Image Reading Device Shading Correction for Density Consistency

Solution Overview

Problem

Image reading devices experience a difference in image data density due to varying distances between the document sheet and the contact glass when using contact glass and Auto Document Feeder (ADF) methods, leading to inconsistent image quality without proper adjustment values.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image reading device with separate adjustment values for each reading method, using shading correction formulas and initial values to set and store adjustment values based on reference data from a reference sheet, ensuring consistent image data density across both reading methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate adjustment values are obtained for each reading method, then image data density consistency is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data density consistencyVSAvoidadjustment value management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-obtaining adjustment values for both contact glass and ADF reading methods before actual use. The system stores these adjustment values in advance, so when reading is performed, the appropriate pre-calculated adjustment value is simply selected and applied, eliminating the need to perform complex adjustment value acquisition procedures at the time of reading and thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a unified adjustment value management system that handles both contact glass and ADF reading methods through the same operational interface. The system can acquire, store, and apply adjustment values for multiple reading methods using a single set of procedures, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate adjustment processes for each reading method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate adjustment values are obtained for each reading method, then image data density consistency is improved, but adjustment time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data density consistencyVSAvoidreading operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-obtaining adjustment values for both contact glass and ADF reading methods before actual use. The system stores these adjustment values in advance, so when reading is performed, the appropriate pre-calculated adjustment value is simply selected and applied, eliminating the need to perform complex adjustment value acquisition procedures at the time of reading and thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by allowing adjustment values to be acquired through a standardized procedure that can be replicated for different reading methods. Once adjustment values are obtained for one method, the same acquisition process can be copied and applied to obtain adjustment values for other reading methods, ensuring consistency while maintaining efficiency through procedure reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment value acquisition is required, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment value accuracyVSAvoidadjustment value setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically acquire, store, and apply adjustment values without requiring manual intervention for each reading operation. The system performs the adjustment value acquisition procedures automatically and selects the appropriate pre-stored adjustment values based on the reading method being used, freeing the operator from complex manual adjustment tasks while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-obtaining adjustment values for both contact glass and ADF reading methods before actual use. The system stores these adjustment values in advance, so when reading is performed, the appropriate pre-calculated adjustment value is simply selected and applied, eliminating the need to perform complex adjustment value acquisition procedures at the time of reading and thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10070007B2Image reading device capable of reading image data from document sheet and adjusting shading correction

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image reading device includes a first setting processing portion, a second setting processing portion, and a third setting processing portion. The first setting processing portion, when first reference data has been read in a first reading process in which image data is read from a sheet placed on a sheet placement portion, sets a first adjustment value which is used in a shading correction. The second setting processing portion, when second reference data has been read in a second reading process in which image data is read from a sheet conveyed by a sheet conveying portion, sets a second adjustment value which is used in the shading correction. The third setting processing portion, in a case where only one of the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value has been set, sets the other based on the one that has been set.