Colorimetric Sensor Dust Detection via Light Quantity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed image formation apparatuses face challenges in maintaining colorimetric accuracy due to paper dust accumulation on the transparent member of colorimetric sensors, which affects the light quantity and reflectance, leading to decreased measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric sensor device with a light quantity calculation unit, determination units, and notification systems that assess the light quantity received through a transparent member, determining if it falls below a predetermined value and prompting notifications or cleaning actions to prevent accuracy deterioration, and optionally using ultraviolet light to enhance dust detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light passage port is closed with a transparent glass plate to prevent paper dust from covering the light reception lens and light source, then the protection of optical components is improved, but a large quantity of paper dust adheres to the glass plate causing decrease in colorimetric accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent member (glass plate) as an intermediary component between the optical components and the dusty environment. This mediator protects the light reception lens and light source from direct dust contamination while allowing light transmission for colorimetric measurement. The glass plate serves as a sacrificial barrier that can be cleaned or replaced without affecting the precious optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the light quantity transmitted through the transparent member and comparing it against a reference value. When the light quantity falls below the reference threshold, the system generates a notification indicating dust accumulation on the transparent member, prompting cleaning or replacement actions to restore measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the transparent member is cleaned frequently to maintain colorimetric accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors light quantity transmission through the transparent member and provides feedback when dust accumulation affects measurement accuracy. This allows operators to clean the transparent member only when necessary, rather than following a fixed schedule, thereby maintaining measurement precision while minimizing interruptions to productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting dust accumulation on the transparent member through light quantity measurement. This self-monitoring capability enables the system to notify operators of maintenance needs without manual inspection, allowing production to continue uninterrupted until the actual cleaning is required.
3Measurement precision
If the light quantity decreases due to dust accumulation on the transparent member, then the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates, but continuing operation without cleaning increases the loss of measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual light quantity transmitted through the transparent member and compares it against a reference light quantity obtained when the transparent member is clean. This feedback mechanism quantifies the degree of dust accumulation and triggers notifications when the light quantity reduction exceeds acceptable thresholds, enabling timely maintenance to restore optimal light transmission and measurement accuracy.
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 effectively prevents the deterioration of colorimetric accuracy by identifying and addressing dust accumulation on the transparent member, ensuring consistent measurement quality even in high-dust environments.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric unit converting light received by the light reception lens through the transparent member into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
a second light source unit that irradiates the transparent member with an ultraviolet ray
Data Source
AI summary
A housing (20) has a passage port (3) that serves as both the outlet for the illumination light (IL) to go out of the housing (20) toward a sample surface (S) and the inlet for the reflection light (RL) reflected on the sample surface (S) to enter the housing (20). A transparent member (19) is disposed at the passage port (3) to prevent dust including paper dust from entering the housing (20). A light quantity calculation unit (71) calculates the light quantity of light received by a light reception lens (33). A notification unit (81) performs a predetermined notification when the light quantity is less than or equal to a predetermined value.