Image Scanner Platen Area Segmentation for Flexible Document Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanning devices require precise placement of cards with specified sizes and orientations, leading to limitations when scanning documents of varying sizes or improperly placed cards, which can result in incomplete or improper scanning.
Innovation Solution
An image scanning device that scans multiple documents placed on a platen with less restriction by generating first and second image data for the front and back surfaces of each document, allowing for association and processing of image data from predetermined areas, with guidance from area indicating units and display units to facilitate proper placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic double-side scanning device is used to scan both sides of a card simultaneously, then scanning efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring a dedicated path for thick sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the platen surface into multiple predetermined areas, allowing multiple documents to be scanned simultaneously in different regions. This segmentation approach enables parallel processing of multiple documents without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms for thick sheet handling, thus maintaining high scanning efficiency while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning system that can handle both thin and thick documents using the same platen mechanism. By allowing flexible document placement in predetermined areas and using software-based association of front and back surface images, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring dedicated paths or specialized mechanisms for different document types
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized automatic double-side scanning device with dedicated path is used, then scanning of thick sheets is enabled, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical dedicated paths with a software-based solution. The system uses image processing techniques to associate front and back surface images through pattern recognition and position detection algorithms, eliminating the requirement for specialized mechanical mechanisms while maintaining the ability to scan thick sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the document placement by detecting positions in the first surface images, then uses this virtual model to guide the association process with second surface images. This copying approach allows the system to handle various document types including thick sheets without requiring physical dedicated paths
3Measurement precision
If the size and scan position are strictly specified, then scanning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of document positions in the first surface images before proceeding to scan the second surfaces. By pre-identifying document locations, sizes, and orientations in the first scan phase, the system can automatically adjust scanning parameters and associate images correctly, reducing the burden on users to precisely place documents while maintaining high scanning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected position and orientation information from the first surface scanning is used to guide the second surface scanning process. The system provides feedback by matching patterns between first and second surface images, automatically correcting for placement variations and ensuring accurate association even when documents are not precisely positioned
Data Source
AI summary
An image scanning device includes a platen, an image scanning unit that scans at a single time documents placed on the platen and generates pieces of image data, and an image data processing unit that performs processing of the pieces of image data. When the image scanning unit generates pieces of first image data by scanning first surfaces of the documents, each of which is placed in one of predetermined areas on the platen, and generates pieces of second image data by scanning surfaces opposite to the first surfaces of the documents, each of which is turned over and placed again in the one of the predetermined areas, the image data processing unit associates one of the pieces of the first image data with a corresponding one of the pieces of the second image data for each of the predetermined areas, as image data of the front and back surfaces.