Scanner Image Processing Hardware for Multi-Mode Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image scanners require repeated operations to store and re-read image data in different modes, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies, particularly when handling color and black-and-white image data for OCR analysis, as they cannot directly change the image mode of stored data, necessitating re-scanning and time-consuming software-based processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with an image processing portion disposed along the data path from the image memory to the sending portion, allowing for simultaneous production and sending of image data in multiple modes, eliminating the need for repeated storage and enabling efficient mode conversion and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is stored in image memory in a single mode, then the storing operation is simple and fast, but the image data cannot be read out in multiple modes requiring re-scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image processing to generate multiple image modes (color, grayscale, black-and-white) during the initial image reading operation, before the image data leaves the scanner. This allows all required image modes to be prepared in advance and stored in the image memory, eliminating the need for re-scanning and subsequent software-based mode conversions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.
2Device complexity
If image processing is performed by software in external equipment, then hardware requirements are reduced, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based image processing with hardware-based image processing by positioning the image processing portion within the scanner's data path between the image memory and the sending portion. This hardware implementation performs real-time mode conversions (color, grayscale, black-and-white) during the image reading operation, significantly reducing processing time compared to software-based conversions while maintaining reasonable hardware complexity.
3Productivity
If color image data is compressed using JPEG, then data transmission efficiency improves, but OCR accuracy deteriorates due to non-reversible compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the image data processing path into different compression streams based on the intended use. Color image data intended for preservation is stored in an uncompressed format to maintain quality, while black-and-white image data intended for OCR is compressed using lossless MMR compression. This segmented approach allows each data type to use the appropriate compression method, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and OCR accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image memories are provided for different image modes, then image data can be stored in multiple modes simultaneously, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing a single image memory that can store image data in multiple modes through hardware-based preprocessing. The image processing portion generates color, grayscale, and black-and-white image data from the original image, and all modes are stored in the same image memory. This allows the system to access multiple image modes without requiring separate memories for each mode, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner is provided with an image memory for storing therein image data read from an original by an image sensor, an image processing portion for effecting image processing on the image data, and a sending portion for sending the image data to an external equipment. The image processing portion is disposed in a route along which the image data is forwarded from the image memory to the sending portion, and the contents of the image processing by the image processing portion is made changeable over. The external equipment is provided with an image analyzing portion for obtaining first image data image-processed in a first image mode from the scanner and analyzing it, and detecting the state of the original (such as whether the original is a white sheet) from which the first image data has been read. On the basis of the result of the detection by the image analyzing portion, second image data image-processed in a second image mode is obtained from the scanner.