Scanner Line-of-Sight Detection for Document Placement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses often read documents incorrectly when the operator needs to remove a hand from the document to perform a read start operation, leading to potential misalignment or improper placement of the document during the reading process.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus equipped with a line-of-sight detection sensor and cameras that detect the operator's line of sight and motion, allowing for input validation based on predetermined conditions such as both hands being occupied with the document, thereby preventing reading when the document is out of place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses hands to perform the read start operation, then the operation is simple and direct, but the document may be out of place when the operator removes a hand to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a line-of-sight detection sensor and motion detection sensor as intermediaries between the operator and the read start operation. These sensors detect whether the operator is looking at the document and whether the operator's hands are occupied, thereby mediating the start condition to prevent premature reading while maintaining ease of operation through automatic detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand operation for starting the read function with an optical and motion detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with buttons or switches, the system uses line-of-sight and motion sensors to automatically determine when the operator intends to start reading, eliminating the need to remove hands from the document.
2Speed
If the read start operation is triggered by hand input, then the response is immediate, but errors occur when hands are occupied with document placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the operator's line of sight and hand position before triggering the read start operation. The motion detection sensor continuously monitors hand movements and the line-of-sight detection sensor continuously monitors where the operator is looking, so when the operator intends to start reading, the system has already detected the appropriate conditions and can trigger immediately without requiring hand input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the motion detection sensor and line-of-sight detection sensor continuously monitor the operator's actions and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop allows the system to understand the operator's intent in real-time and trigger the read operation at the appropriate moment, maintaining both speed and accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the system waits for hand input to start reading, then operation control is direct, but the document placement cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-verify document placement through automated sensors. The motion detection sensor detects whether the operator's hands are occupied with the document, and the line-of-sight detection sensor verifies that the operator is looking at the document. This self-service verification eliminates the need for manual checking while maintaining direct operation control.
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
This solution ensures accurate document reading by validating operator inputs based on line-of-sight and motion detection, reducing errors caused by hand removal during the reading process and allowing for intended timing of document reading.
Implementation Method 1
a line-of-sight detection sensor 18 for detecting a line of sight of the operator
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit 28 for imaging an operator and a document
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: an image reading unit that reads an image of a document according to an instruction of an operator; an acquiring unit that acquires information on the operator performing document reading, or information on motions of the operator performed on the image processing apparatus in order to perform document reading; and a display that performs display for receiving an input for document reading, based on the line of sight, from the operator, when the information acquired by the acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition.