Image Forming Apparatus Two-Sided Card Layout and Skew Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as MFPs, face issues with skewing, orientation errors, limited layout options, and lack of alerts for user errors during two-sided card copying, leading to suboptimal image quality and inability to perform duplex copying or connect with features like 'scan-to-FTP' and 'scan-to-email'.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an image forming apparatus with a user interface for adjusting layouts, an image reading unit for scanning and deskewing, and a controlling unit for detecting orientations and skew angles, allowing for various layout options, deskewing, and storing images, which can be output or saved to a file, including duplex copying and connection with external storage or email.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional ID copy function is used to copy two-sided cards, then the copying process is simple, but the copied images are skewed and lack proper orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecopying process simplicityVSAvoidimage alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary deskewing and orientation detection on scanned card images before final copying. The controlling unit detects skew angles and orientations of card sides, then automatically corrects them through image processing operations, ensuring proper alignment before the copying is completed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated image processing. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust card positions for perfect alignment, the system uses digital image processing to detect skew angles and automatically correct orientations through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ID copy function is used, then only one layout option is available, but it cannot accommodate cards larger than half the page or perform duplex copying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidlayout option variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic layout selection where users can choose from multiple layout options including portrait and landscape orientations, single-sided and duplex copying arrangements. The controlling unit adapts the layout based on user selection and card characteristics, allowing flexible accommodation of different card sizes and copying requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the copying function into multiple layout configurations. Instead of a single fixed layout, the system divides the copying process into different arrangement options: first card side on upper half with second side on lower half, or alternative arrangements for landscape orientation and duplex copying, allowing users to select the most appropriate layout for their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional ID copy function is used, then scanning is performed without alerts, but user errors such as blank pages or incorrect placement go undetected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecopying speedVSAvoiderror detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controlling unit monitors the scanning process and provides alerts to users. When blank pages are detected or when card placement appears incorrect, the system notifies users through the user interface, allowing correction before final copying. This feedback loop maintains productivity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Area of stationary object

If conventional ID copy function is used, then only upper half of scanner glass is utilized, but this limits the scanning area and may cause clipped images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner glass usage areaVSAvoidimage completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes both the upper and lower halves of the scanner glass by implementing a layout system that maps scanned images from different vertical positions to appropriate locations on the output page. The controlling unit processes images scanned from either half of the scanner glass and correctly positions them in the layout, effectively doubling the usable scanning area while maintaining image completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8724189B2Image forming apparatus and method of copying two-sided card thereof

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus to copy a two-sided card is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a user interface unit to adjust a layout for copying both sides of the two-sided card, an image reading unit to read the both sides of the two-sided card and generates scanned images, a controlling unit to generate image data where the scanned images are laid out on at least one page according to the adjusted layout, and an output unit to output the image data generated by the controlling unit. Accordingly, the both sides of the two-sided card may be laid out and output in various types.