Image Reading Apparatus Dual Processor Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face inefficiencies in transmitting images of both surfaces of a document, particularly when using medium-speed or low-speed communication protocols, leading to increased overhead and processing time due to separate transmission of front and back surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual-processor system with separate communication devices for high-speed and medium/low-speed protocols, allowing for simultaneous imaging and combined transmission of both surfaces, reducing overhead and processing time by utilizing a first processor for high-speed communication and a second processor for medium/low-speed communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmission of front and back surface images is performed via medium-speed or low-speed communication devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but transmission overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission task by assigning different communication protocols to different image data streams. High-speed USB communication transmits one image (e.g., front surface), while medium-speed Ethernet communication transmits the other image (e.g., back surface). This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously utilize multiple communication channels with different speed characteristics, thereby reducing overall transmission time while maintaining compatibility with various communication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to image transmission by utilizing multiple communication protocols simultaneously rather than sequentially. By transmitting images through different communication dimensions (USB and Ethernet concurrently), the system overcomes the speed limitation of single-protocol transmission and reduces total processing time while maintaining broad device compatibility.
2Loss of information
If separate transmission of front and back surface images is performed, then image data completeness is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image transmission into separate streams using different communication protocols. One image is transmitted via USB while the other is transmitted via Ethernet, allowing each protocol to operate independently and efficiently. This segmentation ensures complete image data transmission while reducing communication overhead by avoiding the need for complex protocol switching or data retransmission that would occur with sequential single-protocol transmission.
3Productivity
If dual communication devices are used for simultaneous image transmission, then transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the image reading apparatus with multiple communication devices supporting different protocols (USB and Ethernet). Each communication device serves dual purposes: USB provides high-speed transmission for one image while also serving as a universal interface, and Ethernet provides medium-speed transmission for another image while ensuring broad compatibility. This universal approach allows the system to achieve high productivity through simultaneous transmission without requiring highly specialized single-purpose components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes an imaging device, a first communication device capable of communicating at a first communication speed according to a first communication protocol, a second communication device capable of communicating at a second communication speed lower than the first communication speed according to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, a first processor to separately transmit a first image acquired by imaging a first surface of a medium by the imaging device, and a second image acquired by imaging a second surface of the medium by the imaging device, via the first communication device, and a second processor to transmit a combined image acquired by combining the first image and the second image via the second communication device.