Duplex Image Reading With Single-Motor White Reference Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices require complex processes for initial setting and adjustment, including white and black reference data acquisition, which can impact reading efficiency and document integrity during duplex reading.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with a swinging mechanism that allows simultaneous reading of both sides of a document using two reading modules, where the second reading module is swung orthogonal to the conveyance direction to acquire white reference data without reversing the document, utilizing a single motor for both conveyance and swinging, reducing the need for a dedicated motor and minimizing document movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simultaneous duplex reading method is used with two reading modules, then reading efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple reading modules requiring separate white reference data acquisition processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the white reference data acquisition process for both reading modules into a single operation. The first reading module is positioned to read white reference data from a white reference plate located in the document conveyance path, allowing both reading modules to acquire their white reference data simultaneously during document conveyance, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual-module reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The white reference plate serves multiple functions: it provides white reference data for the first reading module during front-side reading, provides white reference data for the second reading module during back-side reading, and acts as a calibration standard for both modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reference mechanisms for each reading module
2Device complexity
If the second reading module is fixed in the automatic document feeder, then structure is simplified, but white reference data acquisition requires document reversal which may cause document damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the white reference plate in the document conveyance path (in the conveyance direction) rather than requiring lateral movement or document reversal. The first reading module reads the white reference plate as the document passes by, acquiring white reference data in the conveyance direction without needing to reverse or reposition the document, thus preventing document damage while maintaining structural simplicity
3Measurement precision
If white reference data acquisition is performed between conveyed documents, then reading accuracy is maintained, but wait time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs white reference data acquisition during the document conveyance process itself, before the document reaches the reading position. The white reference plate is positioned upstream in the conveyance path, allowing the reading module to acquire white reference data in advance during conveyance, so that accurate image density correction is available without adding wait time between documents
Solution Approach 2:
The white reference data acquisition occurs continuously during document conveyance rather than in separate pauses. The reading module reads the white reference plate as it passes by during normal document flow, maintaining continuous operation without interrupting the document processing sequence, thereby preserving both accuracy and productivity
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 enhances reading efficiency by reducing wait times and preventing document damage while maintaining accurate image density correction, thus optimizing the duplex reading process.
Implementation Method 1
The control portion performs a white reference data acquisition process in which the control portion, by rotating the motor backward, while keeping the conveying member at rest, drives the swinging mechanism to swing the second reading module or the white reference member and meanwhile read, with the sensor, the reflected light of the light shone from the light source to the white reference member
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a contact glass, an automatic document feeder, a first reading module, a second reading module, a white reference member, a swinging mechanism, one motor, and a control portion. The swinging mechanism swings the second reading module or white reference member in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. The control portion, by rotating a motor forward, drives a conveying member to convey a document and, by rotating the motor reversely, drives the swinging mechanism with the conveying member at rest to swing the second reading module or white reference member and meanwhile acquire white reference data. When performing a duplex reading process successively for a plurality of sheets of a conveyed document, the control portion acquires the white reference data with the document at rest closely upstream of the second reading module in the conveyance direction.