Scanner Analog Front-End Calibration Using Data Freedom
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-front-end (AFE) circuits in scanners face challenges in accurately converting scan bar signals due to mismatches in signal ranges, often resulting in clipping and degraded scan quality when incorrect 'white' target values are used for calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating AFEs by determining intermediate and variation values, calculating a data freedom value, and adjusting signal ranges to ensure accurate calibration, incorporating a processing unit and averaging module to handle scanned data and generate optimal gain and offset parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the 'white' target value is set too close to the upper limit of the dynamic range of the AFE, then the calibration range is maximized, but clipping of the analog signal occurs and scan quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of scan bar output characteristics (minimum and maximum values) before finalizing the white target value for calibration. This preliminary action allows the system to predict potential clipping issues and adjust the white target value accordingly, preventing clipping before it occurs during actual scanning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the determined maximum output value of the scan bar to adjust the white target value. By comparing the scan bar's actual output range with the AFE's dynamic range, the system automatically modifies the white target value to ensure it maintains adequate distance from the upper limit, preventing clipping while maximizing calibration accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If offset and gain adjustments are applied to accommodate signal range mismatch, then the AFE can process scan bar outputs, but incorrect calibration parameters degrade scan quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically determines calibration parameters (offset and gain) based on actual scan bar output characteristics rather than using fixed predetermined values. The system calculates the minimum and maximum output values of the scan bar and uses these to compute optimized offset and gain parameters, ensuring both signal range compatibility and high scan quality through data-driven parameter adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system of calibrating a scanner that has a scanning element. The method includes scanning data with the scanning element, and determining an intermediate value of the scanned data. The method also includes determining a variation value of the scanning element, and determining a data freedom value based on the intermediate value and the variation value.