Scanning device and homing method applied to scanning device

Abstract

A scanning device includes a scanning module and a positioning pattern. The positioning pattern is disposed outside a scanning window and along a scanning cycle direction. A first block of the positioning pattern is associated with a positioning position and a second block is associated with a start scanning position. After the scanning module moves a first step distance in the direction of the positioning position, a current position capture feature is detected. When the current position capture feature is the same as a pattern feature of the second block, the scanning module switches to move a second step distance in the direction of the positioning position. Then, when the scanning module determines that the current position capture feature is the same as a pattern feature of the first block, the scanning module determines that the homing is completed, so that the homing is quickly completed under the premise of simplifying components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a scanning device and its control method, and more particularly to a scanning device and a homing method applied to the scanning device. Background Technology

[0002] After the scanning device completes its scanning operation, the scanning module needs to return to its origin, ensuring that it always starts from a fixed starting position to guarantee consistent scanning range. Traditional scanning devices incorporate an extension structure and sensors. When the scanning module moves to a specific position and the extension structure blocks the sensor, the scanning device determines that the module has returned to its origin, and the module has completed its return to its original position. However, this approach requires additional hardware components on the scanning device, incurring additional hardware costs. Furthermore, the additional hardware components required for the scanning module to return to its original position occupy internal space, hindering the reduction in overall size.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the design of scanning devices and enable the scanning module to be accurately positioned while simplifying the structure of the scanning device is a problem that deserves considerable attention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a scanning device is provided, including a scanning module and a positioning pattern. The scanning module moves along a scanning cycle direction. The positioning pattern is disposed outside the scanning window and along the scanning cycle direction. The positioning pattern includes a first block, a second block, and at least one third block. The first block is associated with a positioning position, and the second block is associated with a starting scanning position. The first block, the second block, and the third block are consecutive adjacent blocks with different pattern features. After the scanning module moves a step distance towards the positioning position, it detects the capture feature at the current position. When the capture feature at the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the second block, the scanning module switches to moving a second step distance towards the positioning position. Then, the scanning module detects the capture feature at the current position. When the capture feature at the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the first block, the scanning module determines that the current position is the positioning position and stops at the positioning position.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the scanning device of the present invention, the length of a scan line of the scanning module is greater than the width of the scanning window, so as to detect a segment outside the scanning window containing the positioning pattern.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the scanning device of the present invention, when the scanning module is within the range of the third block, it determines the corresponding block of the current position based on the captured features, and uses the block length of the corresponding block as the first step distance.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the scanning device of the present invention, the second block and the third block of the scanning module have the same block length.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the scanning device of the present invention, the pattern feature of the first block, the second block and the third block is a block color or a block width.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a positioning method for a scanning device is provided, wherein the scanning device includes a scanning module that moves along a scanning cycle direction. The positioning method includes setting a positioning pattern outside the scanning window and along the scanning cycle direction, wherein the positioning pattern includes a first block, a second block, and at least one third block. The first block is associated with a positioning position, and the second block is associated with a starting scanning position. The first block, the second block, and the third block are consecutive adjacent blocks with different pattern features. The positioning method further includes moving the scanning module a step distance towards the positioning position and then detecting the capture features of the current position of the scanning module; if the scanning module determines that the capture features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the second block, it switches to moving a second step distance towards the positioning position. Then, the scanning module detects the capture features of the current position, and if the scanning module determines that the capture features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block, it determines that the current position is the positioning position and stops at the positioning position.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the repositioning method of the present invention, the length of a scan line of the scanning module is greater than the width of the scanning window, so as to detect a segment outside the scanning window containing the positioning pattern.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the repositioning method of the present invention, the first step distance of the scanning module is the same as the block length of the at least one third block.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the repositioning method of the present invention, when the scanning module is moved to the range of the third block, the corresponding block of the current position is determined according to the captured features, and the length of a block of the corresponding block is used as the first step distance.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the repositioning method of the present invention, the pattern feature of the first block, the second block and the third block is a block color or a block width. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of the scanning module of the scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The top view after the scanning module moves one step distance.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a top view after the scanning module has moved one or more second step distances.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a homing method applied to a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0023] 100, 200, 600, 700: Scanning device

