Image Scanner Home Position Detection Skipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image reading devices spend excessive time checking the home position of the sensor unit between sheets during multiple sheet reading operations, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device implements a controller that skips the home position checking process when the second scan function is selected, allowing continuous movement to a waiting position opposite the reading end position, and only checks the home position when the cover is not opened before reaching the waiting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the home position checking process is executed every time when one sheet of the original is read, then the accuracy of position detection is maintained, but the reading speed decreases due to excessive time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by executing the home position checking process selectively rather than continuously. The controller determines whether to perform the checking process based on specific conditions (whether the cover is opened before the reader reaches the waiting position). This selective execution maintains detection accuracy when necessary while improving reading speed by skipping unnecessary checks during continuous multi-sheet reading operations.
2Productivity
If the home position checking process is skipped to improve reading speed, then the productivity increases, but the reliability of position detection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the cover opening state and reader position. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically determines whether to execute the home position checking process. When the cover is opened before the reader reaches the waiting position, the system feedback indicates that checking is necessary to maintain reliability. When the cover remains closed, the feedback suggests continuous reading operation, and checking is skipped to maintain productivity.
3Reliability
If the cover opening detection is continuously monitored to determine when to check home position, then the position detection reliability is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing cover opening detection functionality already present in the image reading device. The cover opening state detection, which is inherently part of the device's operational monitoring, is repurposed to trigger home position checking decisions. This approach avoids adding separate complex monitoring systems while still achieving reliable position detection through intelligent use of existing sensor data.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image reading device which has an operation part configured to receive an operation to select one of a first scan function of treating image data of a plurality of originals read by a reader as one file and a second scan function of treating image data of one original read by the reader as one file. When the operation part receives the operation to select the second scan function, the reader is moved toward a waiting position opposite to the reading end position with respect to the reading start position after completion of the reading process. In response to detection of opening of the cover before the reader reaches the waiting position, a determining process is not executed, while the determining process is executed when opening of the cover is not detected before the reader reaches the waiting position.