Image Processing Apparatus for Document Size Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital copiers and multi-function peripherals are inefficient in handling documents of different sizes, leading to unnecessary paper waste and complex image processing, as they require manual size determination and cropping, which is time-consuming and environmentally detrimental.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing method and apparatus that automatically scans and processes documents of varying sizes, arranging them in an ordered manner on one or multiple output pages based on accumulated size, preventing waste and allowing for intuitive and environmentally friendly copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional copiers require manual size determination and cropping for documents of different sizes, then copying functionality is maintained, but paper waste increases and operation time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines document sizes and performs cropping operations without user intervention. The image processing apparatus self-services by detecting document boundaries, calculating optimal crop regions, and executing the cropping automatically, eliminating the need for manual size determination and reducing paper waste from incorrect cropping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts cropping parameters based on detected document characteristics. By changing the crop region parameters automatically according to each document's size and position, the system optimizes paper utilization while maintaining copying functionality, thereby reducing paper waste.
2Ease of operation
If users copy documents on sheets of the same size and then perform cropping, then copying is simple, but many sheets are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary size determination and crop region calculation before the actual copying process. By pre-processing the document detection and cropping parameter setup, the system enables direct copying onto optimally sized sheets without requiring users to first copy onto larger sheets and then crop, thereby reducing sheet waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of manual sheet selection and physical cropping with an automated image processing system. The apparatus uses optical detection and digital image processing to determine document sizes and calculate crop regions, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control, thereby reducing both operational complexity and paper waste.
3Loss of substance
If image processing software performs typesetting for documents of different sizes, then document arrangement is optimized, but operation time increases for users unfamiliar with software
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus performs automatic typesetting without requiring user interaction with complex software interfaces. The system self-services by detecting document sizes, calculating optimal arrangements, and generating layout parameters automatically, eliminating the time users would spend learning and operating typesetting software while achieving optimized document arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automatic image processing intermediary between document scanning and output. This intermediary layer handles the complex typesetting calculations and document arrangement optimization automatically, shielding users from complex software operations while achieving optimized layout that reduces paper waste.
4Loss of substance
If certificate copying mode is used to print front and reverse sides on the same page, then paper usage is reduced, but users must know how to place the certificate and its size
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects certificate orientation and position, eliminating the need for users to manually align or know the correct placement. The image processing apparatus self-services by detecting the certificate's physical characteristics and automatically adjusting the scanning and printing parameters, thereby reducing paper usage through双面 printing while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reproducing images comprises the steps of: obtaining 1st to Nth scan images in order, where N is a positive integer greater than 2; processing the 1st to Nth scan images into 1st to Nth document images and obtaining sizes of the 1st to Nth document images; and performing an ordered document typesetting according to an ordered accumulated size of the 1st to Nth document images to generate image data corresponding to one or multiple output pages. An image-processing apparatus is also provided. Thus, it is possible to prevent the waste of printing a small-size document image on a large-size sheet, and the user can obtain the order of documents according to the order of the output pages. So, an instinctive and environment protective copying technical solution can be provided, and an output result can be further adjusted.