Image Scanner Light Absorbing Portion for Reference Data Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ambient light entering an image scanner through the transparent platen and openings affects the accuracy of black and white reference data, leading to incorrect image corrections and reduced image quality, especially when scanning thick originals or using an auto document feeder.

Innovation Solution

An image scanner design that includes a light absorbing portion on the original placing surface of the positioning member to absorb ambient light, allowing for accurate black reference data collection and minimizing its influence on white reference data, thereby improving image scanning quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the original pressing plate is opened to scan thick originals, then the spine can be pressed downward to prevent shadow from binding margin, but ambient light enters through the platen and affects reference data accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to scan thick originalsVSAvoidaccuracy of black and white reference data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A light-shielding plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the platen and the original. This plate selectively blocks ambient light paths while allowing the scanning operation to proceed. The light-shielding plate creates a controlled optical environment that prevents external light from contaminating the reference data collection process, thus resolving the contradiction between scanning thick originals and maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the main body cover is opened for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but ambient light enters through openings and affects image scanning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for scanning operationsVSAvoidaccuracy of scanned image data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding plate serves as a mediator that allows the main body cover to remain open for ease of operation while simultaneously blocking ambient light from entering the scanning area. This enables operators to access and scan documents without closing the cover, maintaining operational convenience while preserving data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding plate is positioned specifically at the location where ambient light would interfere with reference data collection. Rather than requiring the entire cover to be closed or adding complex light shielding throughout the device, the solution applies local light blocking only where necessary, maintaining overall system openness and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If black reference data is collected with ambient light present, then the collection process is simpler, but the output of black reference becomes larger than proper black reference data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of reference data collection processVSAvoidaccuracy of black reference data output

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding plate is positioned to block ambient light from reaching the black reference area during data collection. This simple structural addition maintains the ease of the reference data collection process while ensuring that the black reference data accurately represents true black levels without contamination from external light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively prevents ambient light from impacting black reference data, enabling accurate shading corrections and enhancing the overall image quality by ensuring proper brightness and color representation in scanned images.

Implementation Method 1

a light absorbing portion 17g is disposed on the original placing surface side of the positioning member 17. The light absorbing portion 17g absorbs ambient light traveling in the transparent plate 13

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8253986B2Image scanner and image scanning method

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image scanner includes a transparent plate, a scanning device, a driving device, a positioning member, a light absorbing portion and a white reference portion. The transparent plate has an original placing surface. The scanning device irradiates an original with light by means of a light source and scans reflected light from the original. The driving device reciprocates the scanning device along the transparent plate. The positioning member positions the original placed on the original placing surface of the transparent plate. The light absorbing portion, which is disposed on the original placing surface side of the positioning member and at substantially a central portion of the positioning member in moving directions of the scanning device, absorbs ambient light entering to the original placing surface side of the positioning member through the transparent plate. The white reference portion is provided to the original placing surface side of the positioning member.