Image Reader Jam Detection via Document Form Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in detecting paper jamming without damaging documents or increasing costs, as they often require dedicated jam detection units and may continue document transport for a predetermined time, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses image reading data to determine document form and edge states to decide whether to stop the transport roller, allowing for jam detection without a dedicated jamming unit and minimizing document damage, by comparing document widths and edge positions across multiple readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated microphone is installed for jamming detection, then jamming detection accuracy is improved, but apparatus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing components (readers and document detection units) to perform dual functions: their primary functions plus jamming detection. The readers continue reading documents while also capturing image data for form analysis, and the document detection unit continues detecting document passage while also providing timing information for jam detection, eliminating the need for dedicated jam detection hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using its own existing resources (readers, document detection units, controllers) to detect jamming conditions. The controller analyzes document form changes using data already being collected by the readers during normal operation, allowing the system to monitor itself for anomalies without external or additional specialized components
2Productivity
If document transport continues for predetermined time after leading end detection, then productivity is improved, but document damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring document form through reader data during transport. The controller receives real-time information about document position and form, compares it against expected parameters, and can immediately stop transport when anomalies indicate jamming, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically to actual document conditions rather than following fixed timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting jamming conditions during the transport process itself, before the predetermined time expires. By monitoring document form changes in real-time, the system can identify jamming early and stop transport proactively, preventing the document from being subjected to prolonged transport forces that would cause damage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If jamming is detected early by stopping transport immediately, then document damage is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by stopping transport only for the specific portion of the document that is jammed, rather than stopping the entire feeding process. The controller can halt the transport roller to prevent damage to the jammed document while allowing other documents in the stack to continue being fed, maintaining overall system productivity while protecting individual documents
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An image reading apparatus is provided with a reader which reads a document, a transport roller which is provided on an upstream side of the reader in a document transport path in which the document is transported and transports the document to a reading position of the reader, and a controller which receives reading data of the reader and controls the transport roller, in which the controller receives the reading data from the reader to acquire a form of the document, and selects whether or not to stop driving of the transport roller based on the form.