Image Sensor Unit Staggered Connection Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image sensor units used for reading large originals, the connection errors between sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays can lead to reduced reading accuracy, especially when these components are closely arranged, causing integration of connection errors that negatively impact image scanning precision.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor unit is designed with sensor substrates and imaging element arrays connected in the main-scan direction, where connection positions between the substrates and arrays are arranged to not overlap, preventing the integration of connection errors and maintaining reading accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays are connected to extend read length, then the read length is improved, but connection errors accumulate and reduce reading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor unit is divided into multiple sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays that can be connected in series to extend the read length. Each substrate/array is a separate module that can be independently manufactured and then connected to form a longer scanning unit, allowing extended read length while managing connection errors through staggered positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies staggered positioning in the main-scan direction to separate the connection positions of sensor substrates from those of rod-lens arrays. By offsetting connections along the scanning direction rather than aligning them, the design prevents error accumulation at overlapping positions while maintaining the extended read length capability.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays are closely arranged to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but connection errors integrate and reduce reading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets connection positions in the main-scan direction between sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays. This dimensional offsetting allows the components to be closely arranged in the vertical direction for compactness while preventing connection error integration by separating connection locations along the scanning axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates an asymmetric arrangement where sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays are positioned at different longitudinal positions along the main-scan direction. This asymmetric, staggered configuration prevents direct alignment of connection points, thereby avoiding error accumulation while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 reduces the decrease in reading accuracy even with acceptable connection errors, ensuring precise image scanning by preventing the integration of errors between the sensor substrates and rod-lens arrays.
Implementation Method 1
sensor chips converting light from an object to be read to electric signals
Implementation Method 2
imaging element arrays that focus the light from the object to be read on the sensor chips
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor unit includes: a plurality of sensor substrates that are connected in a main-scan direction and that are provided with sensor chips in the main-scan direction, the sensor chips converting light from an original to electric signals; and a plurality of rod-lens arrays that are connected in the main-scan direction and that are provided with a plurality of rod lenses in the main-scan direction, the rod lenses focusing the light from the original on the sensor chips, wherein connection positions between the plurality of sensor substrates are arranged at positions not overlapping with connection positions between the plurality of rod-lens arrays. A decrease in reading accuracy of an image can be reduced even if short constituent members are connected in the main-scan direction to form an elongated image sensor unit.