termination of the waiting period when images are detected while still preventing blank sheet output when no images are present.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a scanner configured to read a document, a feeder configured to feed a sheet, a printer configured to print an image on the sheet, a processor, and memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the image forming apparatus to control the scanner to read the document to generate read data, determine whether the read data provides an image while the scanner is reading the document, and control the feeder to start feeding the sheet to the printer in response to determining that the read data provides the image. Determining whether the read data provides the image may include determining whether a substantially blank sheet would be printed based on the read data.