Oblique Image Sensor Line for Scanner Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional peripheral devices face challenges in scanning large media due to offset issues during media transportation, leading to defective image stitching and reduced scanning quality, particularly when using multiple scanner assemblies that are not perfectly aligned.
Innovation Solution
The scanner assemblies are designed with image sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to the media advance direction, and a shift processing routine is implemented to compensate for these offsets, allowing for improved alignment and higher resolution scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple scanner assemblies are used to scan large media, then scanning coverage is improved, but offset issues during media transportation cause defective image stitching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the image sensor line at an oblique angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the media advance direction, transforming the traditional parallel alignment. This angular orientation allows the sensor to capture images at an angle that compensates for media transport offsets, enabling accurate stitching across multiple scanner assemblies while maintaining large media coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the image sensor line from parallel (0 degrees) to oblique (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the media advance direction. This parameter change fundamentally alters how offset distances are handled, converting a source of stitching errors into a compensating geometric relationship that improves overall stitching accuracy
2Device complexity
If image sensor line is oriented parallel to media advance direction, then device simplicity is maintained, but offset distance causes aliasing effects and reduced scanning quality
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the image sensor line at an oblique angle rather than parallel to the media advance direction, the patent introduces a geometric dimension that naturally compensates for offset issues. This angular configuration reduces aliasing effects and improves scanning quality without requiring complex additional hardware or processing mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If scanner assemblies are positioned close together to minimize offset, then stitching accuracy is improved, but media transportation stability becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique angle orientation of the image sensor line allows scanner assemblies to be positioned in a configuration that simultaneously achieves close spacing for accurate stitching and maintains stable media transportation. The angular geometry provides a solution space where both stitching accuracy and transportation stability can be optimized together rather than traded off against each other
Data Source
AI summary
An example scanner assembly includes a housing formed with corners to allow an image sensor line to align cornerwise. An example scanner apparatus may include a plurality of scanner assemblies with an image sensor line oblique to the media advance direction.