Scanner Reading Position Shift for Foreign Object Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sheet-through type image reading apparatuses, linear images caused by foreign objects adhering to the glass can disrupt image quality, and existing solutions either reduce productivity by changing the reading position or lower image quality by removing these images through processing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a document conveying section, reading sections, and controllers that allow for two modes: productivity priority mode, where the reading position is not changed and image processing removes foreign object images, and image quality priority mode, where the reading position is shifted to avoid foreign objects, allowing for continuous document conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the reading position is changed to avoid foreign objects, then image quality is improved, but productivity is lowered due to temporary document conveyance stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-scanning during document clearance periods to detect foreign objects before they affect document reading. By advancing the foreign object detection timing, the system prepares reading position adjustments in advance, allowing seamless transitions without stopping document conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continues document conveyance without interruption by performing foreign object detection during clearance periods and executing reading position changes between documents. This maintains continuous useful action (document reading) while eliminating harmful interruptions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clearance between documents is widened to secure time for moving the reading position, then image quality is maintained, but productivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reading position based on real-time foreign object detection results. Rather than maintaining fixed wide clearances, the system moves the reading position selectively only when foreign objects are detected, optimizing both image quality and productivity by adapting to actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reading position parameter dynamically based on foreign object detection. Instead of maintaining a constant wide clearance between documents, the reading position is adjusted only when necessary, allowing tighter document clearances while maintaining image quality through selective position changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If document conveyance is temporarily stopped to change the reading position, then foreign object images are avoided, but productivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects foreign objects during document clearance periods before they reach the reading position. By performing detection in advance and preparing position changes during non-critical periods, the system eliminates the need to stop document conveyance, maintaining both image quality and productivity.
4Productivity
If the number of documents read per unit time is increased by reducing clearance, then productivity is improved, but time for moving the reading position becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foreign object detection and reading position adjustment preparation during document clearance periods in advance. By completing these actions before documents reach the reading position, the system eliminates the need to lose time stopping conveyance, allowing reduced clearances and improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous document conveyance without interruptions by performing all necessary detection and position adjustment actions during clearance periods. This continuity allows minimal clearances between documents while ensuring adequate time for position changes without stopping the conveyance process.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional peripheral allows a user to select a productivity priority mode or an image quality priority mode. In the productivity priority mode, a scanner performs a reading operation without moving first and second carriages in a sub-scanning direction, a foreign object image removing processing is executed in accordance with image data obtained by the reading operation, and image forming is performed in accordance with the image data applied with image processing. In the image quality priority mode, the first and second carriages are moved from a reading position P to a reading position P′ at which the foreign object does not adhere to a reading slot, the scanner performs the reading operation, and an image forming is performed in accordance with image data applied with image processing not including the foreign object image removing processing.