Backing Member Switching for Accurate Conveyance Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium conveying apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting conveyance abnormalities, such as jams, due to the limitations of existing methods that rely on changes in image data or pixel values, which can lead to incorrect detection and potential damage to the medium.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backing member with a motor to switch between opposing and non-opposing positions, in conjunction with imaging sensors, to capture and compare first and second images, determining conveyance abnormalities based on these images, allowing for more accurate detection of medium presence and abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data comparison method is used to detect conveyance abnormality, then detection can be performed, but detection accuracy is insufficient leading to incorrect detection
Solution Approach 1:
A backing member is introduced as an intermediary object with a specific imaging pattern. The imaging sensor captures images of this backing member under different conditions (with and without medium presence). By comparing the imaging patterns against a reference pattern stored in memory, the system achieves more reliable and accurate detection of conveyance abnormalities, avoiding incorrect detections that occur with simple image data comparison methods.
2Device complexity
If simple image data comparison is performed, then detection process is simple, but detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being measured by imaging a backing member with a specific pattern instead of directly comparing raw image data. The imaging sensor captures reflectance or transmittance characteristics of the backing member, which provide more meaningful information for detection. This parameter change from raw pixel comparison to pattern-based imaging measurement significantly improves detection precision while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If backing member is switched between opposing and non-opposing positions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backing member is made dynamic by enabling it to switch between opposing and non-opposing positions relative to the imaging sensor. This dynamic positioning allows the system to capture different imaging patterns that provide complementary information for detection. The motor-driven positioning mechanism, while adding some complexity, enables more precise detection by creating multiple measurement states from which abnormalities can be reliably identified.
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 more precise detection of conveyance abnormalities, reducing the risk of medium damage by comparing gradation values and reference points in images captured at different positions, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of abnormality detection.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor... acquiring a first image captured by locating the opposing surface in the opposing position
Implementation Method 2
a conveyance abnormality of the medium has occurred based on a first image and a second image
Data Source
AI summary
A medium conveying apparatus includes a conveyance roller to convey a medium, an imaging sensor, a backing member including an opposing surface, a motor to switch the backing member between an opposing position in which the opposing surface faces the imaging sensor and a non-opposing position in which the opposing surface is deviated from the opposing position, a medium sensor located on an upstream side of the imaging sensor in a medium conveying direction, and a processor to acquire a first image captured by locating the opposing surface in the opposing position and a second image captured by locating the opposing surface in the non-opposing position after a front end of the medium conveyed by the conveyance roller passes through a position of the medium sensor, and determine whether a conveyance abnormality of the medium has occurred based on the first image and the second image.