Reading Device Invisible Light Correction Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional invisible information reading technologies face limitations in reading density range due to differences in optical characteristics between visible and invisible light regions, leading to inaccurate reading of documents.

Innovation Solution

A reading device with an imaging element and a correction unit that applies processing based on the optical characteristic differences between visible and invisible light regions to enhance the reading density range, using a configuration that includes a light source capable of switching between visible and invisible light and a signal processing unit for shading correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional invisible information reading technology is used without correction processing, then the reading process is simple, but the reading density range is limited and reading accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing correction processing that adjusts reading density parameters based on optical characteristic differences between visible and invisible light regions. The correction unit modifies the density parameters to compensate for the limitations of conventional reading technology, thereby expanding the readable density range and improving accuracy without requiring fundamentally different hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If correction processing based on optical characteristic differences is applied, then the reading density range is expanded, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading density rangeVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction unit acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the imaging element and the final output. It receives raw image signals, applies correction processing based on pre-stored optical characteristic data, and outputs corrected images. This intermediary approach enables the system to handle both visible and invisible light regions with appropriate corrections, expanding adaptability while keeping the added complexity localized to a dedicated correction module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the same reading process is used for both visible and invisible light regions, then the process is simple, but the reading accuracy is limited due to optical characteristic differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidprocessing differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific correction processing. Different correction parameters and methods are applied to visible light region images versus invisible light region images, based on their distinct optical characteristics. The correction unit automatically selects and applies the appropriate correction profile for each region type, ensuring optimal reading accuracy for both visible and invisible information while maintaining a unified overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively reduces the limitation of the reading density range, allowing for accurate reading of both visible and invisible information by adjusting the reading density based on optical characteristics, thereby improving the reading accuracy and range.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging element (9) which receives light from an object (12) selectively irradiated with visible light or invisible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3609171B1Reading device, image forming apparatus including same, and reading method
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3609171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3609171B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3609171B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A reading device (101) includes an imaging element (9, 31c, or 32c) and a correction unit (22). The imaging element (9, 31c, or 32c) is configured to receive light from an object selectively irradiated with visible light or invisible light. The correction unit (22) is configured to apply correction processing based on a difference in an optical characteristic between an invisible light region and a visible light region to an image signal in the invisible light region output from the imaging element (9, 31c, or 32c) and output the image signal corrected.