LED Light Intensity Control for Decoloring Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue with existing image processing apparatuses is that they face a decrease in light intensity from solid light emitting elements, such as LEDs, due to temperature rises when using decolorable color materials, leading to insufficient light for normal reading operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus adjusts the light intensity of the light emitting unit based on the temperature of the decoloring unit, using a control unit to manage current flow according to predefined conditions, ensuring stable light output during scanning and decoloring processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a solid light emitting element (LED) is used as the light source for the scanner, then the apparatus structure is simplified and energy consumption is reduced, but the light intensity decreases due to temperature rise during decoloring operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emitting unit's output dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. The control unit modifies the drive current to the LED in real-time according to the decoloring unit's temperature, allowing the system to adapt light intensity to compensates for temperature-induced degradation while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (drive current) of the light emitting element based on temperature conditions. When the decoloring unit temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit increases the drive current to the LED to compensate for reduced light output, thereby maintaining sufficient illumination intensity without changing the fundamental LED-based low-energy architecture.
2Illumination intensity
If the light intensity of the light emitting unit is increased to compensate for temperature rise, then sufficient light for reading is obtained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity only when necessary - specifically when the decoloring unit temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The control unit monitors temperature and selectively increases LED drive current only during high-temperature decoloring operations, rather than continuously, thereby maintaining sufficient light intensity while minimizing additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of light intensity based on temperature conditions. The control unit periodically checks the decoloring unit temperature and adjusts the light emitting unit's output accordingly, increasing intensity only during periods when temperature rise affects performance, rather than maintaining elevated intensity continuously.
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 adjustment maintains stable image quality by compensating for temperature-induced light intensity decreases, allowing for effective scanning and decoloring operations.
Implementation Method 1
As a light emitting unit of the scanner, a solid light emitting element such as an LED is used
Implementation Method 2
a decoloring unit that decolors an image formed on a sheet using heating
Implementation Method 3
The image is formed of a decolorable material that is decolored when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher
Implementation Method 4
a control unit that controls a light intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit based on a temperature of the decoloring unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a light emitting unit that emits light, a document reading unit, an image forming unit, a decoloring unit, and a control unit. The document reading unit generates image data from an original document that is irradiated with light from the light emitting unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet based on the image data generated by the document reading unit, wherein the image is formed of a decolorable material that is decolored when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. The decoloring unit decolors the image on the sheet using heating. The control unit controls a light intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit based on a temperature of the decoloring unit.