[0024] 110, 210, 610, 710: Scanning modules

[0025] 122, 222, 622, 722: Starting position

[0026] 124, 224, 624, 724: Location

[0027] 150, 250, 650, 750: Scanning window

[0028] 226, 671, 726: Scan endpoint location

[0029] 216: Scan segment

[0030] 218: Redundant segment

[0031] 290: Sweep cycle direction

[0032] 300, 630, 730: Positioning graphics

[0033] 310, 631, 731: Block 1

[0034] 320, 633, 733: Second Block

[0035] 330, 635a~635f, 735: Third Block

[0036] 673, 773: Current location

[0037] D1, D2, D3: First step distance

[0038] S810~S850: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the figures and embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention and implement it accordingly, but the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] After each scanning operation, the scanning device needs to execute a homing procedure to return the scanning module to its positioning position, ensuring that subsequent scanning operations start from a fixed reference point. Furthermore, after multiple scanning operations, the scanning module may deviate from its predetermined position due to mechanical vibration; the homing procedure also prevents this deviation after long-term operation.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a top view of the scanning module of the scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The scanning device 100 includes a scanning module 110 and a scanning window 150. The scanning module 110 is disposed below the horizontal plane of the scanning window 150 and is used to detect documents placed horizontally on the scanning window 150. The scanning window 150 is, for example, a transparent window that allows light to enter the scanning module 110 and can define the scanning range of the scanning module 110.

[0043] The scanning module 110 includes optical elements (such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors (such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors), and drive mechanisms (such as stepper motors) (not shown).

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, positioning position 124 is the reference point position for the scanning module 110 to return to its resting position. When the scanning device 100 starts the scanning operation, the scanning module 110 starts its movement from positioning position 124. The starting scanning position 122 is the position of the scanning module 110 after completing the scanning operation, and it quickly moves back to positioning position 124 from this position; this process is called the homing operation.

[0045] The scanning device 100 can perform scanning and homing operations. The scanning module 110 starts the scanning operation from the positioning position 124 and moves below the scanning window 150 to capture scan data. After completing the scanning operation, the scanning module 110 is located at the scanning endpoint position. At this time, the scanning module 110 uses the scanning endpoint position as the starting position 122, moves towards the positioning position 124, and stops at the positioning position 124 to complete the homing operation.

[0046] Before the scanning module 110 returns to the positioning position 124, it is necessary to continuously detect whether it has moved to the positioning position 124 starting from the starting scanning position 122. Since the starting scanning position 122 and the positioning position 124 are on opposite sides of the scanning window 150, it also takes a considerable amount of time for the scanning module 110 to move from one side of the scanning window 150 to the other side.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The scanning module 210 of the scanning device 200 moves along the moving-scan cycle direction 290 to perform scanning and repositioning operations. The moving-scan cycle direction 290 can be the direction of back-and-forth movement between the positioning position 224 and the scanning endpoint position 226. For example, the scanning module 210 starts moving from the positioning position 224 and performs scanning until it reaches the scanning endpoint position 226 to complete the scanning operation. Then, the scanning module 210 starts moving from the scanning endpoint position 226 back to the positioning position 224 to complete the repositioning.

[0049] When the scanning device 200 completes the scanning operation, the scanning module 210 is located at the scanning endpoint position. Figure 1 (Unlabeled). Figure 1 The scanning module 110 uses the scanning endpoint position as the starting scanning position 122, and performs a homing operation as it moves towards the positioning position 124 to complete the homing of the scanning module 110. In contrast, Figure 2 After completing the scanning operation, the scanning module 210 will first quickly move from the scanning endpoint position 226 to the scanning start position 222, and then start the positioning detection at the starting scanning position 222 to complete the return of the scanning module 210 to its original position. Therefore, Figure 2 The repositioning operation can save time on movement and image analysis between the scanning endpoint position 226 and the scanning start position 222.

[0050] In one embodiment, the scanning device 200 is provided with a positioning pattern 300. The positioning pattern 300 is disposed on the outer side of the scanning window 250 and along the scanning cycle direction 290. For example, the positioning pattern 300 is adjacent to the outer side of the scanning window 250 and does not affect the scanning module 210 from performing document scanning operations through the scanning window 250. In one embodiment, when performing a scanning operation, the scanning module 210 does not output the positioning pattern 300 located on the outer side of the scanning window 250 as a scanned document.

