Image Reading Apparatus Reference Surface Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading apparatuses face challenges in setting the distance between paper and the calibrating member subjected to colorimetry and the colorimeter with high precision, as colorimetry of the image on the paper and the calibrating member are performed at different positions, making it difficult to maintain consistent distances.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an opposing unit with first and second opposing members that move to precise positions to press a reference surface via the paper, ensuring the paper and calibrating member are accurately positioned within the colorimetric range, and a detector to stop paper conveyance when the opposing member is in the correct position, preventing contamination and improving calibration accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If colorimetry of the image on the paper and the calibrating member are performed at different positions, then the colorimeter can be moved to the calibrating unit for calibration, but it becomes difficult to set the distance between the paper and the colorimeter at the time of colorimetry of the image on the paper and a distance between the calibrating member and the colorimeter at the time of colorimetry of the calibrating member to be the same with high precision
Solution Approach 1:
A reference surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the paper/calibrating member and the colorimeter. The reference surface includes a reference opening that defines a precise colorimetric range position. By making the paper and calibrating member abut against this reference surface, the distance to the colorimeter is standardized through the reference opening, eliminating the need to directly control and match distances in different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surface is prepared in advance with a precisely positioned reference opening that establishes the correct colorimetric range. This preliminary setup allows the paper and calibrating member to be quickly positioned by simply abutting against the reference surface, rather than requiring complex distance adjustments during the colorimetry process.
2Productivity
If the calibrating member is kept in the calibrating unit for easy access, then calibration can be performed quickly, but the calibrating member may become dirty due to paper dust or other contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrating member is extracted from the calibrating unit only when needed for colorimetry. During normal operation, the calibrating member remains stored in the calibrating unit, isolated from paper dust and other contaminants. The extraction occurs temporarily during calibration operations, allowing quick access while minimizing exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surface acts as an intermediary that enables the calibrating member to be positioned for colorimetry without requiring it to be permanently exposed. The calibrating member abuts against the reference surface only during the brief moment of colorimetry, then returns to its protected position in the calibrating unit.
3Manufacturing precision
If the paper conveyance is stopped frequently to position the opposing member correctly, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the productivity of the image reading apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference surface is prepared in advance with the reference opening positioned to define the exact colorimetric range. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for frequent stoppages during operation, as the paper and calibrating member can be quickly positioned by abutting against the pre-positioned reference surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the paper and calibrating member themselves to achieve positioning by making them abut against the reference surface. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external positioning systems and frequent stoppages, as the objects being measured automatically align themselves using the reference surface as a guide.
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 solution allows for precise setting of distances between the paper, calibrating member, and colorimeter, enhancing colorimetric accuracy and preventing contamination of the calibrating member, thereby improving the overall calibration and maintenance of color accuracy in image reading systems.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimeter to measure light reflected from the conveyed paper or the calibrating member
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an image reading apparatus (102) capable of setting the distance between the paper and the calibrating member subjected to the colorimetry and the colorimeter (70) the same with high precision. An image reading apparatus (102) includes: a conveyor that conveys paper on which an image is formed along a conveyance path (42, 42a to 42d); a first guide member (471) including a first opening (bl) on a reference surface (rl) opposed to the conveyance path (42, 42a to 42d) that guides the paper; a first opposing member (81) that arranges the image on the paper in a colorimetric range (al) set in the first opening (bl) on the reference surface (rl) by pressing the reference surface (rl) via the paper to allow the paper to abut the reference surface (rl); a second opposing member (82) that presses the reference surface (rl) by a pressing surface (tl) including a calibrating member in a reference color and allows the calibrating member to abut the reference surface (rl) to arrange the calibrating member in the colorimetric range (al); and a colorimeter (70) arranged on a side opposite to the conveyance path (42, 42a to 42d) across the first guide member (471) that performs colorimetry on the image on the paper and the calibrating member arranged in the colorimetric range (al).