Movable Density Reference Member for Shading Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face challenges in generating clean reference data due to dust interference, especially when the reference member is located on the paper conveyance path, leading to vertical streaks in corrected image data, and regenerating reference data outside the manufacturing environment is difficult.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with a movable density reference member and a lock mechanism that allows the member to be positioned differently for reading shading data, enabling the generation of clean reference data by moving the member to a position separate from the typical document reading position, and using this data for shading correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the density reference member is positioned on the paper conveyance path for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but dust and paper dust adhere to the member causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the density reference member into two distinct positions: a first position on the paper conveyance path for easy access and operation, and a second position away from the conveyance path for accurate shading data measurement. This segmentation allows the same member to serve different functions at different locations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by moving the density reference member between two different positions along the conveyance path. The movable mechanism enables the member to transition between a first position (accessible for operation) and a second position (clean for measurement), effectively using positional dimensionality to resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If the density reference member is fixed in position for stability, then reliability is improved, but the ability to move to different reading positions for dust elimination is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the density reference member movable between two fixed positions through a movable mechanism with lock mechanism. The member can be stably fixed at the first position during normal operation, then moved and re-fixed at the second position for shading data measurement. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between stability and positional adaptability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic movement of the density reference member between the first and second positions. The lock mechanism enables the member to be periodically fixed and moved, allowing regular shading data measurement while maintaining operational stability. This periodic positioning resolves the contradiction by alternating between the two states.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the density reference member remains in the same position for consistent readings, then measurement consistency is improved, but dust accumulation causes vertical streaks in corrected images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the density reference member from its fixed position on the paper conveyance path and relocates it to a second position away from the conveyance path for shading data measurement. This extraction removes the member from the dust-prone environment during critical measurement operations, eliminating the source of dust accumulation while maintaining positional consistency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the density reference member to the second position before taking shading measurements. This preliminary repositioning ensures that the member is in a clean, dust-free location before the measurement process begins, preventing dust accumulation from affecting the readings while maintaining measurement consistency.
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 solution effectively reduces the impact of dust and scratches, allowing for the easy regeneration of clean reference data even when parts are replaced, thereby improving image quality and reducing replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to emit light in a reading direction toward the density reference member; a sensor to read light received from the density reference member
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes an image reader to read image data from a document; a density reference member facing the image reader; a movable mechanism to movably support the density reference member in a movable state; a lock mechanism to lock the movable mechanism to fix a position of the density reference member in a fixed state; and circuitry configured to cause the image reader to read the image data from the document while the density reference member is at a first position in the fixed state; cause the image reader to read shading data from the density reference member while the density reference member is at a second position different from the first position in the movable state; generate reference data used for a shading correction from the shading; and perform the shading correction on the image data, using the reference data.