Image Forming System with Contact-Free Shading Reference Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading systems face issues with shading correction accuracy due to the placement of white reference plates on the conveyance path, which can cause sheet peeling, staining, and paper jams, leading to reduced reading accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The system arranges white reference plates on the surface of the reading glass upstream of the reading position to avoid contact with the sheet, using a staggered configuration to minimize space and cost, and employs a sheet guide member to prevent jams while maintaining shading correction accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the white reference plate is provided on the conveyance path, then shading correction can be performed, but the sheet may be rubbed by the white reference plate causing image peeling and staining
Solution Approach 1:
The white reference plate is moved from the conveyance path (2D plane) to the reading glass surface (3D space above the conveyance path). This spatial relocation allows the reference plate to remain accessible for shading correction while eliminating direct contact with the sheet during conveyance, thus preventing rubbing and staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading glass serves as an intermediary surface that holds the white reference plate. Instead of placing the reference plate directly on the conveyance path where it would contact the sheet, the reading glass acts as a mediator to position the reference plate in a location that is both functional for shading correction and harmless to the sheet.
2Measurement precision
If the white reference plate is provided on the conveyance path, then shading correction can be performed, but the leading end of the sheet may contact the white reference plate causing buckling and paper jam
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the white reference plate on the reading glass surface rather than on the conveyance path, the reference plate is elevated to a different spatial dimension. This prevents the sheet's leading end from making contact with the reference plate during conveyance, eliminating the risk of buckling and paper jams while preserving shading correction functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the white reference plate is placed on the reading glass, then sheet contact is avoided, but space and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reading glass serves multiple functions: it is used for sheet reading and also serves as a mounting surface for the white reference plate. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for additional dedicated space or components for housing the reference plate, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the reading glass is merged with the function of supporting the white reference plate. Instead of having separate components for sheet reading and reference plate storage, the design combines these functions into a single integrated structure, reducing overall space requirements and component count.
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 arrangement enhances shading correction accuracy by preventing sheet contact with the white reference plates, reducing jams, and maintaining consistent image reading quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image reading apparatus configured to read an image of a sheet through a transparent member through use of an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
shading correction is performed by reading a white reference plate through use of an image sensor in order to correct light amount unevenness of a light source
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming system including: a conveyance unit configured to convey a first sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming portion; a reading unit including a reading sensor configured to read the first sheet being conveyed by the conveyance unit through a transparent member at a reading position; a guide member configured to cover a reference member on a side opposite to the reading sensor with respect to the transparent member; and a controller configured to perform shading correction on a result of reading the first sheet based on image data obtained by the reading unit reading the reference member through the transparent member, and to control, based on an image subjected to the shading correction, a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed on a second sheet by the image forming portion.