Image Reading Apparatus Self-Diagnosis Using Adjacent Abnormal Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses struggle to accurately distinguish between abnormalities caused by foreign matter and device malfunctions, leading to confusion in identifying the necessary repair or maintenance actions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus determines the cause of abnormalities by analyzing the consecutive number of adjacent abnormal pixels, using reference values specific to device failures and foreign matter presence, to differentiate between light emitting device and light receiving device malfunctions and foreign matter interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the apparatus uses a conventional detection method that only counts the number of abnormal pixels, then it can detect the presence of abnormalities, but it cannot accurately distinguish between foreign matter presence and device malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the abnormality detection process into two distinct dimensions: (1) the total number of abnormal pixels, and (2) the consecutive number of adjacent abnormal pixels. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between foreign matter (which typically affects scattered pixels) and device malfunctions (which tend to affect consecutive pixels), thereby improving detection accuracy without losing diagnostic information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the detection methodology by introducing the spatial arrangement metric (consecutive number of adjacent abnormal pixels) alongside the traditional count metric. This dimensional expansion transforms the detection from a single-value assessment to a multi-parameter analysis, enabling accurate distinction between different abnormality causes while preserving comprehensive diagnostic information
2Reliability
If the apparatus performs repeated detection operations to determine persistent abnormalities, then it can identify persistent issues, but it still cannot provide actionable information for repair or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that not only detects persistent abnormalities through repeated operations but also provides actionable diagnostic feedback by analyzing the spatial pattern of abnormal pixels. The system feeds back specific information about the consecutive number of adjacent abnormal pixels, which directly indicates whether the issue is likely foreign matter (requiring cleaning) or device malfunction (requiring repair/replacement), thereby making the system easy to operate and interpret
3Device complexity
If the apparatus uses a simple detection method that only determines presence of abnormality, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of abnormality cause identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a simple count of abnormal pixels to include the consecutive number of adjacent abnormal pixels. This parameter transformation maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving measurement precision for cause identification, as the spatial arrangement parameter provides discriminative power without requiring complex additional hardware
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 enables precise identification of the source of abnormalities, facilitating targeted maintenance and preventing image quality deterioration during reading operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device that emits light to illuminate the medium
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor (functioning as a light receiving device or an image pickup device) that receives reflected light from the original document
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for reading an image on a medium to be read using a light emitting device and a light receiving device is disclosed in which a determination is made that at least one of the light emitting device and the light receiving device malfunctions in the presence of a substantial coincidence between a consecutive number of abnormal pixels adjacent to each other and a reference value.