Image Reader Discharge Cover Light Blocking Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image readers face accuracy issues due to external light entering the vicinity of the image sensor, which affects white color data reading and overall image reading accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The image reader design incorporates a mechanism where the discharge cover and maintenance cover can be opened and closed to form a U-turn or straight path for document conveyance, with the discharge cover acting as a barrier to prevent external light from reaching the image sensor, ensuring accurate white color data capture and improved image reading accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the discharge cover is opened to form a straight document conveying path for thick documents, then document conveyance capability is improved, but external light enters the image sensor area reducing image reading accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument conveyance capabilityVSAvoidimage reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into multiple parts: a main cover that opens for thick documents and a discharge cover that can be opened/closed independently. This segmentation allows the main cover to open for document conveyance while the discharge cover remains closed to block external light from reaching the image sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the image sensor. When closed, it serves as a light barrier that mediates the conflict between needing the discharge port open for document ejection and needing it closed to prevent external light contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the cover is closed to form a U-shaped document conveying path, then external light is blocked from the image sensor, but documents with high stiffness cannot be reasonably conveyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reading accuracyVSAvoiddocument conveyance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into multiple parts: a main cover that opens for thick documents and a discharge cover that can be opened/closed independently. This segmentation allows the main cover to open for document conveyance while the discharge cover remains closed to block external light from reaching the image sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge cover is designed to be dynamically adjustable - closed when not in use to block light, and openable when needed for document discharge. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between light-blocking mode and document-conveyance mode as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the discharge cover is opened to discharge documents, then document ejection capability is improved, but external light enters the vicinity of the image sensor affecting white color data reading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument ejection capabilityVSAvoidwhite color data reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into multiple parts: a main cover that opens for thick documents and a discharge cover that can be opened/closed independently. This segmentation allows the main cover to open for document conveyance while the discharge cover remains closed to block external light from reaching the image sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2670121B1Image reader

Publication Date: 2019.09.04 BROTHER KOGYO KK

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AI summary

An image reader includes a discharge cover disposed on a side of the image reader, the discharge cover forming part of a side surface when closed and forming a discharge port when opened. Undesired illumination from light entering the image reader through the discharge port is suppressed from impinging on a contact image sensor.