Image Reading Apparatus Conditional Document Forgetting Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses face inefficiencies in document forgetting detection processes, leading to unnecessary longer processing times and false warnings, particularly during multi-page copying or printing operations where users may not have received the desired product yet.

Innovation Solution

An image reading apparatus that determines the necessity of document forgetting detection based on the reading operation mode and page completion status, only performing the detection when necessary to avoid unnecessary checks and warnings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a document forgetting check process is automatically performed every time after a reading process, then document forgetting detection reliability is improved, but processing time increases and unnecessary warnings are given to users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument forgetting detection reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the document forgetting check process conditional rather than static. The control unit dynamically determines whether to perform the check based on real-time operational context - specifically whether the current reading is part of a multi-page sequence and whether all pages have been read. This adaptive approach ensures checks are performed only when necessary, maintaining detection reliability while minimizing unnecessary processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of check execution from always-true to conditionally-true based on reading operation parameters. By evaluating parameters such as total page count and current page position, the system adjusts whether the forgetting check should be executed, thereby optimizing the balance between reliability and processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a document forgetting check process is automatically performed every time after a reading process, then document forgetting detection coverage is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to unnecessary warnings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument forgetting detection coverageVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts detection coverage based on operational context. Instead of uniformly applying checks to all reading operations, the control unit evaluates whether the current operation warrants a check (e.g., single-page vs. multi-page reading). This dynamic approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage where needed while avoiding unnecessary warnings that would degrade user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing document forgetting checks only for specific cases rather than all cases. By identifying and checking only the cases where document forgetting is actually possible (multi-page readings where not all pages have been processed), the system achieves adequate detection coverage without the excessive action of warning users in situations where no document can be forgotten

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If document forgetting detection is performed during multi-page copying operations, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to interrupted workflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcopying operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the progress of multi-page reading operations. The control unit continuously tracks whether all pages have been read and only triggers forgetting checks when the feedback indicates the operation is complete or paused. This feedback-driven approach ensures accurate detection without unnecessarily interrupting ongoing workflows, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic checking rather than continuous interruption. The document forgetting check is performed at appropriate intervals - specifically after the reading operation completes or pauses - rather than during active processing. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy while minimizing interference with copying operation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3280124B1Image reading apparatus and image reading method
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 CANON KK
  • EP3280124B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3280124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3280124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an image reading apparatus and an image reading method capable of efficiently performing a document forgetting check process after image reading only in an appropriate case, whether a process for detecting forgetting of a document is necessary is determined prior to the process every time after a reading process for reading an image for a single page is performed.