Image Reading Apparatus Predicts Color Mode to Shorten FCOT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face challenges in achieving high productivity and short First Copy Output Time (FCOT) due to redundant pre-scanning for color mode detection and inefficient switching of image transfer clocks between monochrome and full-color modes.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a multi-color line sensor and a monochrome line sensor that predicts the image mode before the start of the job and prepares the respective sensor without waiting for a start instruction, allowing for immediate switching of the image transfer clock at the time of key input or original setup, thereby reducing the time required for FCOT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-scanning is executed to determine color mode before actual scanning, then reading control can be optimized for each color mode, but it takes time to end reading due to redundant pre-scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the color mode before the actual reading operation starts. The prediction unit determines whether the original is in color or monochrome mode in advance, allowing the system to pre-configure the appropriate image reading clock and sensor selection without requiring a separate pre-scanning step. This eliminates the time loss while maintaining optimized reading control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image transfer clock is switched and set after designating the start of a job, then the system can adapt to different color modes, but the time required to switch the image transfer clock becomes non-negligible and may obstruct shortening the FCOT
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by switching the image transfer clock before the job start instruction is given. The prediction unit determines the color mode in advance, and based on this prediction, the system switches to the appropriate image transfer clock setting before reading begins. This eliminates the clock switching time from the FCOT calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image transfer clock switching dynamic and adaptive based on the predicted color mode. The system dynamically selects between different clock settings (high-speed for monochrome, standard for color) based on real-time prediction, allowing optimal performance without fixed delays.
3Productivity
If a high-speed image reading clock is set in the monochrome image mode, then high-speed reading and high productivity are realized, but the system cannot achieve high-quality reading in the full-color image mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different image reading clocks for different color modes. The system selects a high-speed clock specifically for monochrome mode to maximize productivity, while selecting a standard-quality clock for full-color mode to maintain reading quality. This allows each mode to operate with the optimal clock setting for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically changing the image reading clock parameter based on the detected color mode. The system changes the clock speed parameter from high-speed to standard-speed when transitioning from monochrome to full-color mode, optimizing both productivity and quality according to the specific reading task.
4Device complexity
If the same image reading clock is used in both monochrome and full-color modes, then the system structure is simplified, but high-speed reading in monochrome mode cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image reading clock dynamic rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between different clock settings based on the color mode detected by the prediction unit. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple hardware while achieving high-speed monochrome reading through software-controlled clock selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Prior to reading an original image, whether to read the original image in a monochrome image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the monochrome line sensor or a multi color image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the multi color line sensor is predicted. Preparation of reading an original image based on parameters corresponding to the predicted mode is completed before the start of reading the original image. This arrangement reduces a time loss arising from switching of a color mode associated with a user color setting at the start of a job, and thus shortens the FCOT. This arrangement can shorten the time until the first copy is output after designating the start of copying when reading an original image based on different parameters.