Image Reading Device White Reference Plate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face delays in starting document reading operations due to the need to read white reference plates located outside the document transport path, which requires the carriage to move back and forth, increasing the time taken to initiate the reading process.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device includes a control unit that strategically positions two white reference bodies within the reading device, allowing the carriage to read them based on its standby position, thereby reducing the time needed to start the reading operation by minimizing unnecessary movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the carriage moves to read the white reference plate located outside the document transport path before reading documents, then the shading correction and white level detection are improved, but the starting period of the reading operation is delayed due to the carriage needing to move back and forth
Solution Approach 1:
The white reference plate is positioned within the document transport path so that the carriage can read it in advance during the document feeding process, before the actual document reading operation begins. This preliminary reading of the white reference plate enables shading correction and white level detection to be completed without delaying the start of document reading, as the carriage does not need to make separate trips to retrieve the white reference plate from outside the transport path
2Measurement precision
If the carriage moves to a position outside the document transport path to read the white reference plate, then accurate shading correction is achieved, but the carriage movement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The white reference plate reading function is merged with the document transport path, allowing the carriage to perform both white reference plate reading and document reading operations within the same operational range. This eliminates the need for separate carriage trips to and from positions outside the transport path, thereby reducing total carriage movement time while maintaining shading correction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage reads the white reference plate in advance during the document feeding process, completing shading correction preparations before document reading begins. This preliminary action is integrated into the normal document transport workflow, so no additional time is added to the carriage schedule
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 configuration enables the image reading device to initiate the reading operation more quickly by rapidly reading the white reference body closest to the carriage's standby position, thus reducing the delay in starting the document reading process.
Implementation Method 1
the reading unit reads reflected light of light with which the white reference plate is irradiated
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit performs a reading operation in a first mode in which a document on a document stand is read by moving a carriage which includes a reading portion, and in a second mode in which a document which is transported by a document transport unit is read using the carriage which is located at a reading position. The device includes a first white reference plate which is arranged in a first white reference reading position which is a standby position in the first mode, and a second white reference plate which is arranged on a side opposite to the first white reference plate by interposing a reading position in the second mode therebetween in the sub-scanning direction.