Scanner Output Settings Module for Automatic Image Orientation

Solution Overview

Problem

Image capture devices often deliver images in unintended orientations, requiring users to manually rotate and edit them, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An output settings module within image capture devices allows users to select and apply orientation and other image characteristics before scanning, automatically ensuring images are transmitted in the desired orientation and format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual rotation and editing is required for images, then the device can capture images in any orientation, but the user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage orientation flexibilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by automatically detecting image orientation during the scanning process and pre-rotating images to the correct orientation before delivery. The system detects the orientation of documents or images on the platen and automatically adjusts the scanning output orientation, eliminating the need for users to manually rotate images after capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual rotation and editing is required for images, then the device can capture images in any orientation, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage orientation flexibilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary action by automatically detecting image orientation during the scanning process and pre-rotating images to the correct orientation before delivery. The system detects the orientation of documents or images on the platen and automatically adjusts the scanning output orientation, eliminating the need for users to manually rotate images after capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic orientation adjustment is implemented, then user convenience improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-service by automatically detecting image orientation and adjusting scanning parameters without requiring user intervention. The system independently detects the orientation of items on the platen, determines the appropriate scanning orientation, and automatically adjusts the output without needing manual input from the user, thereby simplifying operation while managing complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8619313B2Scanning device with plural image capture zones on a platen

Publication Date: 2013.12.31 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An image capture device comprises an output settings module configured to receive a selection of at least one output setting for at least one of a plurality of objects to be concurrently imaged by the image capture device, the at least one output setting automatically applied to a scanned image of the at least one object.