Image Reading Apparatus Continuous Scanning Size Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses require significant time to read multiple originals as they need to move the carriage back to the home position after each original is read, necessitating additional movements to reposition for size detection of subsequent originals, thereby increasing the overall reading time.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a movable reading device that supports originals on a plane, where the reading device moves in an auxiliary scanning direction to read images and determine original sizes before moving to the next position, allowing for continuous reading without returning to the home position between originals, and includes a controller to manage these processes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the carriage returns to the home position after reading each original, then the reading device can be repositioned for size detection of subsequent originals, but the overall reading time increases due to unnecessary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device performs size detection of the next original in advance during the return movement from the current original's reading position. By detecting the size of the subsequent original before actually needing to read it, the system prepares positioning information ahead of time, eliminating the need to return to home position and reposition after each reading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage continuously moves in one direction (from reading position toward home position) while simultaneously performing size detection of the next original. This converts what would be a idle return trip into a productive measurement operation, maintaining continuous useful action without stopping or reversing direction.
2Measurement precision
If the carriage moves from home position to original reading position for size detection, then accurate size measurement can be performed, but additional movement time is required
Solution Approach 1:
Size detection of the next original is performed in advance during the carriage's return movement. The system uses this opportunity to measure the dimensions of the subsequent original, so when reading is needed, the size information is already available and the carriage is in the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs size detection in the time dimension by utilizing the return trip period, rather than requiring a separate spatial movement from home position. The measurement function is overlaid onto the existing movement trajectory, effectively using another dimension (time) to resolve the contradiction.
3Productivity
If the reading device stops at home position after reading, then the system can wait for next original placement, but productivity decreases due to idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage does not stop at the home position but continues moving while performing size detection of the next original. This eliminates idle time between reading operations by ensuring the carriage is always engaged in a productive function - either reading the current original or measuring the next one.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs size detection of the subsequent original in advance during the return movement, so when the carriage reaches the reading position, everything is ready for immediate reading operation. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and maximizes productivity.
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 configuration significantly reduces the time required to read multiple originals by eliminating unnecessary movements and enabling faster size detection and reading processes, improving efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The conventional original reading apparatus causes the pint light source to emit light toward the original placed on the original table, and then receives the reflected light from the original by the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an image reading apparatus is configured to cause the reading device to read an image on an original with moving a reading location from a first position to a second position, after reading the image on the original with moving the reading location from a third position to the first position, the third position being a position between the first position and the second position and spaced from the first position by a particular distance and determining a width of the original in the main scanning direction. The controller is configured to further move the reading location from the second position to the first position, and detect an instruction to continue reading a subsequent original during a period before the reading location reaches the third position. When the instruction is detected, the controller stops moving the reading location when it reaches the third position.