Image Reading Controller Dual-Mode Size Detection for Overlapping Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience inconsistencies in size detection, leading to incorrect reading of image information, especially when objects are Z-folded or overlapped, resulting in errors and failure to read image information correctly.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual-mode operation system with a size detection section that includes first, second, and third detection sections, allowing for accurate size determination and enabling the image reading section to read image information based on either provisional or definite sizes, ensuring correct image processing even with overlapping objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image forming apparatus uses a single size detection method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent detection results when objects are Z-folded or overlapped
Solution Approach 1:
The size detection function is segmented into two separate detection sections: a first detection section that detects object size on the stacking tray, and a second detection section that detects object size during conveyance. Each detection section operates independently with its own detection method, allowing the system to handle complex detection scenarios without requiring a single complex detection mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If the image forming apparatus uses multiple detection sections, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading controller dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the relationship between first and second detection results. When the results are consistent, the controller uses the first detection result for reading. When inconsistent, the controller switches to the second detection result. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reading controller continuously compares the first detection result with the second detection result. Based on this feedback comparison, the controller automatically determines which detection result to trust and uses it for the image reading operation, ensuring accurate size detection while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
3Productivity
If the apparatus reads image information based on detected size, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when detection results are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The reading controller uses feedback from comparing first and second detection results to determine the appropriate reading mode. When detection results are consistent, the system operates in first mode for efficient reading. When inconsistent, the system switches to second mode to ensure accurate reading, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability through adaptive control based on detection consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its reading operation based on the consistency between detection results. The reading controller can switch between two operational modes: using the first detection result for reading or using the second detection result for reading. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system maintains high reliability by selecting the more accurate detection result while preserving productivity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image reading section, a size detection section, and a reading controller. The image reading section reads image information of a reading object. The size detection section detects a size of the reading object. The reading controller has a first mode in which the image reading section reads the image information of the reading object at the size detected by the size detection section and a second mode in which the image reading section reads the image information of the reading object at a maximum size at which the image reading section can read the reading object as operation modes, and generates image information of the size detected by the size detection section based on the image information read by the image reading section if the second mode is selected.