Scanning System Image Processing Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scanners face challenges in accurately detecting original size and color scale due to limitations in their image processing capabilities, leading to potential errors in detecting blank sheets and suitable color scales when executing image processes.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system comprising a scanner and an information processing apparatus that determines which image processes to perform based on user inputs, allowing the apparatus to execute original detection, scale detection, and blank sheet detection processes, ensuring precise image processing and accurate data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scanner executes image processes locally, then the scanning speed is improved, but the detection precision of original size and color scale deteriorates due to limited processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides image processing into two segments: scanning operations performed by the scanner (maintaining speed) and image analysis operations performed by the information processing apparatus (improving precision). This segmentation allows each device to perform tasks suited to its capabilities, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary architecture where the scanner communicates with the information processing apparatus through a communication interface. This intermediary relationship enables the scanner to focus on rapid data acquisition while the information processing apparatus handles precise image analysis, thereby resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If the information processing apparatus executes image processes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the scanning speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workflow by performing scanning operations at the scanner (fast) and image analysis operations at the information processing apparatus (precise). This division of labor allows the system to achieve both high scanning speed and high measurement precision simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface acts as an intermediary that enables efficient data transfer between the scanner and information processing apparatus. This intermediary mechanism allows the scanner to rapidly acquire data while the information processing apparatus performs precise analysis, maintaining both speed and precision without one compromising the other.
3Device complexity
If the scanner performs image processes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of image processing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts image processing functions from the scanner and relocates them to the information processing apparatus. This extraction reduces the scanner's complexity while improving the overall reliability of image processing by utilizing the more powerful processing capabilities of the information processing apparatus, which has better resources for accurate image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface serves as an intermediary that connects the simplified scanner with the powerful information processing apparatus. This intermediary enables the scanner to remain simple while the information processing apparatus provides reliable image processing services, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and processing reliability.
4Reliability
If the information processing apparatus performs image processes, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the information processing apparatus handles both data reception from the scanner and image processing operations. This universal approach consolidates functions in one device, improving reliability through enhanced processing capabilities while managing system complexity by having a single device perform multiple roles rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
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
Enables precise detection of original size and color scale, reduces errors in image processing, and optimizes data handling by executing these processes on the information processing apparatus rather than the scanner, improving overall scanning system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner that generates scan data by optically reading an original
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning system includes a scanner, an information processing apparatus, and a processor. The processor receives an input via a user interface and determines each of a plurality of image processes to be performed on scan data. In a case where first and second image processes are determined to be performed, the processor instructs the scanner to output the scan data to the information processing apparatus, and instructs the information processing apparatus to perform the first and second image processes. In a case where the first image process is determined not to be performed and the second image process is to be determined to be, the processor instructs the scanner to perform the second image process on the scan data to generate information, and instructs the scanner to output the generated information to the information processing apparatus.