Image Reading Apparatus Pressure Plate Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face challenges in detecting the size of originals, such as bound books, when the pressure plate is kept open, leading to increased power consumption due to continuous detection attempts.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a platen glass plate, an original positioning portion, a rotatable pressure plate, a light source, a line image sensor, and a controller that determines the original's size based on detection results from sensors and image data when the pressure plate is open, allowing for reduced power consumption by executing a simple size detecting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the original size detector continuously operates to detect original size when the pressure plate is open, then the original size detection accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The original size detector operates periodically based on pressure plate state changes rather than continuously. The controller activates the detector only when the pressure plate transitions to a closed state or when an image reading operation is initiated, eliminating unnecessary continuous operation and reducing power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when needed
2Ease of operation
If the pressure plate is kept open to read bound books, then the ease of operation is improved, but the original size detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary size detection by utilizing the line image sensor data acquired during the image reading operation itself, rather than requiring a separate detection step. The controller processes the image data to determine original size after the pressure plate is closed, allowing the pressure plate to remain open during binding reading operations without compromising size detection capability
3Reliability
If the original size detector is always active when the pressure plate angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, then the original size detection reliability is improved, but the power consumption becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of the original size detector based on the pressure plate angle and operational context. The controller monitors the pressure plate state and activates the detector only when necessary (upon closing or reading initiation), transforming the system from a static always-active state to a dynamic conditional operation mode that maintains reliability while reducing energy consumption
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
Enables accurate detection of original sizes with reduced power consumption by switching to a simple size detecting operation when the pressure plate is open, thereby minimizing continuous detection attempts and conserving energy.
Implementation Method 1
a line image sensor which includes a plurality of light receiving portions arranged side by side in a main scanning direction and which receives a light reflected from the original illuminated by the light source to generate image data
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a line image sensor receiving a light reflected from an original illuminated by a light source to generate image data, an original size detector disposed away from an original positioning portion by a predetermined distance in a sub-scanning direction, an original image reading start instructing unit outputting an image reading start instruction for starting an image reading operation when being depressed by a user, and a controller determining a size of the original based on detection results of the line image sensor and the original size detector when the size of the original is not stored in a memory in a case in which the controller receives the image reading start instruction in a state in which it is detected that an angle of a pressure plate is greater than a predetermined angle.