Image Reader Positioning for Skew-Free Dual-Sided Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in accurately reading images from media of different thicknesses, often causing skewed transportation and inaccurate reading due to the contact mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a housing, transport unit, first reader, controller, and positioning mechanism that allows for precise movement of the reader between positions to accommodate media of varying thicknesses, ensuring accurate reading without skewing by using a motor-driven transport unit and positioning mechanism to guide the reader between first and second positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reader contacts the second medium to read the image, then the reader can read the image on the first side of the second medium, but the second medium may be transported in a skewed manner, disabling accurate reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning mechanism as an intermediary between the transport unit and the reader. This positioning mechanism includes a positioning plate with a through-hole that guides the second medium, and a positioning protrusion that contacts the reader to control its position. The intermediary structure ensures the reader remains properly aligned while reading, preventing skewed transportation and maintaining both reading accuracy and transportation stability.
2Device complexity
If the reader is fixed at the first position for reading the first medium, then the reading structure is simple, but the reader cannot accurately read images on media of different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning mechanism that allows the reader to move between different positions based on the medium being read. The positioning mechanism includes a movable reader assembly that can be positioned at a first position for reading the first medium or a second position for reading the second medium. This dynamic adjustment capability enables accurate reading of media with different thicknesses while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of guide plates and positioning protrusions.
3Productivity
If the transport unit transports the second medium in a single direction, then the transportation process is simple, but the reader cannot read the image on the first side of the second medium after it passes by
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action in the transport control process. The transport unit transports the second medium in a first direction to position it for reading, then reverses to transport it in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) to return the medium after reading is complete. This periodic back-and-forth transportation pattern, controlled by the controller, enables the reader to accurately read the image on the first side of the second medium while maintaining manageable transport control complexity through automated direction switching.
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
Enables high-accuracy image reading on both sides of media with varying thicknesses, preventing skewing and improving user convenience by maintaining the reader at the correct position during transportation, thus ensuring proper alignment and accurate image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to supply a drive force to the transport unit and the positioning mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The positioning mechanism is configured to move the first reader from the first position to the second position by using a drive force by which the transport unit transports the second medium in the first transport direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a housing, a transport unit, a first reader, a controller, and a positioning mechanism. The controller controls the transport unit to transport a second medium different in thickness from a first medium in a first transport direction and then in a second transport direction opposite to the first transport direction. The positioning mechanism moves the first reader from a first position to a second position by using a drive force by which the transport unit transports the second medium in the first transport direction. The positioning mechanism maintains the first reader at the second position while the second medium transported by the transport unit in the second transport direction is passing the first reader, and moves the first reader from the second position to the first position after the first reader reads the image on the first side of the second medium.