Document Scanner Shadow Reading Adjustment by Sensor Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses struggle to accurately read shadows generated at the leading edge of a document due to variations in the type of image sensors, which affect the ability to correct image orientation and determine document size, especially when the leading edge passes through the reading position.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a first light emitting portion that emits light upstream of the reading position, coupled with an identification processing portion to identify the sensor type and an adjustment processing portion to adjust specific conditions related to shadow generation, such as light amount ratios and separation distances, ensuring consistent shadow reading regardless of sensor type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a first light emitting portion is positioned upstream to read shadows at the document leading edge, then shadow reading capability is improved, but shadow generation becomes more difficult due to document curvature and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The first light emitting portion is positioned upstream of the reading position to illuminate the document leading edge before it reaches the reading position. This preliminary illumination allows the shadow to be generated and captured at the optimal location, compensating for the document's curvature and movement during conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the light emitting portion at a different location (upstream) relative to the reading position. This spatial separation allows light to illuminate the document leading edge from a position that accounts for the document's curvature and movement, enabling shadow generation in a different spatial plane than the reading position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image sensor type is varied to optimize reading performance, then reading adaptability is improved, but reading condition consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of reading conditions based on the detected image sensor type. The control unit automatically modifies illumination intensity, reading speed, and other parameters according to the specific sensor characteristics, ensuring consistent reading performance across different sensor types while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (illumination intensity, reading speed, gain settings) based on the identified image sensor type. This parameter adjustment ensures that each sensor type operates under optimal conditions, maintaining reading condition consistency despite hardware variations.
3Measurement precision
If reading conditions are adjusted for different sensor types, then reading accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects the image sensor type and autonomously adjusts the reading conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment, simplifying the user experience while maintaining high reading accuracy across different sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects the image sensor type and uses this information to automatically adjust reading conditions. This closed-loop control ensures optimal reading accuracy while hiding the complexity of multiple configuration parameters from the user.
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 accurate reading and correction of shadows at the document leading edge, maintaining image orientation and size determination regardless of sensor type variations, enhancing the reliability of image reading processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting portion that emits light toward a predetermined reading position on the conveying path from a position farther upstream in a conveying direction of the document than the reading position
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes an image sensor, an identification processing portion, and an adjustment processing portion. The image sensor has a first light emitting portion that emits light toward a reading position from a position on a conveying path of a document farther upstream in a conveying direction than the reading position, and outputs image data including an image of the document passing through the reading position using the first light emitting portion. The identification processing portion identifies the type of the image sensor. The adjustment processing portion, based on an identification result by the identification processing portion, adjusts, among reading conditions of the image of the document using the image sensor, specific conditions that are related to generation of a shadow that occurs when a leading edge of the document passes the reading position.