Image Adjustment via Dual Sheet Size Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inaccuracies in image adjustment processing due to incorrect detection of sheet size, leading to false enlargements or shrinkages when the actual sheet size differs from the size read by sensors or user input.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a first sheet sensor for initial size determination, a feeder for sheet transport, an image former for image formation, and a second sheet sensor downstream for confirmation and adjustment, utilizing a hardware processor for precise image adjustment based on the accurately detected sheet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet size is determined by a sensor of the feed tray or user input, then the image adjustment processing can be performed, but the sheet size detection accuracy deteriorates when the actual sheet size differs from the detected size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using the image reader to detect the actual sheet size and compare it with the size determined by the feed tray sensor or user input. Based on this comparison, the system adjusts the sheet size determination to reflect the actual size, thereby improving both detection accuracy and image adjustment reliability. The hardware processor uses this feedback information to correct any discrepancies and ensure accurate image formation.
2Measurement precision
If a single sheet sensor is used for sheet size detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of sheet size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sheet size detection function into multiple independent sensors: a first sheet sensor (feed tray sensor) for initial size determination and a second sheet sensor (image reader) for accurate size verification. Each sensor performs a specific function, and their results are integrated by the hardware processor to achieve high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include: a sheet storage that may store a sheet; a first sheet sensor that may determine a sheet size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage; a feeder that may feed the sheet from the sheet storage to a transport path based on the sheet size determined by the first sheet sensor; an image former that may form an image on the sheet fed to the transport path; a second sheet sensor that may (i) be provided downstream of the image former on the transport path, (ii) read the sheet in the transport path, and (iii) adjust the sheet size of the sheet; and a hardware processor that may perform adjustment of image formation on the sheet based on the sheet size adjusted by the second sheet sensor.