Image Processing Apparatus Blank Paper Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses lack an efficient method to determine and prevent the output of blank paper images, leading to unnecessary paper usage and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus comprising an obtaining unit for multi-value images and a control device that performs binarization, binary image determination, and selective outputting, ensuring that only non-blank paper images are output by analyzing the binary image and determining if it represents a blank paper image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If blank paper determination function is implemented, then paper usage is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper usageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs binarization and blank paper determination before the actual output process. By converting the multi-value image to a binary image and analyzing it in advance, the system can identify blank papers and prevent their output, thereby optimizing paper usage without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a binary image as an intermediary representation between the original multi-value image and the final output decision. This intermediate binary image simplifies the determination process and enables accurate blank paper detection without requiring complex analysis of the original image data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If binary image determination is performed, then blank paper detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblank paper detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter representation by converting the multi-value image to a binary image with only two tone values. This parameter transformation simplifies the determination logic and enables faster processing while maintaining high detection accuracy, as the binary image provides clear distinction between blank and non-blank areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multi-value image binarization is performed, then output accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The binarization process applies different treatment to different regions of the image based on their content. By analyzing the binary image and identifying only the necessary regions for determination, the system achieves accurate output while minimizing energy consumption compared to processing the entire multi-value image with complex algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9241085B2Image forming apparatus having improved blank paper image detection

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain a multi-value image as an obtained image; and a control device configured to: convert the obtained image into a first binary image; determine whether the first binary image is a blank paper image, on the basis of the first binary image; and output a binary image, the binary image outputting including: outputting the first binary image in a case where it is determined that the first binary image is not the blank paper image; and not outputting the first binary image in a case where it is determined that the first binary image is the blank paper image.