Scanner Inclination Correction via Cross-Side Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses struggle to accurately detect the inclination of scanners, leading to reduced geometric quality of document images, as they rely on reference patterns that can be inclined and require precise installation, which is costly and time-consuming to adjust.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with two scanners that can read both sides of a document, featuring a detection system to calculate the inclination of each scanner based on image data from both sides, allowing for correction and updating of correction conditions to ensure accurate alignment and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the scanner is installed without precise physical adjustment, then installation cost and time are reduced, but the inclination of the scanner causes geometric quality of the read document image to be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system with an optical detection and computational correction system. Instead of physically adjusting the scanner to be perfectly perpendicular to the document, the system uses an optical sensor to detect the inclination angle and then applies image processing algorithms to correct the geometric distortion in the captured image, thereby eliminating the need for precise mechanical installation while maintaining high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from the physical installation angle to the digital image parameters. By detecting the inclination angle and applying transformation parameters (rotation, scaling, and positioning) to the captured image, the system corrects geometric distortion through parameter adjustment rather than physical adjustment, allowing flexible correction without reinstallation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a reference pattern is used to detect scanner inclination, then inclination detection becomes possible, but the reference pattern itself may be inclined leading to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference object (such as a document with known geometric features) that is placed on the document surface rather than being fixed to the scanner. This intermediary serves as a mediator between the scanner and the detection system, allowing the detection of relative inclination between the scanner and the document surface without being affected by scanner installation errors, thereby improving detection accuracy
3Measurement precision
If the scanner is driven to read the reference pattern for inclination detection, then inclination amount can be calculated, but the reading operation accuracy affects detection accuracy and adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the detection system to use the scanner's own reading function to detect inclination, making the scanner serve dual purposes: both for reading documents and for detecting its own inclination. The system captures an image of the reference pattern using the scanner's normal reading mechanism, then processes this image to calculate inclination, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing system complexity
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
The system enables precise detection and correction of scanner inclination, enhancing the geometric quality of document images without the need for precise physical adjustment of the scanners, thus improving image reading accuracy and reducing adjustment costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting part configured to irradiate a document with light, and a light receiving part configured to receive reflected light, which has been reflected by the document
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a first scanner configured to read a first image from a front side of a document, a second scanner configured to read a second image from a back side of the document, and first and second offset storage parts configured to store a first offset amount for correcting an inclination of the first image and a second offset amount for correcting an inclination of the second image, respectively. The image reading apparatus is configured to generate, when the first scanner is replaced, a new first offset amount based on the second offset amount, a first inclination amount of the first scanner, and a second inclination amount of the second scanner. The image reading apparatus is configured to correct the first image based on the new first offset amount.