[0051] The positioning pattern 300 can be an elongated shape and parallel to the scanning cycle direction. The length of the scan line of the scanning module 210 is greater than the length (X direction) of the scanning window 250 and extends to a length outside the scanning window 250. In one embodiment, the scan line of the scanning module 210 includes a scan segment 216 and a redundant segment 218. The scan segment 216 is the trajectory width of the scan data output by the scanning module 210 when performing the scanning operation. The redundant segment 218 is the trajectory width of the positioning pattern 300 detected by the scanning module 210 when performing the homing operation. When the scanning device 200 performs the homing operation, the scanning module 210 only detects the content of the scan line located outside the scanning window 250 (i.e., the redundant segment 218).

[0052] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a side view of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Documents (not shown in the figure) can be placed above the horizontal plane of the scanning window 250 of the scanning device 200. The scanning module 210's scanning cycle direction is... Figure 3 The direction in which the paper is penetrated. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the scanning module 210 is positioned below the horizontal plane of the scanning window 250, and scans the document through the scanning window 250 in a manner where the detection surface faces upwards from the horizontal plane, according to the scanning cycle direction.

[0054] The positioning pattern 300 is disposed outside the scanning window 250, and the scan line of the scanning module 210 covers the width of the scanning window 250 and the width of the positioning pattern 300. In one embodiment, the positioning pattern 300 may be adjacent to the outside of the scanning window 250, such that the scan line of the scanning module 210 covers part or all of the width of the positioning pattern 300.

[0055] Please refer to this again. Figure 2 The positioning graphic 300 includes a first block 310, a second block 320, and at least one third block 330. The first block 310, the second block 320, and the at least one third block 330 are contiguously adjacent blocks with different graphic features.

[0056] Adjacent blocks mean that the first block 310 is adjacent to the second block 320, the second block 320 is adjacent to the first block of the third block 330, the first block of the third block 330 is adjacent to the second block of the third block 330, and so on.

[0057] At Figure 2 In the embodiments described, a third block 330 is used as an example, but the present invention does not limit the number of third blocks 330.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first block 310 of the positioning pattern 300 is associated with the positioning position 224, and the second block 320 of the positioning pattern 300 is associated with the scanning start position 222. The first block 310 being associated with the positioning position 224 means that when the scanning module 210 moves to the area of ​​the first block 310 and detects the pattern features of the first block 310, the scanning module 210 determines that it has moved to the positioning position 224 and stops moving. The second block 320 being associated with the scanning start position 222 means that when the scanning module 210 moves to the area of ​​the second block 320 and detects the pattern features of the second block 320, the scanning module 210 performs a short-distance movement and feature detection procedure until it moves to the area of ​​the first block 310.

[0059] The following describes the detailed operation of scanning module 210 after the scanning operation is completed. First, it performs a first repositioning detection to move from the scanning end position 226 to the scanning start position 222. Then, it performs a second repositioning detection at the scanning start position 222 to complete the repositioning operation of scanning module 210.

[0060] After completing the scanning operation, the scanning module 210 will be located at the scanning endpoint position 226. Next, the scanning module 210 moves a step distance towards the positioning position 224 and detects an image of one pixel to detect the captured features of the current position (first repositioning detection). If the captured features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the second block 320, the scanning module 210 switches to moving a second step distance towards the positioning position 224 and detects an image of one pixel to detect the captured features of the current position (second repositioning detection). If the captured features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block 310, the scanning module 210 determines that the current position is the positioning position 224 and stops at the positioning position 224, thereby completing the repositioning procedure.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first step distance is the same as the length of the third block 330. For example, the scanning module 210 moves a distance equal to the length of the third block 330 from the scanning endpoint position 226 towards the positioning position 224. In the first repositioning detection, since the scanning endpoint position 226 is within the range of the third block 330, the scanning module 210 will enter the range of the second block 320 after moving the first step distance.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second step distance is the same as the length of the first block 310. For example, in the second positioning detection, after the scanning module 210 moves into the range of the second block 320, it moves a distance equal to the length of the first block 310 in the direction of the positioning position 224 and detects the captured features at the current position. If the captured features at the current position are different from the pattern features of the first block 310, the stepping continues at a distance equal to the length of the first block 310 until the captured features at the current position are detected to be the same as the pattern features of the first block 310.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first step distance is greater than the second step distance. In other words, before moving to the starting scan position 222 (third block 330), the scanning module 210 moves a larger distance to quickly approach the starting scan position 222. After entering the starting scan position 222 (second block 320), it moves a smaller distance and detects whether it has reached the positioning position 224 (first block 310).

