Image Scanner Sensor Dirt Detection and Cleaning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses with cleaning members suffer from reduced lifespan and risk of foreign objects reaching the sensor due to frequent cleaning, even when the reading surface is clean, as they are designed to switch background colors to clean the surface regardless of dirt presence.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a control unit that detects dirt on the reading surface and only initiates cleaning when necessary, using a cleaning section that can be rotated and positioned to clean the surface effectively, reducing unnecessary cleaning and foreign object contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member frequently cleans the reading surface by rotating the platen roller, then the reading surface is kept clean, but the life of the cleaning member is shortened and foreign objects may reach the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives image data from the reading sensor and analyzes it to detect dirt on the reading surface. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether cleaning is necessary and controls the drive source accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary cleaning operations, extending the cleaning member's life while maintaining reading surface cleanliness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reading sensor to monitor the reading surface condition and automatically triggers cleaning only when dirt is detected. This self-service approach allows the system to manage its own cleaning needs without external intervention, optimizing the balance between cleanliness and component lifespan.
2Reliability
If the cleaning member frequently cleans the reading surface, then the reading surface is kept clean, but foreign objects may reach the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the reading surface condition through image data from the reading sensor. When dirt is detected, cleaning is triggered; when the surface is clean, cleaning is inhibited. This feedback control prevents unnecessary cleaning operations that could generate foreign objects, thereby protecting the sensor from contamination while maintaining reading surface cleanliness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full cleaning cycles regardless of condition, the system applies cleaning action only partially - specifically when and where dirt is detected on the reading surface. This partial action approach maintains cleanliness when needed while avoiding excessive cleaning that could generate foreign objects.
3Productivity
If the platen roller is rotated at predetermined timing to clean the reading surface, then cleaning is performed, but unnecessary cleaning occurs when the reading surface is already clean
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit analyzes image data from the reading sensor to determine the actual condition of the reading surface. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently controls the drive source to rotate the platen roller only when dirt is detected. This eliminates predetermined timing-based cleaning that wastes energy on already-clean surfaces, optimizing both productivity and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the platen roller based on detected conditions. Instead of rotating at fixed predetermined intervals, the rotation timing and frequency are dynamically adjusted based on the presence or absence of dirt detected by the reading sensor, optimizing energy usage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes: a reader configured to read an image of a document to be transported; a cleaning section configured to clean a reading surface of the reader, a drive source for performing a cleaning operation of the reading surface by the cleaning section; and a control unit configured to control the drive source, wherein when the control unit detects dirt on the reading surface based on data received from the reader, the control unit controls the drive source to perform the cleaning operation by the cleaning section.