Double Feed Detection Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copying machines, face challenges in accurately detecting double feed of sheets, especially when using ultrasonic sensors, as the attenuation rate of ultrasonic waves varies by sheet type, leading to erroneous detections or missed double feeds on certain types of paper.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a storage for pre-set sheet type information, a setting unit for configuring double feed detection settings, and a controller to determine whether to enable or disable double feed detection based on the sheet type, allowing for automatic, on, or off modes to prevent erroneous double feed detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double feed detection function is enabled using ultrasonic sensor, then double feed can be detected for most sheet types, but erroneous detection occurs for certain sheet types due to varying ultrasonic wave attenuation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the double feed detection function adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the detection state based on sheet type settings, allowing the system to adapt between enabled and disabled states. This resolves the contradiction by permitting dynamic adjustment of detection sensitivity according to the specific sheet material being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the detection function based on sheet type. By storing detection enable/disable settings in a storage unit and retrieving them based on the current sheet type, the system modifies the detection parameter (enabled/disabled) to match the acoustic properties of different sheet materials, thereby preventing erroneous detections while maintaining detection capability when appropriate.
2Reliability
If double feed detection function is disabled, then erroneous detection is prevented, but actual double feed events are missed resulting in decreased usability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection function state based on sheet type rather than maintaining a fixed disabled state. This allows the system to enable detection when sheet types are suitable (maintaining usability) and disable it when sheet types would cause erroneous detection (maintaining reliability), thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection parameter (enabled/disabled) is changed according to the sheet type being used. The controller retrieves the appropriate detection setting from storage based on the current sheet type, enabling detection for sheet types where it is reliable and disabling it for sheet types where it would cause errors, thereby maintaining both reliability and usability across different operating conditions.
3Extent of automation
If automatic double feed detection is used, then detection is performed without user intervention, but detection fails for sheet types with different ultrasonic attenuation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the automatic detection parameter based on sheet type information. Instead of using a fixed automatic detection setting, the controller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate detection enable/disable parameter from storage based on the detected sheet type. This maintains automation while adapting the detection parameter to match the acoustic properties of different sheet materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sheet type identification to adjust the detection function. The controller identifies the sheet type, retrieves the corresponding detection setting from storage, and applies it to the double feed detection function. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation of detection parameters to the current sheet type, maintaining both automation and 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 apparatus effectively determines the need for double feed detection based on sheet type, reducing erroneous detections and ensuring accurate image formation by enabling or disabling the double feed detection function appropriately for various types of sheets, enhancing usability and preventing defective prints.
Implementation Method 1
a double feed sensor using ultrasonic waves. The double feed sensor using ultrasonic waves includes an emitter configured to emit ultrasonic waves and a receiver configured to receive ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic wave output from the emitter is received by the receiver. Double feed of sheets is detected based on a result of detection by the double feed sensor, which indicates a strength of the ultrasonic waves received by the receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet being conveyed on a horizontal path and a double feed sensor configured to execute double feed detection processing of detecting a state in which a plurality of sheets being conveyed on the horizontal path are conveyed in a duplicate manner. The image forming apparatus includes a double feed detection function table, in which whether to enable or disable the double feed detection processing is set according to a type of a sheet. The image forming apparatus determines whether to execute the double feed detection processing at a time of image formation in accordance with sheet setting information including information on a characteristic of a sheet to be used for the image formation and setting information on whether to execute the double feed detection processing, and the double feed detection function table.