[0064] In one embodiment, each block of the positioning pattern 300 has a preset length and corresponds to the step distance of the scanning module 210 in the homing procedure. For example, the first step distance is the same as the block length of the third block 330, and the second step distance is the same as the block length of the first block 310 or an additionally set value (e.g., the spacing between 32 scan lines). The sum of the block lengths of the second block 320 and the third block 330 is approximately equal to the width (Y direction) of the scanning window 250.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 2 The top view after the scanning module moves one step distance. Figure 4 In the process, after the scanning module 210 moves a first step distance D1, it is located within the range of the second block 320. At this time, the scanning module 210 switches to moving at a second step distance and performing image analysis. For example, the scanning module 210 moves from the starting scanning position 222 to the positioning position 224 and continues to perform high-resolution image analysis to determine whether the captured features at the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block 310.

[0066] Please refer toFigure 5 , Figure 5 This is a top view after the scanning module has moved one or more second-step distances. (Continued from...) Figure 4 ,exist Figure 5 In this process, the scanning module 210 continuously moves towards the positioning position 224 to perform image analysis over a shorter distance. In this embodiment, the scanning module 210 determines that the captured features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block 310. Therefore, the scanning module 210 determines that the current position is the positioning position 224 and stops at the positioning position 224.

[0067] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the scanning module 210 performs only one pixel value calculation during its movement from the scanning endpoint position 226 to the starting scanning position 222. However, during its movement from the starting scanning position 222 to the positioning position 224, one or more image analyses are performed. The number of these movements and image analyses depends on the reading distance of the scanning module 210 (e.g., one image analysis is performed each time the module moves 32 scan lines), and this reading distance is also related to the block length of the first block 310. In other words, the longer the distance between the starting scanning position 222 and the positioning position 224, the more times the scanning module 210 moves and performs image analyses between the range of the second block 320 and the range of the first block 310, the longer it will take to return to its original position.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The scanning module 610 of the scanning device 600 faces the scanning window 650 and scans the document through the scanning window 250 according to the scanning cycle direction.

[0070] The positioning pattern 630 is positioned outside the scanning window 650, and the scanning lines of the scanning module 610 cover the width of the scanning window 650 and the width of the positioning pattern 630.

[0071] The positioning pattern 300 includes a first block 631, a second block 633, and multiple third blocks 635a to 635f. The first block 631, the second block 633, and the multiple third blocks 635a to 635f are consecutive adjacent blocks with different pattern features.

[0072] With a fixed width for the positioning graphic 300, the more blocks the positioning graphic 300 has, the shorter the length of each block. For example, Figure 6 The third block of the positioning graphic 630 has six parts, and Figure 2The third block of the positioning graphic 300 has one, therefore Figure 6 The block length of the third block 635a is greater than Figure 2 The third block, 330, is short.

[0073] In one embodiment, the scanning device 600 pre-sets a first step distance D2 to be the same as the block length of the third blocks 635a to 635f, and pre-sets a second step distance to be the same as the block length of the first block 631 or an additional value (e.g., the spacing between 32 scan lines). In this embodiment, the first step distance is greater than the second step distance.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the scanning module 610 moves a step distance D2 from the scanning endpoint position 671. The position of the scanning module 610 after moving a step distance D2 is the current position 673. Since the step distance D2 is the block length of the third block, the scanning module 610 will move directly to the next third block. For example, the scanning module 610 moves directly from the range of the third block 635a to the range of the third block 635b. In this embodiment, since the positioning pattern 630 has six third blocks, the scanning module 610 performs six step control steps, each time moving a step distance equal to the block length of the third block, thus moving to the range of the second block 633, i.e., the starting scanning position 622.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that since each step control is accompanied by a pixel value calculation, the scanning module 610 only needs to perform six step control and pixel value calculations to reach the starting scanning position 622.

[0076] As mentioned above Figure 6 In this embodiment, after the scanning module 610 reaches the starting scanning position 622, it switches to moving towards the positioning position 224 with a second step distance to perform image analysis over a shorter distance (compared to the first step distance). If the scanning module 610 determines that the captured features at the current position are different from the pattern features of the first block 631, it moves another second step distance and performs image analysis. If the scanning module 610 determines that the captured features at the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block 631, it determines that the current position is the positioning position 624 and stops at the positioning position 624.

