Image Scanner Document Detection Power Saving Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image reading apparatuses require manual setting to pullscan mode and do not automatically recover from power saving state to detect document presence for external read requests, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in document scanning operations.

Innovation Solution

An image reading apparatus equipped with a detection unit that automatically supplies power to detect document states based on requests from external devices, allowing it to recover from power saving mode and respond to read requests while ensuring the presence of documents before initiating scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the image reading apparatus automatically recovers from power saving state upon receiving a read request, then the response speed to external devices is improved, but power consumption increases because the apparatus cannot determine whether a document is actually present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs a preliminary document detection action by activating the detection unit before initiating the full read operation. When a read request is received, the system first checks for document presence using the detection unit, and only recovers from power saving state and performs scanning if a document is actually detected, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption while maintaining quick response capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit autonomously determines document presence without requiring full system activation. The unit can operate with minimal power consumption and independently provides information about document presence, allowing the main system to remain in power saving state until confirmation of actual reading need

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the detection unit operates continuously to detect document presence, then document detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the detection unit is activated periodically or on-demand based on incoming read requests. The unit operates intermittently to detect document presence only when necessary, maintaining detection accuracy for actual reading operations while minimizing power consumption during idle periods through periodic rather than continuous activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If the apparatus remains in power saving state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to quickly respond to read requests deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary document detection using the low-power detection unit before committing to full read operation. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain power saving state longer while still being able to quickly detect and respond to actual reading needs, reducing both energy loss and effective response time for valid document scanning tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3086542B1Image reading apparatus and method for controlling image reading apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 CANON KK
  • EP3086542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3086542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3086542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The image reading apparatus including a reading unit configured read an image of a document according to a read request transmitted from an external device, includes a detection unit configured to detect a state of the document to be read by the reading unit, a reception unit configured to receive a request from the external device to obtain a state of the image reading apparatus, a power supply unit configured to, in a power saving state where power supply to the reading unit and the detection unit is stopped, supply power to the detection unit based on the reception of the request, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the state of the document to be read by the reading unit detected by the detection unit to which the power is supplied by the power supply unit, to the external device as a response to the request.