Sheet Size Specification via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in accurately and efficiently specifying sheet sizes on sheet stacking trays without a sheet size detection sensor, leading to user errors and increased labor when manual input is required.
Innovation Solution
A sheet size specification system utilizing a general-purpose portable terminal with an image capture unit, analyzer, and size specifier to automatically determine sheet sizes by analyzing image data from the tray, eliminating the need for a sensor and reducing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sheet size detection sensor is omitted to reduce device complexity and cost, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but sheet size specification accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an image capture unit to take a photograph (copy) of the sheet on the sheet stacking tray. This optical copy is then processed through image analysis to extract sheet size information, replacing the need for direct physical measurement by sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an optical imaging system combined with image processing. The image capture unit and image analyzer substitute for traditional sheet size detection sensors, using optical fields and digital processing instead of mechanical contact measurement.
2Device complexity
If manual input of sheet size is required when sensor is omitted, then device complexity is reduced, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic sheet size detection and specification without requiring user intervention. The image capture unit automatically captures the sheet, the image analyzer processes the image to determine sheet size, and the size specifier sets the sheet size information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual measurement and input by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sheet size detection in advance before the printing or copying operation. By capturing and analyzing the sheet size beforehand, the system prepares the necessary information automatically, so that when the user initiates a print job, the sheet size is already specified and no additional manual input is needed.
3Device complexity
If manual measurement and input is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of sheet size specification deteriorates due to user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates an optical copy (photograph) of the actual sheet on the tray and processes this copy through image analysis. This eliminates human judgment and manual measurement, removing the source of user errors while maintaining accurate sheet size detection through automated image processing algorithms.
4Measurement precision
If scanner is used to detect sheet size as in JP H7-253735, then sheet size detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and applicability to printers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a general-purpose portable terminal (such as a smartphone or tablet) that the user already possesses, rather than requiring a dedicated scanner or specialized detection device. This universal device can be used across different image forming devices (printers, copiers, multifunction devices) without adding specialized hardware, making the solution universally applicable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sheet size detection function from the image forming device itself and relocates it to an external portable terminal. By taking out the detection capability to a separate, general-purpose device, the patent avoids increasing the complexity of the image forming device while still achieving accurate sheet size detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet size specification system for specifying size of a sheet (S) on a sheet stacking tray (21) of an image forming device (100), by using an image capture unit (203) of a portable terminal (200). The system includes an analyzer (51; 201) and a size specifier (51; 201). The analyzer analyzes image data captured by the image capture unit, the image data indicating the sheet stacking tray and the sheet thereon. The size specifier acquires, from the analyzed image data, first position data indicating positions of predefined feature points of the sheet stacking tray and second position data indicating positions of an outline of the sheet, and specifies size of the sheet on the sheet stacking tray based on the first position data and the second position data.