ESD Scan Data Interpolation in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage electrostatic discharges (ESD) in image forming apparatuses, such as copiers and scanners, cause malfunctions and image distortion by affecting internal signals, and existing solutions do not effectively address the issue of processing scan data during ESD events.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an ESD detector and a data processor that determines the operation state of the scanner, allowing for the deletion of distorted scan data during ESD events and the generation of interpolation data using adjacent undistorted scan lines, with filter coefficients applied based on the distance between scan lines, to correct and replace distorted data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scan data is acquired during ESD occurrence, then the scanning operation continues without interruption, but the scan data becomes distorted and the image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of ESD events using an ESD detector before the distortion significantly impacts the scan data. By detecting the ESD occurrence in advance, the system can prepare correction measures (interpolation or reacquisition) before processing the distorted data, thus maintaining both operational continuity and data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism that uses adjacent undistorted scan lines to generate interpolation data. This interpolation data acts as a mediator to replace the distorted scan data, allowing the system to maintain image quality without interrupting the scanning operation. The interpolation process serves as an intermediary step between raw scan data and final image output.
2Manufacturing precision
If distorted scan data is replaced by reacquiring the scan, then the image quality is maintained, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely reacquiring the entire scan when ESD is detected, the system applies partial correction by using interpolation only for the specific distorted scan lines affected by ESD. This partial action approach maintains image quality for the affected areas while avoiding the time penalty of reacquiring the entire scan, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameter from binary (reacquire entire scan or accept distorted data) to a continuous approach by applying interpolation with adjustable filter coefficients. This allows the system to maintain image quality by correcting only the necessary portions of the scan data, significantly reducing the time loss compared to complete reacquisition while still achieving the desired image quality.
3Loss of time
If interpolation is used to replace distorted scan data, then the processing time is reduced, but the image accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the ESD detector continuously monitors for distortion events, and the data processor adjusts the interpolation strategy based on the detected ESD patterns. By using feedback from the detection stage to guide the interpolation process, the system maintains image accuracy while benefiting from the time efficiency of interpolation, as the correction is targeted and optimized based on actual distortion conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of interpolation parameters, including filter coefficients and selection of adjacent scan lines for interpolation, based on the specific ESD detection results. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the interpolation process to the actual distortion conditions, maintaining high image accuracy while minimizing processing time by applying corrections only where and how they are most effective.
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 effectively processes scan data during ESD occurrences by reacquiring or interpolating data, thereby minimizing image distortion and maintaining the functionality of image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an ESD when the scan data is acquired
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a scanner configured to acquire scan data by scanning a scan target, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector configured to detect an ESD when the scan data is acquired, and a data processor configured to process the scan data acquired when the ESD is detected according to an operation state of the scanner.