Original Reading Apparatus External Light Detection Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Original reading apparatuses with automatic document feeders (ADF) often mistakenly detect external light as reflected light, leading to incorrect pre-feed completion and subsequent image data generation issues, including single-color regions and truncated images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveying mechanism, a reading device, and a control device that optically detects the original's presence and analyzes the read image for solid regions to determine if external light has been incorrectly detected, outputting a signal for incorrect detection and adjusting operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an optical sensor is used to detect the leading edge of an original, then the original reading apparatus can automatically convey the original to the read position, but external light may be mistakenly detected as reflected light from the original, causing false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a feedback mechanism where the control device analyzes the read image data to determine if it represents a solid region with uniform color. When such a region is detected, the system infers that false detection occurred and adjusts accordingly by re-executing the pre-feed operation. This feedback loop continuously monitors and corrects detection errors caused by external light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the optical sensor and the conveying mechanism. It introduces an additional verification step by analyzing the read image data to confirm whether the detected object is actually an original or merely external light. This intermediary analysis layer prevents false triggering of the pre-feed operation.
2Reliability
If the apparatus performs pre-feed operation upon detecting external light, then the detection position is cleared, but the apparatus mistakenly determines pre-feed completion and generates incorrect image data
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements feedback by analyzing the characteristics of the read image data. When the data shows a solid region with uniform color spanning the entire width, the system recognizes this as an anomaly indicating false detection. The feedback mechanism then triggers corrective action by re-executing the pre-feed operation and clearing the erroneous detection state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the presence of solid regions in the read image data before final image processing. This preliminary check prevents the generation of incorrect image data by identifying and correcting false detection conditions early in the process, before they can affect the final output quality.
3Measurement precision
If the apparatus continuously monitors for original presence, then detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs self-service by utilizing the existing read image data for dual purposes: both for normal image processing and for verifying original detection accuracy. The system analyzes the read image data to determine if it represents a solid region, thereby self- verifying the detection without requiring additional dedicated monitoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device exhibits multi-functionality by using the read image data for multiple purposes: normal image processing and detection verification. The same optical sensor and read image generation components serve both the primary scanning function and the secondary verification function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems.
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
Prevents incorrect image data generation by accurately determining external light interference, ensuring proper pre-feed and reading operations, and notifying the user of potential issues such as conveying slippage or false detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor includes a light-emitting unit for emitting light toward a detection position, and a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected from the detection position
Data Source
AI summary
In an original reading apparatus, a conveying mechanism and a reading device start a conveying operation and a reading operation to acquire a read image when a detecting device detects an existence of an original. The read image is acquired in a first direction and has a prescribed width in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first direction corresponds to a conveying direction of the original. A control device determines whether or not the read image includes an overall solid region with a single color. The overall solid region has: a length in the first direction longer than or equal to a prescribed length; and a width in the second direction equal to the prescribed width. When the read image includes the overall solid region, the control device outputs a signal indicative of incorrect detection of the existence of the original due to external light.