Optical Scanning Device Skew Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color shift correction in optical scanning devices, particularly scanning inclination correction, requires significant image data storage and increased device costs due to large correction amounts, necessitating efficient mechanisms to adjust optical elements accurately.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device with a skew adjustment mechanism using a skew adjustment motor and eccentric cam to periodically change the position of optical elements, allowing for precise correction of scanning inclination by rotating the motor in a fixed direction, with a control unit calculating necessary rotation amounts based on measured skew amounts at multiple points to return the optical element to a reference position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning inclination correction is performed by storing large amounts of image data in memory, then correction accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional method of correcting scanning inclination through software-based image data storage and processing with a mechanical adjustment system. An adjustment mechanism physically tilts the optical element (scanning lens or reflecting mirror) to correct skew, eliminating the need for large memory storage and complex image processing, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining correction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the optical element by adjusting its tilt angle through a mechanical adjustment mechanism. By varying the inclination angle of the optical element, the system directly corrects scanning inclination without requiring digital image processing, thus solving the contradiction between correction accuracy and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is added to correct scanning inclination, then skew correction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the skew correction function from the complex software processing system and implements it through a dedicated mechanical adjustment mechanism. This separate, specialized mechanism provides skew correction capability without requiring complex integrated systems, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that can physically change the position and angle of optical elements during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different skew conditions without requiring complex static configurations or extensive software processing
3Measurement precision
If the optical element position is changed to correct skew, then scanning inclination accuracy is improved, but position stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary adjustment of the optical element position to establish the correct reference state before actual scanning operation. By pre-adjusting the optical element to the proper angle and position, the system ensures both scanning inclination accuracy and position stability during operation, eliminating the need for continuous adjustments that could compromise stability
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 enables accurate and efficient correction of scanning inclination without the need for encoders or sensors, reducing device costs and maintaining high image quality by periodically adjusting the optical element's position, thus addressing the challenge of large correction amounts in color shift correction.
Implementation Method 1
The skew adjustment mechanism includes a skew adjustment motor for adjusting an angle of the optical element, and rotates the skew adjustment motor in a fixed direction so that the position of the optical element changes periodically
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device includes a scanning optical system, a housing, a skew adjustment mechanism, and a control unit. The skew adjustment mechanism rotates a skew adjustment motor in a fixed direction, so as to periodically change position of an optical element. When rotating the skew adjustment motor by a rotation amount corresponding to a half period of position change of the optical element, average value of the position change of the optical element is substantially the same as average value of the position change of the optical element per one period. The control unit calculates rotation amount of the skew adjustment motor necessary for returning the optical element to the reference position, on the basis of rotation amounts of the skew adjustment motor at three points obtained by equally dividing the position change of the optical element per half period into two, and skew amounts.