Image Scanning Edge Detection for Stapled Paper Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image scanning devices often damage papers that are stapled or folded, as the paper feeding mechanism continues to feed these abnormal papers forward without detection, leading to mechanical issues during the scanning process.
Innovation Solution
An image scanning method and device that includes a controller, paper sensor, driving device, paper separation mechanism, paper feeding mechanism, and image sensor, which detects and scans the edges of papers to identify abnormalities, prompting an error and stopping the feeding mechanism if an abnormal edge is detected to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the paper feeding mechanism continuously feeds papers forward without detection, then the scanning process maintains high productivity, but abnormal papers (stapled or folded) are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting paper abnormalities (staples, folds, edge issues) before the paper feeding mechanism completes its feeding process. The image sensor captures images of fed edges in advance, and the controller analyzes these images to identify abnormal papers before they cause damage during continued feeding. This allows the system to maintain high scanning speed while preventing paper damage through early detection.
2Reliability
If the paper feeding mechanism stops to detect each paper's edge, then paper damage is prevented, but scanning productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing continuous, simultaneous detection of multiple papers during the feeding process. The image sensor continuously captures images of fed edges as papers are being fed, and the controller simultaneously analyzes multiple images to identify abnormal papers. This continuous detection approach prevents paper damage without stopping the scanning process, thereby maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If an image sensor is added to detect paper abnormalities, then paper damage prevention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the image sensor and controller to perform multiple functions: detecting paper abnormalities (staples, folds), verifying paper presence on the input tray, and identifying edge issues. This multi-functional approach prevents paper damage without requiring separate dedicated detection devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive paper protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image scanning method is applied in an image scanning device which includes an input tray and a paper feeding sensor. The method detects whether there are papers on the input tray in step one. If there are papers, step two is executed. Otherwise, the method ends and an error is reported. In step two, papers are separated and fed. Whether the papers contact the paper feeding sensor is detected in step three. The method executes step four if the papers contact the paper feeding sensor, and ends the method with an error message otherwise. In step four, the method scans and detects whether an image of a fed edge of each of the papers is abnormal. If the image is abnormal, the method ends and an error is reported. Otherwise, scanning continues.