Dual-Surface Paper Type Identification for Image Forming Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues in accurately identifying the type of sheets due to differences in feature amounts between the front and back surfaces, particularly for recycled paper, leading to incorrect settings and image abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A paper type identification apparatus that includes a reading sensor to read both the first and second surfaces of a sheet, with a controller urging the user to read the second surface if necessary, and controls the image forming conditions based on the combined reading results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one side of the sheet is measured by the measurement device, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the paper type identification accuracy deteriorates due to differences between front and back surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into two distinct steps: first measuring one surface of the sheet, then measuring the opposite surface. The controller manages these separate measurement operations independently, allowing each surface to be evaluated separately while maintaining overall measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from single-surface evaluation to dual-surface evaluation by adding the dimension of measuring both front and back surfaces. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive paper type identification by considering characteristics from both surfaces, resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining process efficiency through automated controller management.
2Device complexity
If the feature amount of only one surface is measured, then the measurement device operation is simple, but incorrect paper type detection occurs for sheets where front and back surfaces have different feature amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement operation is divided into sequential steps where one surface is measured first, then the opposite surface is measured. The controller manages this segmented process automatically, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring both surfaces are evaluated for accurate paper type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from both surface measurements to determine the final paper type. By comparing and analyzing the feature amounts from both front and back surfaces, the system provides feedback-based verification that prevents incorrect detection, especially for recycled papers with asymmetric surface characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If both surfaces of the sheet are measured, then the paper type identification accuracy is improved, but the measurement process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the measurement sequence and evaluation criteria. Before actual measurement begins, the system prepares the measurement protocol that specifies both surfaces must be measured, allowing the process to execute efficiently without delays during the measurement itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process maintains continuous useful action by immediately transitioning from measuring the first surface to measuring the second surface without idle time. The controller manages the continuous flow of measurement data from both surfaces, ensuring that the additional measurement time is minimized while still achieving accurate dual-surface evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
A paper type identification apparatus includes a passage configured to allow a sheet to be manually inserted thereinto, a reading sensor configured to read a surface of the sheet inserted into the passage and a controller configured to output a notification after reading a first surface of the sheet by the reading sensor. The notification is a notification to urge a user to read a second surface opposite to the first surface of the sheet by the reading sensor, and determine a type of the sheet based on a reading result of the first surface by the reading sensor and a reading result of the second surface by the reading sensor.