Image Processing Apparatus Embedding Direction Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In defect investigations of scanned and printed images, determining the conveyance direction of a sheet is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the lack of information about the reading and image forming directions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a scanner and a control unit to generate and combine image data with reading and image forming direction images, allowing for easy identification of these directions by determining their position and size based on scanning and recording resolutions, and integrating this information into the image data stored in a storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reading direction and image forming direction information is not included in the scanned image data, then the image data remains clean and simple, but defect investigation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding reading direction and image forming direction information into the scanned image data during the scanning process itself. This allows defect investigators to immediately identify conveyance directions without manual analysis, resolving the contradiction by preparing the necessary information in advance rather than requiring post-processing time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators (arrows or symbols) as intermediaries that convey directional information within the image data. These indicators serve as a mediator between the scanning system and the defect investigation process, enabling quick understanding of conveyance directions without adding complex data structures or requiring additional manual steps.
2Ease of operation
If reading direction and image forming direction images are embedded in the scanned image data, then directional information becomes easily identifiable, but the image data structure and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding directional information only in specific regions or as overlay elements within the image data, rather than restructuring the entire data format. This allows easy identification of directions while maintaining the simplicity of the core image data structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copies or representations (such as arrow symbols or indicator images) to convey directional information within the scanned data. These visual copies provide intuitive directional guidance without requiring complex data structures, balancing ease of identification with maintained structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a scanner and a control unit. The scanner reads an image formed on a sheet, generates image data at a reading resolution, then stores the image data in a storage unit at a recording resolution. The control unit combines a reading direction image with the stored image data to generate synthesized image data, then records the synthesized image data in the storage unit. The control unit determines a position and size for the reading direction image in a synthesized image corresponding to the synthesized image data based upon the reading resolution and recording resolution.