Document Conveyor Control Using Automatic Thickness Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic document feeders (ADF) in multifunction peripherals (MFPs fail to execute optimal conveyance control for varying sheet thicknesses due to user errors in settings or mismatch between set thickness and actual document thickness, leading to suboptimal document handling.
Innovation Solution
A document processing apparatus and system that includes a document tray, conveyor, and circuitry to acquire document information, classify documents, and adjust conveyance amounts based on initial and estimated classifications or thicknesses, ensuring accurate conveyance control regardless of user settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If user sets sheet thickness manually, then device complexity is reduced, but conveyance control accuracy deteriorates due to user errors or mismatch between setting and actual document
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects document thickness and adjusts conveyance control parameters without requiring manual user input. The thickness detection unit measures actual document thickness, and the control unit automatically selects appropriate conveyance parameters, making the system self-configuring and eliminating user error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical setting with automated optical/electronic detection and control. A thickness detection unit uses light transmission or reflection principles to measure document thickness, and an CPU-based control system automatically adjusts conveyance parameters, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated sensing and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic thickness detection is implemented, then conveyance control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness detection unit is integrated into the existing document feed mechanism, serving both as a structural support and a measurement device. The same optical path or sensor array is used for both document guidance and thickness measurement, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the thickness detection function with the existing document conveyance system. The detection unit is merged with the feed rollers or guide structures, and the control unit integrates thickness detection data with conveyance control in a single processing loop, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying system architecture.
3Device complexity
If conveyance amount is fixed based on preset thickness, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to handle varying document types efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance control system dynamically adjusts conveyance amount based on real-time thickness detection. Instead of fixed preset values, the system continuously adapts conveyance parameters to match actual document characteristics, enabling efficient processing of varying document types without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where thickness detection results are fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts conveyance parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal conveyance for each document type, improving processing efficiency while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A document processing apparatus includes a document tray, a document conveyor, and circuitry. The document tray is a tray on which a document is placed. The document conveyor conveys the document from the document tray. The circuitry is to acquire information of the document, determine a conveyance amount to convey the document, based on a first classification of the document previously set, estimate a second classification of the document based on the information of the document acquired, and change the conveyance amount when the first classification is different from the second classification.