Image Reader Interrupt Processing for Continued Job Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image readers without displays are unable to notify users of errors, leading to a decrease in productivity as they cannot perform jobs unrelated to the error until the error is resolved.
Innovation Solution
An image reader with a transparent plate and a reading unit that includes a light source and a controller, which performs error notification and allows for interrupt processing to start image reading during an error notification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reading unit is stopped to notify the user of the error state, then the error notification is provided, but the productivity of processing decreases because other jobs cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification function from the reading unit by introducing a separate notification unit that can display error information independently. This allows the reading unit to remain operational while errors are notified through the separate notification unit, resolving the contradiction between providing error notification and maintaining processing productivity.
2Loss of information
If the image reader without display is brought into error state, then the error state is indicated by moving reading unit to specific position, but the reading unit cannot perform other jobs until error is resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification unit as an intermediary component that handles error information display separately from the reading unit. This mediator allows error information to be transmitted to users without requiring the reading unit to stop or move to specific positions, thereby maintaining the reading unit's ability to perform other jobs.
3Reliability
If the reading unit is used for error notification by moving to specific position, then error state is indicated, but the reading unit is occupied and cannot serve other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the error indication function from the reading unit and assigns it to a separate notification unit. This segmentation allows the reading unit to maintain its primary reading functions and be available for various jobs, while the notification unit independently handles error indications without occupying the reading unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continued productivity by allowing jobs that do not rely on the error to be performed despite an error notification, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The reading unit includes a light source configured to emit light toward the transparent plate
Implementation Method 2
When light emitted from the light source of the reading unit is reflected by a read target object placed on the transparent plate, and the reflected light is incident on the image sensor of the reading unit, photoelectric conversion is performed by each light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
An image reader includes a transparent plate having a placement surface configured to support a read target object placed thereon, a reading unit including a light source configured to emit light toward the transparent plate, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform image reading to cause the reading unit to read the read target object placed on the placement surface of the transparent plate, perform, in response to occurrence of an error, an error notification process to provide a notification that the error has occurred, and perform interrupt processing to interrupt the error notification process and start the image reading in response to receiving a start instruction to start the image reading during the error notification process.