Pre-scan Automation for Image Reading Apparatus Scan Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image reading apparatuses do not efficiently utilize pre-scan operations to optimize scan job execution speed and image processing, often relying on user input before initiating the scan, which can lead to delays and suboptimal resolution or quality settings.

Innovation Solution

The image reading apparatus includes a processor that automatically executes a pre-scan job with default settings when a document is loaded, allowing for immediate initiation of the scan job at higher speeds and enabling parallel execution of scan and image processing operations, with the option to change settings based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the scan job waits for user input before execution, then the user can set optimal scan parameters, but the scan execution time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting capabilityVSAvoidscan execution delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a pre-scan operation immediately when a document is loaded, before any user input is received. This preliminary scan captures the document at default settings, allowing the main scan execution to begin without waiting for user parameter selection, thus eliminating the time delay while still allowing users to modify parameters if needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the scan executes at high speed without pre-scan, then the productivity is improved, but the image quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan speedVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A pre-scan is executed at default quality settings before the main high-speed scan. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare image processing parameters and begin quality-assured processing in parallel, enabling the main scan to run at maximum speed without compromising final image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by executing the pre-scan and main scan in overlapping time periods rather than sequentially. The pre-scan processing continues while the main high-speed scan executes, ensuring that quality processing never stops and productivity is maximized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If the pre-scan is executed with high resolution settings, then the image quality is improved, but the energy consumption and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-scan image qualityVSAvoidpre-scan energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-scan is executed at default, lower resolution settings rather than maximum resolution. This localized quality approach is sufficient for parameter detection and setup, consuming less energy. The full high-resolution scanning is then performed during the main scan operation, distributing the quality requirement across different operational phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11943407B2Using pre-scan to improve scan speed by detecting a document loaded on the image reading apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An image reading apparatus includes an image sensor to read a document, a sensor to detect whether the document is loaded on the image reading apparatus, and a processor to, when the sensor detects the document is loaded on the image reading apparatus, and before a scan instruction is input to the image reading apparatus, control the image sensor to execute a pre-scan job with respect to the loaded document using a default set value.