Scanner Deviation Correction via Fluorescent Mark Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scanner technologies require a mechanism to change the optical path and power transmission to correct image data deviations, which complicates the configuration and operation.

Innovation Solution

A scanner configuration that uses a first light source for deviation calculation via marks emitting fluorescent light and a second light source for image generation, allowing detection of light from the same optical path without altering the optical path or power transmission, enabling easy correction of image data deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mechanism to change the optical path is used to correct image data deviations, then the image data correction is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage data correction accuracyVSAvoidoptical path adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical path adjustment mechanism with a computational approach. Instead of physically moving mirrors or lenses to realign optical paths, the system uses software algorithms to detect and correct deviations in image data. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same correction goal through digital processing of sensor outputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses position correction markers as reference copies to establish the correct positional relationship between multiple sensors. By detecting the known positions of these markers in the captured image, the system creates a reference model of ideal sensor alignment and uses this to calculate correction values for actual image data, eliminating the need for physical optical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If power transmission configuration is added to drive the reflecting mirror, then the optical path can be adjusted, but the device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpower transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for power transmission systems by replacing mechanical mirror adjustment with computational image processing. The adaptability previously achieved through mechanical means is now accomplished through software-based deviation calculation and correction, removing all power transmission components including motors, drivers, and control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting deviations using position correction markers and calculating necessary adjustments through software. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power transmission systems and manual optical adjustment, as the system autonomously corrects its own imaging deviations through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple sensors are used to scan the document, then the scanning coverage and efficiency are improved, but the deviation correction becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidsensor deviation correction system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses position correction markers as reference copies to establish the correct positional relationship between multiple sensors. By detecting the known positions of these markers in the captured image, the system creates a reference model of ideal sensor alignment and uses this to calculate correction values for actual image data, simplifying the correction process for multi-sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where position correction markers are detected to measure actual sensor deviations, and this measurement feeds into an algorithm that calculates correction values. These corrections are then applied to subsequent image data, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for multi-sensor alignment issues without complex manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the generation of corrected image data with a simplified configuration by calculating deviations using marks and synthesizing sensor outputs from the same optical path, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to adjust the optical path or transmit power.

Implementation Method 1

a mark that emits light in a case where light of the first wavelength is received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9998626B2Scanner and method of generating image data
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US9998626B2 patent drawing
  • US9998626B2 patent drawing
  • US9998626B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a scanner including: a first light source that generates light of a first wavelength; a mark that emits light in a case where light of the first wavelength is received; a deviation calculation section that calculates a deviation between a plurality of sensors based on sensor outputs acquired in such a way that the sensors detect light emitted from the same mark; a second light source that generates light which does not include light of the first wavelength; and an image generation section that generates image data based on the sensor outputs, acquired in such a way that the plurality of sensors detect light acquired when light from the second light source is stuck on and is reflected in the document, and the deviation.