Image Reading Device Sub-Scanning Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading devices face challenges in accurately correcting the length of image data in the sub-scanning direction due to variations in frictional forces caused by factors like temperature, humidity, and material, which affect the conveyance speed and alignment of documents.

Innovation Solution

An image reading device with optoelectronic transducers aligned in the main scanning direction scans sheets in both sub-scanning directions, using first and second image data from sheets with edges intersecting at different angles to determine an adjustment value that corrects the length of image data output, ensuring accurate alignment and size adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If correction magnification is acquired based on the count of fed sheets, then the correction process can be simplified, but the accuracy of length correction deteriorates due to variations in frictional force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection process complexityVSAvoidlength correction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/friction-based sheet feeding correction method with an optical measurement system. Image reading devices capture images of reference marks on sheets, and the control unit calculates actual conveyance distances based on these optical measurements, eliminating dependence on friction-based counting methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by measuring the actual positions of reference marks on conveyed sheets using image reading devices, comparing these measurements with expected positions, and using the difference to correct the conveyance distance calculation for subsequent sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the reading section scans sheets with fixed intervals, then the scanning process is simplified, but the image data length varies when conveyance speed changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidimage data length consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment to the scanning system by calculating correction magnifications based on actual conveyance distances measured from reference mark positions. This allows the scanning interval or reading position to be dynamically adjusted to compensate for conveyance speed variations, maintaining consistent image data length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If frictional force is used to feed documents, then the feeding mechanism is simplified, but the conveyance speed varies due to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding mechanism complexityVSAvoidconveyance speed stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based mechanical feeding with an optical measurement and calculation system. Instead of relying on friction to control and measure conveyance, the system uses image reading devices to optically measure reference mark positions and calculates actual conveyance distances, eliminating the instability introduced by friction variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method allows for precise adjustment of image data length in the sub-scanning direction, improving the accuracy and reliability of image reading by accounting for manufacturing errors and environmental factors, leading to enhanced image quality and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

a reading section having a plurality of optoelectronic transducers aligned in a main scanning direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240372953A1Image reading device, adjustment method and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with adjustment program

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image reading device includes a reading section having a plurality of optoelectronic transducers aligned in a main scanning direction, a sub-scanner causing the reading section to scan a first sheet and a second sheet in a sub-scanning direction, and a controller determining an adjustment value defining a length in the sub-scanning direction of image data output by the reading section based on first image data and second image data. The first sheet and the second sheet have the same size. In the first image data, an angle at which the first edge intersects with the main scanning direction is smaller than an angle at which the second edge intersects with the main scanning direction. In the second image data, an angle at which the second edge intersects with the main scanning direction is smaller than an angle at which the first edge intersects with the main scanning direction.