Image Reading Device Background Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses require additional space to switch between white and black backgrounds, increasing the overall size of the device due to the need for a movable mechanism to position optical systems for reading both surfaces of an original.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a fixed reading unit that uses a CIS sliding motor and translating cam mechanism to switch between white and black backgrounds without increasing the device's width, allowing for background color adjustment by moving the CIS and reference members in the conveyance direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable mechanism is used to switch between white and black backgrounds by moving the optical system, then background switching capability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optical system to switch backgrounds, the invention inverts the approach by moving the background members (white and black plates) relative to the fixed optical system. This allows background switching without requiring the optical system to move, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining background switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of movement from the optical system's position along the conveyance direction to the background members' position in the same direction. By displacing background members rather than the optical system, the patent achieves background switching with a more compact overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system is moved to switch backgrounds, then background color can be changed, but the space required for the movable mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by making the background members movable rather than the optical system. This allows the optical system to remain fixed, eliminating the need for complex movable mechanisms and reducing the volume required for background switching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the movability requirement from the optical system and applies it only to the background members. This separation allows the optical system to be stationary while still achieving background color switching through the displacement of white and black plates
Data Source
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AI summary
According to this invention, there is provided a technique of switching a background without increasing the size of an overall apparatus. There is provided an image reading apparatus characterized by including a first reading sensor provided in a first reading unit and configured to read one surface of the sheet moving along a conveyance path, a second reading sensor provided in a second reading unit provided to face the first reading sensor via the conveyance path and configured to read an image on the other surface of the sheet, a first background portion serving as a reading background of the first reading sensor, a second background portion serving as a reading background of the second reading sensor, and a moving portion configured to integrally move the first reading sensor and the second background portion along the conveyance path, wherein the first reading unit includes a sensor case in which the first reading sensor is provided, and the sensor case is fixed to the apparatus main body.