[0077] In one embodiment, the pattern feature of a block can be the block color or the block width.

[0078] The color of a block can be a color using color spaces such as RGB (Red, Green, Blue), HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value), HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness), and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black)).

[0079] All blocks in the positioning graphic 630 are pre-designed with corresponding colors. Taking the HEX color space as an example: the color of the first block 631 is FFFFFF (white), the color of the second block 633 is 000000 (black), the color of the third block 635a is FFFF00 (yellow), the color of the third block 635b is FF00FF (magenta), the color of the third block 635c is 00FFFF (cyan), the color of the third block 635d is FF0000 (red), the color of the third block 635e is 00FF00 (green), and the color of the third block 635f is 0000FF (blue).

[0080] In one embodiment, the color distance between the third block 635f and the second block 633 is greater than a threshold. By designing blocks with sufficiently large color differences, the scanning module 610 can quickly complete image analysis and reduce errors caused by errors, thereby improving both efficiency and accuracy.

[0081] In another embodiment, the first block 631, the second block 633, and the plurality of third blocks 635a to 635f can be blocks with different block lengths. The scanning device 600 pre-records the block colors and block lengths of the first block 631, the second block 633, and the plurality of third blocks 635a to 635f. When the scanning module 610 moves to a certain block, it determines the corresponding block at the current position by capturing features, and then uses the block length of the corresponding block as the first step movement distance. For example, when the scanning module 610 detects that the current position is the third block 635e, it will then move the scanning module 610 to the positioning position 724 with the block length of the third block 635e as the first step movement distance.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first block 631 is a block with a special pattern. When the scanning module 610 moves into the area of ​​the first block 631, the scanning module 610 performs image analysis to determine whether the special pattern has been parsed. If the special pattern is parsed, it means that the scanning module 610 has moved to the positioning position, and the repositioning operation is completed. In one embodiment, if the scanning module 610 does not parsed the complete special pattern, it continues to move in small increments until the complete special pattern is parsed.

[0083] Figure 7 This is a top view of a scanning device with positioning patterns according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] The positioning pattern 730 is positioned outside the scanning window 750, and the scanning lines of the scanning module 710 cover the width of the scanning window 750 and the width of the positioning pattern 730.

[0085] While positioning patterns 300 and 630 are designed with different block colors, positioning pattern 730 is designed with different block widths. In this embodiment, the scanning module 710 uses the block width in the image as a pattern feature of the current position.

[0086] The positioning pattern 730 includes a first block 731, a second block 733, and a third block 735, and each of the first block 731, the second block 733, and the third block 735 has a block width (in the X direction). In one embodiment, the block width of the first block 731 is greater than the block width of the second block 733, and the block width of the second block 733 is greater than the block width of the third block 735.

[0087] The user can pre-design the block widths of the first block 731, the second block 733, and the third block 735 and record them in the scanning device 700. For example, the block width of the first block 731 is 30 pixels, the block width of the second block 733 is 20 pixels, and the block width of the third block 735 is 10 pixels.

[0088] During the operation of the homing scanning module 710 in the scanning device 700, after completing the scanning operation, the scanning module 710 will be located at the scanning endpoint position 726. Next, the scanning module 710 moves a step distance D3 (e.g., the block length of the third block 735) towards the positioning position 724, and performs image analysis to detect the captured features (e.g., a block width of 20 pixels) of the current position 773 of the scanning module 710. If the captured features of the current position 773 are the same as the pattern features of the second block 320, the scanning module 710 switches to moving a second step distance towards the positioning position 724, and performs image analysis to detect the captured features of the current position of the scanning module 710 (e.g., a block width of 30 pixels). If the captured features of the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block 731, the scanning module 710 determines that the current position is the positioning position 724 and stops at the positioning position 724, thereby completing the homing procedure.

[0089] As described in the above embodiments, the present invention sets the positioning patterns (300, 630, 730) on the outside of the scanning windows (250, 650, 750), and the scanning lines of the scanning modules (210, 610, 710) can respectively cover the width of the scanning windows (250, 650, 750) and the width of the positioning patterns (300, 630, 730). In this way, by utilizing the existing outer space of the scanning windows (250, 650, 750) and combining it with the last section of the scanning modules (210, 610, 710), this design can make more effective use of the scanning modules (the part of the original scanning modules that extends beyond the scanning windows actually has no special function) and achieve the positioning function at the same time.

