ADF Scanner Debris Detection via Calibration Strip Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flatbed and sheet-feed scanners face issues with dust or debris on the scan glass surface, which appear as long vertical streaks in scanned images, making them more visible and problematic compared to small dots or specks, and existing methods do not effectively detect and address contamination during scanning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves scanning a page moving through an automatic document feeder (ADF) and comparing it to a stationary calibration strip to identify long vertical streaks, determining if they are present on the scan glass or the calibration strip, and taking corrective action such as alerting the user to clean the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dust or debris is present on the scan glass surface, then long vertical streaks appear in scanned images, but these streaks are more visible and problematic than small dots or specks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of contamination by scanning a stationary calibration strip before actual document scanning. This allows identification of debris on the scan glass surface in advance, enabling corrective action to be taken before it affects document scan quality. The calibration strip scan creates a reference image that can be compared against subsequent document scans to detect and locate contamination artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where calibration strip scans are used to detect and locate contamination, and this information is fed back to alert the user and potentially adjust scanning parameters. The comparison between calibration strip images and document scan images provides continuous feedback about the scanning surface condition, allowing real-time detection and response to contamination issues.
2Measurement precision
If existing detection methods are used, then contamination can be detected, but the method does not effectively distinguish between streaks caused by glass contamination and those present in the original page
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into two distinct parts: scanning a stationary calibration strip to detect glass contamination, and scanning moving documents to identify streaks. By separating these functions and comparing the results, the system can determine whether streaks originate from the glass surface or the document itself. The calibration strip provides a baseline that helps distinguish between artifacts caused by contamination versus those present in the original page.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration strip serves as an intermediary reference object that mediates between the scanning system and the documents being scanned. By scanning the calibration strip first and using its image as a reference, the system can compare subsequent document scans against this baseline to determine whether streaks are due to glass contamination or are inherent to the documents themselves. This intermediary reference eliminates ambiguity in streak origin identification.
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
This approach effectively detects and localizes debris on the scan glass, allowing for timely cleaning and improving scan quality by distinguishing between streaks caused by the glass contamination and those present in the original page.
Implementation Method 1
scanners are used to create digital copies of documents or objects
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner is disclosed. The scanner detects when the to surface of the ADF scan glass is contaminated.