Scanner Lid Detection via Scan Bar Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanner lid open sensing methods, such as using a scanner lid switch or special pixels, increase the cost of scanners and are not effectively addressed by prior art.
Innovation Solution
A scanner system with two scan bars and a controller that aligns and illuminates one scan bar with a predetermined pattern, compares the response to an expected pattern to determine if the scan lid is open, and takes corrective actions such as activating an alert or suspending operation if it is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scanner lid switch or special pixels are used to detect scan lid open condition, then the detection function is achieved, but the scanner cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing scan bars, originally designed solely for document scanning, are made to serve a dual function: scanning documents and detecting scan lid open conditions. By utilizing the optical components (light sources and photodetectors) already present in the scan bars for both scanning and detection purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection hardware, thereby reducing scanner cost while maintaining reliable detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The scan bars perform self-diagnosis by detecting ambient light conditions through their own optical components. When the scan lid is open, the scan bars automatically detect the change in ambient light and generate appropriate responses (such as error messages or operation suspension), enabling the system to monitor its own operational state without requiring external detection devices
2Device complexity
If scan bars are used for both scanning and lid detection, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different illumination patterns to different regions of the scan bar to enable accurate detection. By controlling specific light sources to illuminate particular areas and analyzing the reflected light patterns from those regions, the system can distinguish between normal scanning conditions and scan lid open conditions with high precision, even though the same hardware is used for both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects scan lid open conditions by monitoring changes in optical parameters (light intensity, reflection patterns) rather than relying on mechanical switches. By analyzing variations in these parameters when different illumination patterns are applied, the system achieves accurate detection while using the existing scan bar components
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
This method allows for cost-effective detection of the scan lid open condition without additional hardware, ensuring optimal scanning performance and user interface functionality.
Implementation Method 1
illumine one of the first and second scan bars using a predetermined illumining pattern and perform a scan of the illumined scan bar with the other of the first and second scan bars
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner and process for detecting a scan lid open condition. The scan lid open condition is detected by aligning two scan bars with one another, illumining one of the scan bars with a predetermined illumining pattern and during the illumining, scanning the illumined scan bar with the other scan bar. The response of the scanning scan bar is compared with an expected response for the illumining pattern with the scan lid closed. If a positive comparison occurs, the scan lid is closed. If a negative comparison occurs, the scan lid is open.