Image Reading Device Document Size Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in automatically detecting document size upon canceling the power saving mode, as they prioritize setting operations over size detection, leading to delayed document reading and inconvenience for users.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus determines whether to give priority to document size detection based on the opening/closing state of the document holder, allowing for immediate size detection when the holder is open and prioritizing setting operations when closed, ensuring timely and accurate size determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the apparatus prioritizes making settings for image processing circuit operation upon canceling power saving mode, then the setting accuracy is improved, but the document size detection time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoiddocument size detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs document size detection before making settings for the image processing circuit. By detecting the document size in advance using the document glass and image sensor, the system prepares the necessary information beforehand, allowing the subsequent setting process to proceed without delaying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus dynamically adjusts the operation sequence based on the detected document size. The control circuit modifies the timing and priority of different operations (size detection vs. setting making) according to the actual document characteristics, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the apparatus performs document size detection immediately upon canceling power saving mode, then the detection speed is improved, but the setting operation may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsetting operation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs document size detection as a preliminary action before the setting operation. The document glass reads the document to determine its size, and this information is obtained in advance and stored, ensuring that the subsequent setting process can proceed smoothly without interruption or incompleteness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the document size detection process and the setting operation. It manages the transition between these two operations, ensuring that size detection completes successfully before proceeding with settings, thereby maintaining both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the apparatus waits for setting completion before detecting document size, then the setting accuracy is ensured, but the user wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoiduser wait time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs document size detection as a preliminary action before the setting operation completes. The document glass reads the document and determines its size in advance, so that when the setting operation finishes, the size information is already available, eliminating the need for users to wait additionally for size detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the document size detection process with the setting operation. Both processes run in sequence without idle time, ensuring that setting accuracy is achieved while minimizing user wait time through efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach enables immediate document size detection upon exiting power saving mode, reducing user wait time and ensuring efficient operation by prioritizing size detection when necessary, while allowing for setting operations when the document holder is closed.

Implementation Method 1

a line sensor which converts optical information received from a document into an electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3672214B1Image reading device and method for controlling image reading device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3672214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672214B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672214B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image reading apparatus (100) includes a document stage (61), a reading controler (60), a data generating circuit unit (8), a document holder (62), an opening/closing sensor which provides an output of a first level when the document holder is open by an angle equal to or more than a predetermined angle, and provides an output of a second level when the document holder is open by an angle less than the predetermined angle, a power supply device (10), and a storage unit (2) which stores an adjustment value. Where a return is made from a power saving mode to an active mode, when an output level of the opening/closing sensor (9) is the first level, the reading controler (60) makes a setting for an operation of the data generating circuit unit (8) based on the adjustment value stored in the storage unit (2), and then makes the reading unit (7) perform reading for document size detection.