Transparent Platen Backing Detection for Document Handler Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost multi-function printers (MFPs) face issues with documents left on the platen blocking the scanning process, as existing software solutions fail to detect such obstructions accurately, leading to defective scans and potential losses due to the absence of image preview functions.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a transparent platen with a distinguishable backing surface, marked with patterns or differing reflectivity, allowing the scan head to detect whether a document is on the platen before scanning, preventing the document handler from moving if an obstruction is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If software is used to detect if the DH has been lifted after platen scanning, then detection capability is improved, but reliability is worsened because it cannot detect cases where the user lifts the DH but does not remove the original, or if an original was placed or left on the platen while the machine was off
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent platen with a distinguishable backing surface acts as an intermediary between the scan head and the document handler. The backing surface with unique visual characteristics (markings, color, or reflectivity differences) serves as a mediator that the scan head can detect to determine whether a document is present on the platen, providing reliable detection regardless of DH position or machine state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based detection (which relies on mechanical state changes like DH lifting) with an optical detection system. The scan head uses optical sensing to detect the distinguishable backing surface characteristics, substituting a more reliable physical detection method that directly observes the presence or absence of the backing surface through the transparent platen
2Measurement precision
If a transparent platen with distinguishable backing surface is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The backing surface incorporates visual distinctions through color, markings, or reflectivity variations. These optical characteristics create a detectable difference between the backing surface and a document placed on the platen, enabling the scan head to accurately detect document presence without complex mechanical or software systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (reflectivity, color, transparency) of the backing surface to create a detectable signature. By modifying these physical parameters of the backing surface, the system enables reliable optical detection while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
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
Ensures that the scan head can accurately determine if a document is on the platen, preventing blockages and reducing the occurrence of defective scans, thereby minimizing losses and providing timely feedback to users.
Implementation Method 1
the reflectivity of the backing can be made sufficiently different from the reflectivity of the media to allow the scan head to distinguish between the backing and the media
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein observe the backing of the document handler to determine if a document was left on the platen and would block the scan head from scanning the documents as they are moved by the document handler. An embodiment herein comprises a transparent platen and a document handler on a first side of the platen. The document handler has a backing, and the backing is adapted to move media within the document handler. A scan head is positioned on a second side of the platen. The scan head remains stationary when scanning the media being moved by the document handler and the scan head moves when scanning media on the platen. The backing of the document handler has a surface that is distinguishable from the media such that the scan head can detect whether the media is on the platen and would block the scan head from scanning the media being moved by the document handler.