[0090] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method applied to a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The scanning device of any of the foregoing embodiments performs... Figure 8 The repositioning method allows the scanning module to return to a fixed positioning position after completing the scanning operation.

[0091] In step S810, a positioning pattern is set outside the scanning window and along the scanning cycle direction.

[0092] In step S820, after the scanning module moves a step distance in the direction of the positioning position, the capture features of the current position of the scanning module are detected.

[0093] In step S830, the scanning module determines whether the captured features at the current position are the same as the pattern features of the second block. If the determination is yes, then step S840 is executed. If the determination is no, it means that the current position of the scanning module is still within the range of the third block, then it returns to step S820 to continue moving by the first step distance and performing image analysis.

[0094] In step S840, after the scanning module switches to moving a second step distance in the direction of the positioning position, it detects the captured features at the current position.

[0095] In step S850, when the captured features at the current position are the same as the pattern features of the first block, the scanning module determines that the current position is the positioning position and stops at the positioning position. At this time, the scanning module completes the repositioning operation.

[0096] In summary, the scanning device and its positioning method of the present invention set a positioning pattern in the scanning device and determine the current position of the scanning module by analyzing the pattern features of the positioning pattern. Since the scanning module does not need to perform image analysis from the scanning endpoint to the scanning start position, but only needs to perform simple pixel value calculations, the scanning module can quickly move towards the positioning position from a relatively far location, significantly reducing the movement time of the scanning module. Furthermore, by performing short-distance movement and image analysis near the positioning position, combined with the pattern feature design of the positioning pattern blocks, the scanning module can accurately determine whether it has completed its positioning.

[0097] The above description is merely a specific example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made using the content of the present invention are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention, and are hereby stated.

Claims

1. A scanning device, characterized in that, include: A scanning module moves along the scanning cycle direction; and A positioning pattern is provided on the outer side of a scanning window and along the scanning cycle direction, wherein the positioning pattern includes a first block, a second block and at least a third block, the first block is associated with a positioning position, the second block is associated with a first scanning position, and the first block, the second block and the third block are consecutive adjacent blocks with different pattern features. When the scanning module moves one step distance in the direction of the positioning position, it detects a capture feature at the current position. When the capture feature at the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the second block, the scanning module switches to moving one second step distance in the direction of the positioning position and then detecting the capture feature at the current position. When the capture feature at the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the first block, the scanning module determines that the current position is the positioning position and stops at the positioning position.

2. The scanning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The length of one scan line of the scanning module is greater than the width of the scanning window, so as to detect the segment outside the scanning window that contains the positioning pattern.

3. The scanning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the scanning module is within the range of the third block, it determines the corresponding block of the current position based on the captured features, and uses the length of one block of the corresponding block as the first step distance.

4. The scanning device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second and third blocks of the scanning module have the same block length.

5. The scanning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern feature of the first block, the second block, and the third block is a block color or a block width.

6. A homing method for a scanning device, characterized in that, The scanning device includes a scanning module that moves along a scanning cycle direction, and the repositioning method includes: A positioning pattern is provided on the outer side of a scanning window and along the scanning cycle direction, wherein the positioning pattern includes a first block, a second block and at least a third block, the first block is associated with a positioning position, the second block is associated with a scanning position, and the first block, the second block and the third block are consecutive adjacent blocks with different pattern features. After the scanning module moves one step distance in the direction of the positioning position, it detects a captured feature at the current position of the scanning module. When the scanning module determines that the captured feature at the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the second block, it switches to moving a second step distance in the direction of the positioning position and then detecting the captured feature at the current position; and When the scanning module determines that the captured feature of the current position is the same as the pattern feature of the first block, it determines that the current position is the positioning position and stops at the positioning position.

7. The repositioning method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The length of one scan line of the scanning module is greater than the width of the scanning window, so as to detect the segment outside the scanning window that contains the positioning pattern.

8. The repositioning method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first step distance of the scanning module is the same as the block length of the third block.

9. The repositioning method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the scanning module is moved to the range of the third block, the corresponding block of the current position is determined according to the captured features, and the length of one block of the corresponding block is used as the first step distance.

10. The repositioning method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The pattern feature of the first block, the second block, and the third block is a block color or a block width.

Images