Posture-Adaptive Ultrasonic Multi-Feed Detection in Image Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices struggle to accurately detect multi-feed of sheets due to variations in medium thickness and characteristics, necessitating adjustments in ultrasonic wave reception strength based on individual media types.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device can switch between sloped and horizontal postures, adjusting driving voltage, threshold values, and amplification ratios for ultrasonic wave detection to suit different types of media, ensuring accurate multi-feed detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed threshold value is used for multi-feed detection, then the detection process is simple, but detection accuracy deteriorates when medium thickness and characteristics vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the threshold value based on the detected posture of the device, allowing the detection system to adapt to different operating conditions (sloped vs. horizontal postures) and maintain high detection accuracy without requiring complex manual calibration for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter (threshold value) based on the device posture. When the device is in a sloped posture, a first threshold value is used, and when in a horizontal posture, a second threshold value is used. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain detection accuracy across different medium types and device orientations without increasing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If the driving voltage is increased to improve signal strength, then detection sensitivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the driving voltage parameter based on device posture. A first driving voltage is applied when in sloped posture and a second (lower) driving voltage when in horizontal posture. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains sufficient detection sensitivity while optimizing energy consumption based on the actual operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the driving voltage according to the detected posture, making the energy consumption adaptive rather than constant. This allows the ultrasonic emission to use only the necessary energy required for each specific operating condition, improving overall energy efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to work in a fixed posture, then the internal structure is simple, but adaptability to different mounting scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection parameters (threshold value and driving voltage) dynamic and adaptable to different postures. The control unit detects the device posture and automatically adjusts the parameters accordingly, allowing the device to adapt to various mounting scenarios (sloped or horizontal) without requiring complex physical reconfiguration or multiple dedicated structures for each posture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same device structure to operate effectively in multiple postures. Through software-based parameter adaptation rather than hardware reconfiguration, the device achieves universal applicability across different mounting scenarios while maintaining relatively simple internal structure
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 allows for precise detection of multi-feed across various media types by optimizing ultrasonic wave settings based on the device's posture, enhancing detection accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an emission unit configured to emit an ultrasonic wave in accordance with a driving voltage
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit configured to receive the ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes: a transport unit configured to transport a medium; an emission unit configured to emit an ultrasonic wave in accordance with a driving voltage and a reception unit configured to receive the ultrasonic wave, the emission unit and the reception unit being disposed so that a transport path for the medium transported by the transport unit is interposed therebetween; a reading unit configured to read the medium; and a control unit configured to detect presence or absence of multi-feed of the medium on the basis of a signal received by the reception unit. The image reading device is configured to switch a posture into any of a first posture or a second posture. The first posture is a posture in which the transport path is sloped relative to a mounting surface. The second posture is a posture in which an angle of the transport path relative to the mounting surface is smaller than that in the first posture. The control unit sets a first driving voltage as the driving voltage when the posture is the first posture, and sets a second driving voltage lower than the first driving voltage as the driving voltage when the posture is the second posture.