Capacitance Sensor for Dual Feed and RFID Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require separate sensors for double feed detection and RFID tag detection, leading to increased installation costs due to the need for distinct sensor placements.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance sensor is used to detect capacitance at multiple positions, allowing for simultaneous detection of double feeds and RFID tags, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for double feed detection and RFID tag detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines double feed detection and RFID tag detection functions into a single capacitance sensor. The sensor detects capacitance values at multiple positions, and the control unit distinguishes between double feed conditions and RFID tag presence based on the spatial distribution and magnitude of capacitance changes. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing device complexity and installation cost while maintaining detection reliability through intelligent signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitance sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. By configuring the sensor to monitor capacitance at multiple positions and using the control unit to analyze the pattern of capacitance changes, the single sensor achieves both double feed detection and RFID tag detection capabilities, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are installed, then detection accuracy is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single capacitance sensor configuration. The sensor measures capacitance at multiple positions simultaneously, and the control unit processes these measurements to achieve accurate detection of both double feed conditions and RFID tag presence. This approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing installation cost by eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical sensors, the patent uses a single capacitance sensor that copies the detection capability across multiple positions. The sensor effectively 'copies' its detection function to multiple measurement points through its multi-position configuration, allowing accurate detection without the cost of multiple physical sensor installations.
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
The solution enables reliable detection of double feeds and RFID tags using a single capacitance sensor, reducing costs and simplifying installation while ensuring accurate image formation and data writing on RFID tags.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance sensor that detects a value indicating the capacitance at a plurality of detection positions for paper conveyed by the conveyance system
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a conveyance system, a capacitance sensor, a processor, an image forming mechanism, and a tag writer. The conveyance system conveys paper. The capacitance sensor detects a value indicating the capacitance at a plurality of detection positions for the paper conveyed by the conveyance system. The processor detects that the paper conveyed by the conveyance system is provided with an RFID tag, and that the paper is being conveyed without overlapping with other paper based on the value indicating the capacitance detected at a plurality of detection positions by the capacitance sensor. If the processor detects that the paper is provided with an RFID tag and is conveyed without overlapping with other paper, the image forming mechanism forms an image on the paper. The tag writer writes data to the RFID tag provided on the paper on which the image forming mechanism forms the image.