Image Output Device Graphic Positioning Without Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-function apparatuses require precise placement of scanned objects on a designated position for accurate size detection, leading to limitations in outputting graphics at desired positions and high manufacturing costs due to sensor usage.

Innovation Solution

An image output device and method that includes a scanning module, storage module, and image processing module with an identification unit and control unit, allowing the object graphic to be output at a predetermined position on a medium without relying on sensor detection, enabling flexible placement and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are used to detect the size of the scanned object, then the size detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the sensors from the system entirely and replaces them with image processing algorithms. The identification unit extracts the object graphic from the scanning image and calculates its size through software processing rather than hardware detection, thereby eliminating the need for expensive sensors while maintaining size measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical sensor-based detection system with a digital image processing system. The control unit uses software algorithms to analyze the scanning image, identify object boundaries, and calculate dimensions, substituting physical sensing mechanisms with computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the scanned object is placed on a designated position for sensor detection, then the size detection accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize detection accuracyVSAvoidobject placement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of the scanning image to identify the object graphic and its position automatically. The identification unit pre-processes the image data to locate the object and calculate its dimensions before output, eliminating the need for users to perform precise manual placement while maintaining accurate size detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic object identification and positioning through the identification unit and control unit. The apparatus itself services the task of locating and measuring the object without requiring user intervention for precise placement, making the operation more convenient while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the object graphic is output at the upper-left corner position, then the sensor detection accuracy is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor detection accuracyVSAvoidoutput position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning of the object graphic on the output medium. The control unit calculates the appropriate output position based on the object's detected location and size in the scanning image, allowing the object graphic to be placed at various positions (such as central position) rather than being fixed at the upper-left corner, thereby providing flexibility while maintaining accurate representation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10506118B2Image output device, multi-function apparatus, image processing module and related image output method

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 AVISION

AI summary

A multi-function apparatus includes a scanning module, a storage module, a printing module and an image processing module electrically connected to the scanning module, the storage module and the printing module. The scanning module is for scanning a scanned object to generate a scanning image having an object graphic corresponding to the scanned object. The storage module is for storing the scanning image. An identification unit of the image processing module is for identifying the object graphic from the scanning image stored in the storage module to obtain a size of the object graphic. A control unit of the image processing module controls the printing module to printing the object graphic onto a predetermined position at a printing medium when the control unit determines that the size of the object graphic is less than a canvas size of the printing medium.