# US 2014/0153067 A1 · Scanner for automatically detecting object to be scanned and scanning method using same

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- Number: US 2014/0153067 A1
- Document ID: US20140153067A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/233,648
- Filed: 2012-07-20
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2011-07-20
- Assignees: Wisecube Co., Ltd.
- Inventors: Jong Kook Lah
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140153067A1

## CPC

- H04N 1/00702: {Position}
- H04N 1/00689: {Presence}
- H04N 1/00737: {using the scanning elements as detectors}
- H04N 1/00742: {Detection methods}
- H04N 1/00748: {Detecting edges, e.g. of a stationary sheet}
- H04N 1/0075: {Detecting a change in reflectivity}
- H04N 1/00758: {using a prescan}
- H04N 1/00782: {Initiating operations}
- H04N 1/1017: {the main-scanning components remaining positionally invariant with respect to one another in the sub-scanning direction}
- H04N 1/1026: {using a belt or cable}
- H04N 1/103: {by engaging a rail}
- H04N 1/193: using electrically scanned linear arrays {, e.g. linear CCD arrays}
- H04N 2201/0081: Image reader (H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence)
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

## Abstract

A scanner for automatically detecting a scan target includes a transparent scan region configured to support the target, an image sensor including a light source for irradiating light toward the scan region and a light receiving element array for sensing the incident light through the scan region, a drive unit configured to linearly move the sensor across the scan region, and a control unit that controls the sensor and the drive unit. The control unit controls the light source of the sensor and the drive unit such that the sensor moves to a detection position and then the array senses the incident light through the scan region with the light source turned on and off. The control unit compares output signals of the array obtained by turning on and off the light source and automatically determines, based on the comparison, whether the target is placed in the scan region.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A scanner for automatically detecting a scan target, comprising:
a transparent scan region configured to support the scan target;
an image sensor including a light source for irradiating light toward the scan region and a light receiving element array for sensing the light incident thereon through the scan region;
a drive unit configured to linearly move the image sensor across the scan region; and
a control unit configured to control the image sensor and the drive unit,
wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source of the image sensor and the drive unit such that the image sensor moves to a detection position and then the light receiving element array senses the light incident thereon through the scan region with the light source turned on and off, the control unit configured to compare output signals of the light receiving element array obtained by turning on and off the light source and to automatically determine, based on a result of the comparison, whether the scan target is placed in the scan region.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The scanner of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the scan target is correctly placed, by comparing output signal values obtained from individual light receiving elements of the light receiving element array with the light source turned on and output signal values obtained from the individual light receiving elements of the light receiving element array with the light source turned off.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The scanner of claim 1, wherein the image sensor is a contact image sensor including a lens array for transmitting the light incident thereon through the scan region to the light receiving element array.

### Claim 4

A scan method using a scanner provided with a transparent scan region for supporting a scan target, comprising:
step (a) of providing a scanner which includes an image sensor including a light source for irradiating light toward the scan region and a light receiving element array for sensing the light incident thereon through the scan region, a drive unit configured to linearly move the image sensor across the scan region, and a control unit configured to control the image sensor and the drive unit;
step (b) of controlling the light source of the image sensor and the drive unit such that the image sensor moves to a detection position and then the light receiving element array senses the light incident thereon through the scan region with the light source turned on and off, and obtaining output signals of the light receiving element array with the light source turned on and off; and
step (c) of comparing the output signals of the light receiving element array obtained by turning on and off the light source and determining, based on a result of the comparison, whether the scan target is placed in the scan region.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4, wherein the step (c) is a step of determining whether the scan target is placed in the scan region, by comparing a differential value obtained by subtracting an output signal value of the light receiving element array available when the light source is turned off, from an output signal value of the light receiving element array available when the light source is turned on, with a predetermined value.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4, further comprising:
step (d) of determining whether the scan target is correctly placed, by comparing output signal values obtained from individual light receiving elements of the light receiving element array with the light source turned on and output signal values obtained from the individual light receiving elements of the light receiving element array with the light source turned off.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, wherein, if it is determined in the step (d) that the scan target is not correctly placed, the steps (b) and (c) are repeated after waiting for a predetermined time such that the scan target is correctly placed.