Configurable Light Receiving Unit for Compact Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light amount detection sensors for image forming apparatuses are bulky due to the need for large passageways to separate specularly and diffusely reflected light, hindering miniaturization and requiring a focusing mechanism, which complicates their integration and usage in color shift correction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a light amount detection sensor featuring a light emitting unit, multiple light receiving elements, and a setting unit that adjusts the number of light receiving elements based on the type of reflected light, allowing for efficient detection of both specularly and diffusely reflected light without the need for extensive passageways, thereby reducing the sensor's size and enhancing its compatibility with various patch images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large passageways are formed in the package to separate specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light, then the light amount detection sensor can detect both types of reflected light, but the size of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light receiving element array configurable - the number of light receiving elements can be dynamically changed based on the type of reflected light to be detected. For specularly reflected light, fewer elements are used, while for diffusely reflected light, more elements are engaged, allowing the sensor to adapt its detection capability without requiring large passageways for physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the light receiving element array configuration - specifically the number of active light receiving elements - to match the detection requirements. This parameter change allows the same sensor structure to serve multiple detection purposes (specular and diffuse reflection) without requiring separate large passageways for each light type.
2Measurement precision
If a focusing mechanism member is provided to focus on a detection location, then the light amount detection sensor can accurately detect light amounts, but the size of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by making the light receiving element array adjustable rather than relying on a fixed focusing mechanism. The array can be dynamically configured to match the detection requirements for different types of reflected light, achieving accurate detection without the bulk of a mechanical focusing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a mechanical focusing mechanism with an optical/electronic solution - using an adjustable array of light receiving elements that can be configured to detect light from different reflection types. This replaces the mechanical focusing system with a more compact electronic configuration approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of light receiving elements is increased to detect diffusely reflected light, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light receiving element configuration changeable based on detection needs. The system can dynamically adjust which elements are active - using fewer elements for specular reflection and more elements for diffuse reflection - thereby managing complexity through adaptive configuration rather than fixed complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a light receiving element array that can serve multiple detection functions. The same array structure can detect both specularly and diffusely reflected light by adjusting the number of active elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each light type and reducing overall system complexity.
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 a compact and versatile light amount detection sensor that effectively measures light amounts, facilitating color shift correction and density adjustments while minimizing the sensor's size and toner consumption, thus improving the overall efficiency and usability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit configured to receive light reflected by the patch image when the patch image that moves with movement of the image carrier is irradiated with light by the light emitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit configured to form a patch image on the image carrier, and a light emitting unit. In addition, a light receiving unit receives light reflected by the patch image when the patch image that moves with movement of the image carrier is irradiated with light by the light emitting unit, and includes one or more light receiving elements. A setting unit sets a first subset of light receiving elements for receiving reflected light from a first patch image and sets a second subset of light receiving elements for receiving reflected light from a second patch image, with the number of light receiving elements in the first subset differing from that in the second subset.