Multi-mode Scanning Device for Hole Image Inpainting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanners waste toner when printing images with holes and struggle to accurately remove hole portions, leading to incomplete scans and complex operations, as they lack the ability to effectively scan visible light images and obtain contour information for inpainting.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode scanning device utilizing a non-transparent element that transmits invisible light and reflects visible light, incorporating a first light source for visible light scanning and a second light source for invisible light scanning, along with an optical module to generate sensing signals for both types of information, enabling efficient inpainting of hole images and contour detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional scanners directly print visible light images with holes, then the scanning process is simple, but toner is wasted in printing fully black hole portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using invisible light to identify hole portions and contour information before the actual visible light scanning and printing process. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-process the image data, marking hole areas for later inpainting or exclusion, thereby preventing toner waste without complicating the user-facing scanning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces invisible light (ultraviolet or infrared) as an intermediary to detect hole portions and contour information that are not visible to the human eye. This intermediary light source enables the system to obtain additional information about the document structure, which is then used to guide the visible light scanning and printing process, eliminating toner waste on hole portions.
2Loss of substance
If image processing software is used to remove hole portions, then toner waste is reduced, but the processing is imprecise and consumes user time and computer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex image processing software operations with a hardware-based solution. The invisible light source and sensor automatically detect hole portions and contour information during the scanning process itself, eliminating the need for users to manually process images with software. This substitution occurs at the scanning/detection stage rather than requiring post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system performs self-service by automatically detecting and identifying hole portions using invisible light during the scanning process. The system autonomously obtains contour information and processes the image data without requiring user intervention or external software, thereby saving user time and computer performance while reducing toner waste.
3Loss of substance
If preview scan is performed to set scanning boundary, then hole portions can be prevented from scanning, but information beside holes may not be scanned and the operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the scanning system multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform both hole detection (using invisible light) and normal document scanning (using visible light) in a single integrated operation. The system universally handles both functions without requiring separate preview scan operations, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while effectively excluding hole portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of hole portions and contour information using invisible light before the main visible light scanning process. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-identify areas to be excluded or inpainted, enabling effective hole portion prevention without requiring a separate preview scan operation, thus maintaining operational simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If a scanner can scan visible light images and obtain contour information for inpainting, then hole inpainting is achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple light sources and optical modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the invisible light detection function and visible light scanning function into a single integrated scanning device. Both light sources and their corresponding optical paths are combined in one device, allowing simultaneous acquisition of contour information (from invisible light) and document image (from visible light). This merging achieves high-quality inpainting while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both invisible light contour detection and visible light document scanning through a single integrated system. The optical module and processing system handle both types of light detection, enabling the device to provide both contour information and image data for inpainting operations without requiring separate specialized devices.
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
The device effectively scans visible light images, obtains necessary contour information using an invisible light source, and inpaints images with holes, reducing toner waste and simplifying the scanning process by providing a background reference and contour information acquisition function.
Implementation Method 1
The non-transparent element transmits the invisible light and reflects the visible light
Implementation Method 2
The first light source outputs visible light to irradiate the non-transparent element and the original to generate first light and second light, respectively
Implementation Method 3
The second light source outputs invisible light to irradiate a combination of the non-transparent element and the original to generate third light and fourth light
Implementation Method 4
The optical module receives the first light, the second light, the third light and the fourth light and generates sensing signals representative of visible light information and invisible light information of the original
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode scanning device for scanning an original includes a non-transparent element, a first light source, a second light source and an optical module. The first light source outputs visible light to irradiate the non-transparent element and the original to generate first light and second light, respectively. The second light source outputs invisible light to irradiate a combination of the non-transparent element and the original to generate third light and fourth light. The optical module receives the first light, the second light, the third light and the fourth light and generates sensing signals representative of visible light information and invisible light information of the original. The original is disposed between the non-transparent element and the optical module. The first light source and the optical module are disposed on a same side of the non-transparent element.