Patent Application
20190058804
This application relates generally to multifunction peripherals with scanners configured to complete multiple scanning operations in a single session. The application related more particularly to multifunction peripherals that can accommodate a series of scans to a single electronic file with different scan properties selectable for each scan.
Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used.
Scanners form an integral part of MFPs. Scanning hardware may be used to scan documents for copying, facsimile transmission or saving to an electronic file. Initially, each scan operation would result in a new electronic document or a separate facsimile. This could be problematic when one wishes multiple documents to be combined to a single file. Users might manually combine multiple files by manually combining them which could be problematic and time consuming. More recently, some MFPs may include a “Scan More” feature wherein a first scanned document and a second scanned document are combined in a single electronic file which can be saved to storage or sent to a destination, such as a fax machine or as an e-mail attachment. Current “Scan More” implementations have many limitations. For example, the scan setting cannot be changed between each scan. In another example, if a user would like to change DPI, he has to finish the current scan job, reset the setting, and restart another scan job. The user then has to merge the two documents together by himself if he would like to combine the two documents. Moreover, the current “Scan More” implementations further restrict that the scan source must be identical. If a user scans a document through the device exposure glass the first time, he could not subsequently scan the next document through the automatic document feeder, or ADF, when “Scan More” is desired. When a user scans through ADF the first time, there is no “Scan More” feature provided by MFP.
In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for scanning of a series of documents into a single scan file includes a multifunction peripheral having an intelligent controller including a processor and associated memory. A scanner subsystem of the MFP includes first and second document feed modes. Human interaction is accomplished via a user interface including a display, such as a touchscreen display. A first sensor detects a presence of a first set of tangible documents in the first feed mode and a second sensor detects a second set of tangible documents in the second feed mode. The controller enables the first feed mode when a document is sensed in the first feed mode and first scan operation then generates a digital image file comprising images of the first set of tangible documents The controller then generates a prompt on the display for a selection of a continued scan operation. If it is selected, the controller enables the second feed mode to complete a second scan operation on a second set of tangible documents and generates the digital image file to include images of the second set of tangible documents.
Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:
The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.
Current “Scan More” functions on MFPs include many limitations. In one such limitation, scan settings must be fixed for all scans as they cannot be changed between each scan. For example, if user would like to change document resolution or pixel density of a scan, suitably measured in dots-per-inch, one would have to finish a current scan job, reset the corresponding scanner setting, and restart another scan job. This would result in two electronic files which, once again, a user would have to merge manually. Current “Scan More” functions also require restrict that the scan source be identical for each scan. If user scans initially by lifting a copier cover and placing a document on the device exposure glass the first time, they could not complete a subsequent scan by use of the device's automatic document feeder (“ADF”). When a user scans initially through the ADF the first time, no “Scan More” feature is provided by MFP.
As will be detailed below, the subject application details an MFP including functionality which facilitates a user ability to choose different scan setting before each scan of a “Scan More” operation. When a single output file type is to be used, that parameter is fixed for all scans. A user is able to change any suitable scan setting, such as color mode, scan resolution, paper size, rotation angel, and the like. The subject system suitably combines the documents in a single electronic file for the user automatically for each subsequent scan. The subject system enables automatic detection of documents at one or more alternative scan sources for each “Scan More” operation. By way of example, a scan source could be the device exposure glass or ADF without restriction between scans.
In an example embodiment, scanning may initially be done in a set file format for all documents, such as in a JPEG file type, but any other suitable default electronic file type may be used. The MFP allows for user chosen scan settings for each scan and suitably displays thumbnail images on the MFP display for each scanned document, suitably numbering each image in sequence. When all scans are complete, the subject system suitably programmatically combines the documents and converts the scan image file to a final file type set by user, after which file sequence numbering is suitably reset to zero afterward. Any suitable file type can be used as a final file format. Example file types include any suitable text, vector or image-based format, such as PDF, Tiff, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the like.
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Processor 402 is also in data communication with a storage interface 408 for reading or writing to a storage 416, suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Processor 402 is also in data communication with a network interface 410 which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC) 414, which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection 420, or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface 418. Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Apple Lightning, telephone line, or the like.
Processor 402 can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface 419 which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like.
Also in data communication with data bus 412 is a document processor interface 422 suitable for data communication with MFP functional units 450. In the illustrated example, these units include copy hardware 440, scan hardware 442, print hardware 444 and fax hardware 446 which together comprise MFP functional hardware 450. It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform.
Hardware monitors suitably provide device event data, working in concert with suitable monitoring systems. By way of further example, monitoring systems may include page counters, sensor output, such as consumable level sensors, temperature sensors, power quality sensors, device error sensors, door open sensors, and the like. Data is suitably stored in one or more device logs, such as in storage 416.
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While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.
