Image Form Apparatus Automatic Reading Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with limited memory and hardware resources, executing Automatic Color Selection (ACS) processing is challenging, especially without a sensor to detect the original's size, leading to user inconvenience and reduced operability, as users must manually input the original's size for accurate scanning.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a reading unit, color determination unit, registration unit, confirmation unit, and setting unit that automatically set the reading size based on registered executing conditions, using an original detection sensor to determine the appropriate reading size for scanning, thereby reducing user input and improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ACS processing is executed by storing an image in memory and then analyzing the stored image, then the accuracy of color determination is improved, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple reading size patterns (first through fourth patterns) corresponding to different original sizes. These patterns are stored in advance in the reading control unit, allowing the system to quickly select and execute the appropriate pattern without needing to store entire images in memory for analysis. This approach maintains color determination accuracy while reducing memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reading size dynamically based on the detected original size. Instead of using a fixed reading size or storing complete images for analysis, the system adjusts the reading size to match the original dimensions, thereby optimizing the reading range and reducing unnecessary memory usage while maintaining accurate color determination.
2Ease of operation
If a sensor for detecting the size of an original is added, then the automatic setting of reading size is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image forming apparatus to automatically detect the original size using its existing image reading capabilities and autonomously determine the appropriate reading size pattern. The system processes the read image data to identify the original dimensions and selects the corresponding pre-defined pattern without requiring external sensors or manual user input, thereby maintaining ease of operation while avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an image processing-based detection method. Instead of using physical sensors to detect original size, the system uses software algorithms to analyze the read image data and determine the original dimensions, thereby achieving automatic reading size setting without adding hardware sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the reading size is manually set by the user, then the reading accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to troublesome operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect the original size and select the appropriate reading size pattern without requiring manual user input. The image forming apparatus processes the read image data to determine the original dimensions and autonomously configures the reading parameters, thereby maintaining reading accuracy while eliminating troublesome manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the read image data to determine the original size and then adjusting the reading size accordingly. The system reads the original, analyzes the image data to detect the original dimensions, and uses this feedback information to select the appropriate pre-defined reading size pattern, ensuring accurate reading without manual intervention.
4Productivity
If the reading range includes the outside or edges of the original, then the reading speed is improved, but the reading precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reading size parameter dynamically based on the detected original size. By selecting from pre-defined reading size patterns that correspond to different original dimensions, the system adjusts the reading range to match the actual original size, thereby reading only the necessary area without including unnecessary edges or outside regions, which optimizes both reading speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the reading size specific to each original size category. Instead of using a uniform reading size for all originals, the system selects different reading size patterns (first through fourth patterns) based on the detected original dimensions, thereby optimizing the reading range for each specific case and avoiding unnecessary reading of edges or outside areas.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image forming apparatus and a control method for the same in which the reading size for an original is controlled according to various executing conditions while troublesome operations for a user are reduced. To accomplish this, at the time of reading an original, the image forming apparatus confirms a pre-registered executing condition and sets the reading size for the original according to the executing condition. Specifically, if an appropriate original size is pre-registered, that original size is set as the reading size for the original. Even if the original size is not pre-registered by the user, an original size entered with minimum user operations required of the user is set as the reading size.