Image Reading Apparatus Automatic Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The user-friendliness of image reading apparatuses with multiple sheet feed trays is compromised due to the need for users to manually confirm and adjust the orientation of originals, leading to incorrect readings and inefficiencies, especially when reading single or double-sided documents.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates dual reading units and a determination unit to automatically identify the orientation of originals from multiple sheet feed trays, allowing for unified processing of image data regardless of surface direction, eliminating the need for user confirmation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sheet feed trays are provided to increase reading capacity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and user operation becomes more difficult due to orientation confirmation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit automatically detects which sheet feed tray the original is fed from and autonomously determines the correct reading surface, eliminating the need for users to manually confirm orientation. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about image data handling based on tray identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation confirmation with an automated determination unit that uses logical judgment to identify the fed tray and determine the correct reading surface, substituting human operation with automated control.
2Productivity
If multiple sheet feed trays are provided to increase reading capacity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional reading units and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it identifies which sheet feed tray the original comes from, determines the correct reading surface, and controls the reading units appropriately. This multi-functional approach manages complexity by consolidating control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit receives feedback about which sheet feed tray the original is fed from and uses this information to control the reading units, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through systematic information processing.
3Ease of operation
If automatic determination of reading surface is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to determination unit and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit automatically performs the orientation determination task without user intervention, making the system self-sufficient in handling the complexity of multi-tray orientation management while keeping operation simple for users.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus enabling a user to place originals on any of sheet feed trays without confirming requested orientation of the originals, either front facing or back facing. Image data of an original fed from a first sheet feed tray and read by a first reading unit is processed handling as image data of a front surface of the original, and image data of an original fed from the first sheet feed tray and read by a second reading unit is processed handling as image data of a back surface thereof. Image data of an original fed from a second sheet feed tray and read by the first reading unit is processed handling as image data of the back surface of the original, and image data of an original fed from the second sheet feed tray and read by the second reading unit is processed handling as image data of the front surface thereof.