Document Feeder Type Identification Through Optical Guide Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses cannot identify the type of a document feeder, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in the combination of the image reading apparatus and document feeder.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a document reading apparatus and a document feeder, equipped with a transparent member, conveying rollers, and a guide member featuring a discriminating portion, uses a controller to identify the type of the document feeder based on image reading results from the discriminating portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional document feeder is mounted on an image reading apparatus, then the document can be conveyed and read, but the system cannot identify the type of document feeder leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying to create an image of the discriminating portion on the guide member. The image reading portion captures the reflected light pattern as an optical copy, which is then analyzed to identify the document feeder type. This allows identification without adding complex mechanical sensors or identification hardware to the document feeder itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical identification systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches, physical contacts, or complex sensors on the document feeder, the system uses the existing image reading apparatus with optical means to detect the discriminating portion's light reflection characteristics, thereby identifying the document feeder type.
2Reliability
If the image reading apparatus is equipped with additional identification hardware, then the document feeder type can be identified, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image reading portion serve multiple functions: it both reads the document images and identifies the document feeder type by detecting the discriminating portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring compatibility through reliable type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (the image reading portion and light source) to perform the identification function. The document feeder's guide member provides the discriminating portion that reflects light back to the image reading portion, creating a self-contained identification system that doesn't require external or additional expensive components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the document feeder lacks type identification features, then the device remains simple and cost-effective, but the image reading apparatus cannot perform reading control according to the document feeder specification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds only a local, minimal feature (the discriminating portion) to the guide member of the document feeder. This small localized element with specific light reflection properties provides enough information for type identification without making the entire document feeder complex. The rest of the document feeder remains simple and unchanged.
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 identification of the document feeder type, ensuring appropriate operation and reducing the risk of misalignment, while maintaining cost-effectiveness by avoiding unnecessary increases in product cost.
Implementation Method 1
an image reading portion configured to read an image on a document conveyed by the document feeder via the transparent member
Implementation Method 2
the controller identifies the type of the document feeder based on a result of the image reading portion reading a region including the discriminating portion of the guide member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image reading apparatus includes a document reading apparatus; a document feeder; and a controller. The document reading apparatus is provided with a transparent member and an image reading portion configured to read an image on a document conveyed by the document feeder via the transparent member. The document feeder is provided with a conveying roller configured to convey the document and a guide member configured to guide the document conveyed by the conveying roller, the guide member being opposed to the transparent member. The guide member is provided with a discriminating portion corresponding to a type of the document feeder. The controller identifies the type of the document feeder based on a result of the image reading portion reading a region including the discriminating portion of the guide member.