Dual Carriage Image Scanner for Variable Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading scanners require inconvenient lens unit replacements to switch between normal and high-resolution image reading, limiting convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus employs a dual carriage system with interchangeable lenses and photoelectric conversion units, allowing for simultaneous reading of images at normal and high resolutions without lens replacements, using a first carriage for normal resolution and a second carriage with a higher resolution lens for enhanced detail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens unit is replaced to read images at higher resolution, then image resolution is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable carriage system that can dynamically switch between a first carriage with a first lens unit for normal resolution reading and a second carriage with a second lens unit for high resolution reading. The carriages are positioned at different locations along the optical path, allowing the system to dynamically select which carriage is active based on the desired resolution, eliminating the need for manual lens unit replacement while maintaining operational convenience.
2Measurement precision
If a lens unit is replaced to read images at higher resolution, then image resolution is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple carriages with different lens units at predetermined locations along the optical path before the reading operation begins. The first carriage is positioned for normal resolution reading and the second carriage is positioned for high resolution reading. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to switch between resolutions by simply moving to a pre-positioned carriage rather than replacing lens units during operation, significantly reducing time consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens units are provided for different resolutions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal carriage system where multiple carriages with different lens units share a common mounting structure, control mechanism, and optical path. Both the first carriage and second carriage can be positioned at the same location in the optical path, and the system uses a single control mechanism to switch between them. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve resolution adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as the carriages are integrated into a unified structure rather than requiring separate independent systems.
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 solution enables convenient and efficient reading of images at both normal and high resolutions, reducing the time required for image acquisition and allowing for real-time display of high-resolution regions within the image, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit for irradiating a reading object with light
Implementation Method 2
a first photoelectric conversion unit for receiving the reflected light from the reading object guided through the first optical member to output an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image reading apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a first carriage, a first photoelectric conversion unit, a first lens, and a second carriage. The light emitting unit irradiates a reading object with light. The first carriage includes a first optical member for guiding reflected light from the reading object. The first carriage is movable in a sub-scanning direction along the reading object. The first photoelectric conversion unit receives the reflected light from the reading object guided through the first optical member and outputs an image signal. The first lens is disposed on an optical path of the reflected light between the first optical member and the first photoelectric conversion unit, and images the reflected light from the reading object on the first photoelectric conversion unit. The second carriage is movable in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction along the reading object with respect to the first carriage. The second carriage includes a second optical member for guiding the reflected light from the reading object, a second photoelectric conversion unit that receives the reflected light from the reading object guided through the second optical member to output an image signal, and a second lens that is disposed on an optical path of the reflected light between the second optical member and the second photoelectric conversion unit and images the reflected light from the reading object on the second photoelectric conversion unit at a magnification different from the first lens.