Image Scanner Dirt Detection via Synchronization Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image scanning apparatuses fail to detect dirt at the scanning position when the reading synchronization signal is provided without change, as they rely on data during invalid synchronization periods, preventing effective dirt detection.
Innovation Solution
An image scanning apparatus with a reading unit, detection unit, and delay unit that reads image data synchronized with a reading synchronization signal, and delays the synchronization signal validity period until document data reading starts, allowing dirt detection at the scanning position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reading synchronization signal is provided without change to the detection unit, then the data reading process is simple and fast, but the dirt detection at the scanning position becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The delay unit pre-adjusts the reading synchronization signal by delaying its validity period until the document data reading starts. This preliminary timing adjustment ensures that when the detection unit processes image data, the synchronization signal is valid during the document image reading period, enabling proper dirt detection without compromising reading speed
Solution Approach 2:
The delay unit acts as an intermediary between the reading unit and the detection unit. It receives the reading synchronization signal, applies the necessary delay to align the validity period with the document data reading timing, and outputs the adjusted signal to the detection unit, thereby resolving the timing mismatch that prevents dirt detection
2Reliability
If the image data at the scanning position is stored in the storage area, then the dirt detection can be performed using stored data, but the synchronization signal timing becomes misaligned with the detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The delay unit changes the timing parameter of the reading synchronization signal by introducing a delay equal to the period during which the synchronization signal is valid. This parameter adjustment aligns the signal validity period with the document data reading start time, enabling the detection unit to properly correlate image data with synchronization timing for accurate dirt detection
Data Source
AI summary
An image scanning apparatus includes: a reading unit that reads image data, which includes an image of a document transported along a transport path and an image at a scanning position of the image, from a storage area in synchronization with a reading synchronization signal; a detection unit that detects a dirt at the scanning position by processing the image data; and a delay unit that delays and outputs a period, during which the synchronization signal to be provided to the detection unit is valid, until reading of data of a document part included in the image data starts.