Scan Control Device Selecting Analysis by Scan Type

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scan controlling devices face challenges in determining optimal output resolution based on the type of scan and file format, leading to inefficient processing and potential reduction in image quality.

Innovation Solution

A controlling device that judges whether to perform specific analyses based on the type of scan and file format, determining output resolution using results from these analyses to optimize processing load and image quality, with configurations for different file formats like PDF/A and JPEG.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the device performs comprehensive analysis on all scan data to determine optimal output resolution, then image quality is improved, but processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput resolution determination accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The judging unit performs preliminary classification of scan data into first type (requiring first type of analysis) and second type (requiring second type of analysis) before the actual analysis. This preliminary action enables the system to select the appropriate analysis method in advance, avoiding unnecessary processing and improving both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the scan data processing into distinct categories (first type and second type) with different analysis requirements. By dividing the processing workflow into segmented paths based on data characteristics, the system applies the most appropriate analysis method to each segment, optimizing resource utilization and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the device performs the first type of analysis on all scan data, then output resolution accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput resolution measurement accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The judging unit performs preliminary classification to identify which scan data requires the first type of analysis. By determining in advance which data falls into the first type category, the system avoids applying computationally intensive first type analysis to inappropriate data, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy for cases that truly require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies the first type of analysis only partially - specifically to scan data that the judging unit identifies as requiring it - rather than excessively applying it to all scan data. This selective application of analysis methods optimizes the balance between measurement precision and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the device selects higher output resolution for all documents, then image quality is improved, but file size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddata size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different output resolutions locally based on the specific characteristics of each scan data type. The first type of analysis and second type of analysis determine appropriate resolutions tailored to the specific document characteristics, rather than uniformly applying high resolution to all documents. This local quality approach ensures high image quality where needed while minimizing file size where lower resolution suffices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the output resolution parameter based on the analysis results of each scan data type. By adjusting the resolution parameter according to the specific requirements identified through the judging unit and subsequent analysis, the system optimizes the balance between image quality and data size for different document types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2506551B1Controlling device for controlling scan performing unit
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2506551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2506551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2506551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A controlling device (30) may cause a scan performing unit (20) to perform either a first type of scan or a second type of scan. In the first type of scan, a document may be moved with respect to optical elements (24) while the optical elements (24) are not moved, and in a second type of scan, the optical elements (24) are moved with respect to the document while the document is not moved. The controlling device (30) may judge that a first type of analysis is to be performed on scan data in a case where one type of scan is performed, and judge that the first type of analysis is not to be performed in a case where the other type of scan is performed. The controlling device (30) may determine an output resolution by utilizing a result of the first type of analysis, and create a file including image data indicating the output resolution.