Dynamic Sensor Aperture Control for Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face challenges in accurately detecting the position of conveyed objects in image forming processes, particularly in inkjet printing, leading to potential degradation in image quality due to positional variations of the print head.
Innovation Solution
A conveyed object detection apparatus equipped with an optical sensor that acquires detection results for the position, speed, and moved amount of the object, and a setting unit that adjusts aperture value and exposure time based on these results to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical sensor uses fixed aperture value and exposure time settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of object position deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying conveyance speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives conveyance speed information from the conveyance speed acquisition unit and dynamically adjusts the aperture value and exposure time based on the detected speed. This feedback mechanism ensures that the optical sensor maintains optimal detection accuracy across varying conveyance speeds without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed sensor settings to dynamic settings that adapt in real-time to conveyance speed variations. The aperture value and exposure time are continuously adjusted based on the current conveyance speed, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision across different operating conditions without increasing physical device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the exposure time is increased to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to longer exposure time requiring slower conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the exposure time parameter based on the conveyance speed. When conveyance speed is high, exposure time is increased to ensure sufficient light capture and detection accuracy. When conveyance speed is low, exposure time is reduced to maintain productivity. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without permanently reducing conveyance speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure time is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to optimize the balance between measurement precision and productivity in real-time. The control unit adjusts exposure time according to the current conveyance speed, ensuring that the object remains in the detection region for sufficient time to capture accurate position data while maintaining high overall system throughput.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture value is increased to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to excessive light causing saturation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the aperture value parameter based on conveyance speed and object characteristics. When the object moves faster or requires more light for accurate detection, the aperture value is increased. When the object moves slower or is sensitive to excessive light, the aperture value is reduced. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures optimal detection accuracy while preventing light saturation and potential damage to the optical sensor or object.
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 achieves high-accuracy detection of object positions, reducing positional errors and improving image quality by adjusting settings according to the detected parameters.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to receive light reflected by a conveyed object
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyed object detection apparatus includes an optical sensor configured to receive light reflected by a conveyed object; a detection unit configured to use the optical sensor to acquire a detection result indicating a position, a moving speed, or a moved amount of the conveyed object in at least one of a conveyance direction in which the conveyed object is conveyed and a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, or a combination of the position, the moving speed, and the moved amount; and a setting unit configured to set an aperture value and an exposure time concerning the optical sensor based on the detection result.