Integrated Light Source Sensor Unit for Paper Image Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image acquisition devices for paper sheets, such as banknotes, face challenges in obtaining satisfactory reflection and transmission images due to inadequate light directivity and quantity, leading to suboptimal image quality and excess light sources, while also requiring downsizing and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a configuration with a first light source emitting light with directivity in both directions, paired with first and second light receiving sensors, and additional light sources to optimize light quantity and direction for reflection and transmission image acquisition, allowing simultaneous light reception and adjustable parameters like light emission current and accumulation time to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light source and sensor are arranged at shifted positions to capture transmission image, then the device structure is simplified, but the transmitted light quantity becomes insufficient leading to poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and sensor into a single integrated detecting unit, where the light source emits light that passes through the banknote and is directly received by the sensor positioned immediately below it. This merging eliminates the need for separate light source and sensor arrangements, simplifying the device structure while ensuring sufficient transmitted light quantity for high-quality transmission images.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures both transmission images (by receiving light that passes through the banknote) and reflection images (by receiving light reflected from the banknote surface). This multi-functional design reduces the overall device complexity by using a single unit for multiple detection purposes.
2Volume of moving object
If a light source is installed only on one side for reflection image acquisition, then the device is downsized, but the reflection image quality becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the light source and sensor are positioned on opposite sides of the banknote for reflection image acquisition. The light source is on one side and the sensor is on the other side, allowing the light to reflect off the banknote surface and be detected. This asymmetric arrangement maximizes the reflection path while keeping the device compact, ensuring sufficient reflection image quality without increasing device size.
3Loss of information
If one transmission image is obtained from light passing from above to below and another from below to above, then complete transmission information is acquired, but the device requires excess light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source in the detecting unit serves multiple purposes: it provides light for transmission image acquisition (light passing through the banknote from one side to the other) and for reflection image acquisition (light reflecting from the banknote surface). This universal light source eliminates the need for separate light sources for different imaging modes, reducing the total light source quantity while maintaining complete transmission information.
4Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to ensure sufficient light quantity for both reflection and transmission images, then image quality is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and sensor into a single integrated detecting unit that uses one light source for multiple imaging functions. This combining approach ensures sufficient light quantity for both reflection and transmission images while significantly reducing device complexity compared to using separate light sources for each imaging mode.
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 acquisition of satisfactory reflection and transmission images while achieving device downsizing and cost reduction, ensuring improved image quality and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first light receiving sensor that receives a reflected light that is emitted by the first light source and reflected from the paper sheet being transported
Implementation Method 2
a second light receiving sensor arranged on other side of the paper sheet being transported on the transport path and that receives a transmitted light that has passed through the paper sheet being transported
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Light is emitted on one side of a paper sheet 100, which is being transported on a transport path, from a first light source 11, and light is emitted on other side of the paper sheet 100 from a second light source 21 and a fourth light source 22. A first light receiving sensor 14 receives a first reflected light, which is the light emitted by the first light source 11 and reflected from the one side of the paper sheet 100. A second light receiving sensor 24 receives a second reflected light, which is the light emitted by the second light source 21 and the fourth light source 22 and reflected from the other side of the paper sheet 100, and receives a transmitted light that is the light emitted by the first light source 11 and that has passed through the paper sheet 100. With this, satisfactory reflection image and transmission image of the paper sheet can be acquired while realizing the downsizing of the device.