Retractor Mechanism for Scanner Shading Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in maintaining and performing shading correction on scanners due to the close proximity between the scanner tip and the print medium, requiring complex mechanisms and significant time and effort, especially when dealing with long continuous print media.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a retractor that moves the print medium away from the reading position, allowing a shading unit with a reference color member to perform shading correction, thereby creating a space for maintenance and simplifying the correction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanner is positioned close to the print medium for reading, then reading precision is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable print medium conveyance system that dynamically adjusts the distance between the scanner and print medium. During reading operations, the print medium is positioned close to the scanner for high precision. During maintenance operations, the print medium is retracted to create working space, enabling easy access to the scanner without permanent structural changes.
2Ease of operation
If the print medium is removed for scanner maintenance, then maintenance access is improved, but productivity is reduced due to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic conveyance mechanism to temporarily retract the print medium during maintenance operations and automatically return it to the reading position upon completion. This dynamic adjustment provides full maintenance access without permanently removing the print medium, thus maintaining productivity while enabling easy maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the shading member is downsized to fit in the gap, then device complexity is reduced, but shading correction capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic working space by retracting the print medium conveyance path, allowing a full-sized shading member to be positioned in the reading area without permanent structural modification. This temporary space creation enables the use of an appropriately sized shading member for accurate shading correction while avoiding the complexity of designing a miniaturized version.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes: a reader that reads an image on a print medium, and is arranged at a reading position of a conveyance path for conveying the print medium that is continuous and has a long length; a shading unit including a reference color member to perform shading correction of correcting a read value of an image sensor in the reader; a mover that moves the shading unit between the reading position of the reader and a retreated position; and a retractor that retracts the print medium from the reading position of the reader, wherein the retractor arranges the print medium at the reading position of the reader at a time of reading by the reader, and retracts the print medium from the reading position of the reader at an end of reading by the reader, to secure a predetermined space between the reader and the print medium.