Document Scanner Ultrasonic Zone Control via Pre-Scan Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Document scanners often default to inefficient settings due to lack of specific document characteristics detection before scanning, leading to suboptimal processing and potential damage to documents or scanners.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an imaging capture device to capture and process images of documents in the input tray, determining characteristics such as size, orientation, content, and condition, which enables the scanner to adjust features and operations for optimal scanning, including disabling ultrasonic sensing zones, adjusting output stacking, and detecting defects like folds or staples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner uses default settings to process all documents, then the scanner can handle any document type without prior configuration, but the scanning efficiency and optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of document characteristics (size, weight, texture, color content, physical condition) using sensors and imaging devices before the document enters the transport path. This preliminary action allows the controller to pre-configure optimal scanning parameters, resolving the contradiction by enabling both document type compatibility through detection and scanning efficiency through pre-optimized settings.
2Productivity
If the scanner is programmed with specific document requirements, then the scanning efficiency and image quality are improved, but the device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting document characteristics through integrated sensors and imaging devices. The controller processes this detected information and autonomously selects optimal scanning parameters without requiring external programming or operator intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high scanning efficiency through automatic adaptation while eliminating the complexity of manual programming.
3Ease of operation
If the scanner processes documents without prior detection, then the device operation is simpler, but document damage or scanner wear may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary detection of document physical condition (folds, staples, tears, curvature) using imaging capture devices and sensors before the document enters the transport path. Based on this preliminary information, the controller adjusts transport parameters, disables ultrasonic sensing zones for defective areas, and configures appropriate handling procedures. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing document protection through automated protective measures.
4Measurement precision
If the scanner uses automated document characteristic detection, then the feature selection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and detection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors and imaging devices, each designed to detect specific document characteristics (size, weight, texture, color content, physical condition). This segmentation allows for high measurement precision through dedicated detection mechanisms while managing complexity by dividing the detection function into modular, specialized components rather than requiring a single complex detection system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of determining document characteristics prior to processing the document (11) in a document scanner (10) includes capturing at least a portion of an input image of documents in an input tray (20); transmitting the images to a processor (65); determining characteristics of the documents; processing the document based on the characteristics; wherein at least one characteristic is document length (70) or width (80) or position or other characteristics; and disabling or enabling ultrasonic zones (160) in at least one location down the document based on at least one characteristic.