Skew Feed Correction via Dynamic Edge Detection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses struggle to accurately detect the inclination of original images when dust or stains are present on the background, leading to erroneous recognition of edge parts and incorrect inclination detection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a tray, a conveying unit, an original width detector, an image reader, a skew feed amount detector, and a skew feed corrector. The skew feed amount detector sets an edge detection range based on the original's width and detects edges within this range to accurately calculate the inclination, while the skew feed corrector corrects the image data for skew feed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image reading apparatus reads the entire image area to detect edge parts, then the detection range is comprehensive, but dust or stains on the background are erroneously recognized as edge parts, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image area into multiple regions: a first area containing the original image, a second area adjacent to the first area, and a third area adjacent to the second area. Edge detection is performed selectively in different regions, with the fourth edge detection range being narrower than the fifth edge detection range. This segmentation allows comprehensive edge detection while excluding background areas where dust or stains may be present, thus resolving the contradiction between detection precision and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image reading apparatus uses a fixed edge detection range, then the detection process is simple, but it cannot adapt to originals of different sizes, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic edge detection ranges that are adjusted based on the detected size of the original image. The control unit sets the fourth edge detection range and fifth edge detection range according to the original size, making the detection system adaptive rather than fixed. This dynamic adjustment enables the apparatus to handle various original sizes effectively while maintaining automated operation, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the image reading apparatus detects inclination using the entire read image, then the detection is comprehensive, but dust or stains cause erroneous edge recognition, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and excludes the second area (adjacent area) from the edge detection process. By specifically designing the fourth edge detection range and fifth edge detection range to be narrower than the respective total areas, the system removes regions prone to containing dust or stains from the analysis. This extraction of harmful elements from the detection process allows accurate inclination measurement without being affected by background contaminants, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive detection and resistance to harmful factors.
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 solution enables precise recognition of the original's edge parts and accurate detection of inclination, even with dust or stains, thereby improving the reliability of image reading and correction processes.
Implementation Method 1
The image reading apparatus irradiates an original being conveyed with light, and receives reflected light from the original. The image reading apparatus converts the received reflected light into an electric signal to generate image data representing the read original image.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image reading apparatus capable of accurately detecting an inclination amount of an original image by recognizing an edge part of the original image with high precision even when dust, stain, or the like adheres to a background part. The image reading apparatus includes: an original reader configured to read an image of an original; and a volume resistor configured to represent an original width of the original by a resistance value. The image reading apparatus further includes: a skew feed amount detector configured to set a predetermined range including the edge part of the original in a width direction as an edge detection range based on the original width, to acquire an edge image being the edge part of the original from an image within the edge detection range.