Image Reading Apparatus Concurrent Preview and Real Data Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading technologies require significant time and processing resources for preview display and image data generation, leading to reduced working efficiency due to the need for multiple reading processes and storage of image data, which complicates the verification and processing of original documents.

Innovation Solution

An image reading apparatus with an automatic document feeding system that generates real image data and preview image data concurrently, allowing for efficient image processing and display of original documents, with options to enable or disable preview display and edit image data in real-time, using a controller and image processing section to manage the reading and processing of documents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If preview image data is generated before optimized final scan, then preview display can be provided, but time required until real image data is generated increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreview display capabilityVSAvoidtime until real image data generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary reading of the original document to generate both preview image data and real image data in a single reading operation. The controller stores the real image data in memory, which can then be used for both preview display and as the basis for optimized final scan, eliminating the need for a separate preliminary reading step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the preview image generation and real image data generation into a single reading process. By using the same read data for both purposes and storing it in memory, the system combines what were previously separate operations (preview scan and final scan) into one efficient process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple reading operations are performed for prescan and final scan, then comprehensive image processing can be achieved, but reading processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing completenessVSAvoidreading processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a single reading operation that captures all necessary image data in advance. The controller processes this data to generate both preview and real image data, eliminating the need for subsequent reading operations while maintaining complete image processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by performing all necessary reading and processing in one continuous operation. The real image data generated from the single reading is stored in memory and can be immediately used for various processing tasks without requiring additional reading time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If image data is stored and processed through multiple steps, then image processing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing flexibilityVSAvoidstorage and processing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the memory storage universal by using it for multiple purposes: storing real image data from the reading operation, providing preview display data, and supplying data for optimized final scan and various image processing operations. This single storage resource serves multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs self-service by automatically managing the storage and retrieval of image data in memory. The system handles its own data management needs internally, generating and storing real image data that can be immediately used for preview, processing, and final output without requiring external intervention or complex external storage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7692823B2Image reading apparatus and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2010.04.06 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image reading apparatus having an automatic original document feeding apparatus that sequentially feeds plural original documents, which includes an original document reading section that reads an original document fed by the automatic original document feeding apparatus, an image data generation section that, on the basis of a reading output from the original document reading section, generates real image data and preview image data corresponding to the original document, and a display that, on the basis of the preview image data generated by the image data generation section, displays a preview image corresponding to the original document.