Movable Light Reflecting Surface Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in reducing size and cost while accurately setting a movable light reflecting surface to appropriate positions, often requiring position sensors or springs, which increase complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus that includes a movable light reflecting surface with a control module determining its positions based on images captured by an image capturing module, using a driving module to move the surface between reflecting and non-reflecting positions, eliminating the need for position sensors and springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position sensor is used to detect the backing position, then the backing can be accurately positioned, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical position sensor detection system with an optical detection method. The image capturing device captures images of the backing, and the control unit determines the backing position based on image analysis, eliminating the need for separate position sensors and reducing apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capturing device serves dual purposes: it both captures images of documents for scanning and detects the position of the backing through image analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated position detection components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a spring is used to return the backing to initial position, then the backing can be automatically reset, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based automatic reset system with a motor-driven system controlled by software. The control unit commands the motor to automatically return the backing to its initial position based on detected position feedback, eliminating the need for springs and reducing apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic backing reset through intelligent control algorithms that monitor backing position and autonomously command the motor to return the backing to the initial position, eliminating the need for separate mechanical resetting components.
3Reliability
If the motor continues to drive to hold the backing at predetermined position, then the backing position is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the image capturing device continuously monitors the backing position, and the control unit adjusts motor operation based on this feedback. The motor operates only when position correction is needed, maintaining position stability while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous motor operation, the system uses periodic position detection and corrective motor action only when deviations are detected. This intermittent operation maintains backing position stability while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
4Device complexity
If the backing position is set by driving the motor by a fixed amount, then the positioning is simple, but positioning accuracy decreases under vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image-based feedback to verify and correct backing position. After motor-driven positioning, the system captures an image to verify the backing reached the correct position, and makes additional adjustments if vibrations or shocks caused position deviations, ensuring high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely motor-driven position calculation with optical verification using image capture. The image analysis provides accurate position verification independent of mechanical disturbances, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy under vibrations or shocks.
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 approach allows for precise positioning of the light reflecting surface without increasing apparatus size or cost, maintaining accuracy even under vibrations or shocks, and reduces power consumption by stopping motor drive when the surface is held in place.
Implementation Method 1
a movable light reflecting surface having a white color... a first position at which the light reflecting surface reflects light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes an image capturing module for capturing an image of a document, a light source, a movable light reflecting surface having a white color, a driving module for moving the light reflecting surface into a first position at which the light reflecting surface reflects light from the light source and a second position at which the light reflecting surface does not reflect light from the light source, and a control module for controlling the driving module to move the light reflecting surface. The control module determines the second position by moving the light reflecting surface by a predetermined quantity from the first position determined based on an image obtained by the image capturing module.