Selective Image Acquisition via Demarked Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition machines require users to manually cover or cut portions of hardcopy documents to selectively acquire images, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to demark boundaries on hardcopy documents using a writing instrument to differentiate selected and non-selected image portions, using an image acquisition machine with a controller to process and separate the images based on these boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire page is scanned to acquire all images, then complete image acquisition is achieved, but unnecessary images increase processing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document page into selected and non-selected image portions using demarked boundaries. The image acquisition device captures the entire page, but the controller then segments the acquired image data based on the demarked boundaries to process only the selected portions, thereby reducing processing time and complexity while maintaining complete acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the selected image portions from the complete scanned image by using demarked boundaries as reference. The controller identifies and extracts the relevant image data within the marked regions, eliminating unnecessary processing of non-selected portions and improving overall efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual covering or cutting methods are used to select image portions, then selective acquisition is achieved, but user complexity and burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically process selected image portions based on user-demarcated boundaries without requiring manual covering or cutting operations. The controller automatically identifies the selected regions using the demarked boundaries and processes only those portions, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the entire document page and then selectively processes only the relevant portions based on demarked boundaries. This digital copying approach replaces the need for physical covering or cutting methods, simplifying user operation while maintaining selective acquisition capability.
3Quantity of substance
If the entire document is scanned, then all images are acquired, but storage and processing resources are wasted on unnecessary images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by scanning the entire document (excessive action) but then selectively processing only the necessary portions (partial action). The controller uses demarked boundaries to identify and process only the selected image portions, avoiding energy waste on non-selected areas while ensuring complete acquisition capability.
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 efficient and user-friendly selective image acquisition by allowing users to easily identify and process only the desired image portions while discarding the rest, reducing complexity and manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
A charge coupled device (CCD) is one example of an image capturing device sensor commonly used in image acquisition machines such as scanners. A CCD is a small light-sensitive diode which converts photons of light into an electrical charge.
Data Source
AI summary
A method selectively acquiring one or more images from a hardcopy document is provided. The method includes demarking boundaries on one or more hardcopy pages using a writing instrument to differentiate a selected image portion from a non-selected image portion, scanning the one or more demarked hardcopy pages with an image acquisition device, acquiring one or more images from the hardcopy pages, and processing the acquired one or more images from the selected image portion to differentiate them from the non-selected image portion.