Dynamic Threshold Adjustment for Medium Transport Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium transport systems in image reading apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting abnormal conditions such as jams, skewing, and multi-sheet feeding, especially with documents like stapled or wrinkled papers, leading to potential damage and incorrect jam detection due to varying paper quality and environment factors, which increases costs and reduces usability.

Innovation Solution

A medium transport apparatus that optimizes threshold values for abnormal condition detection based on historical detection values and environmental factors, adjusting sensitivity dynamically to improve detection accuracy and reduce false alarms, thereby enhancing usability without increasing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed threshold value is used for abnormal condition detection, then the detection method is simple and low cost, but misdetection occurs due to varying paper quality and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal condition detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by continuously updating the threshold value based on historical detection data and environmental conditions. The control unit stores detection values over time and automatically adjusts the threshold to adapt to varying paper qualities and environmental factors, transforming the static detection system into a dynamic one that maintains high accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system performs self-optimization by automatically learning from historical detection data and environmental conditions. The control unit autonomously adjusts the threshold value based on stored detection values and environmental information without requiring external calibration or user intervention, enabling the system to adapt to different paper types and environmental conditions while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the threshold value is changed depending on paper quality and environment, then detection accuracy improves, but user operation becomes complex and usability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal condition detection accuracyVSAvoidthreshold setting usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the threshold value based on detected environmental conditions and historical data without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously manages threshold optimization, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings for different paper types or environmental conditions, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while preserving simple operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors detection results and environmental conditions, using this feedback to automatically refine the threshold value. The control unit adjusts the threshold based on the relationship between detection values and environmental factors, creating a closed-loop system that improves accuracy while requiring no user input for threshold management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a dedicated sensor for detecting paper quality and environment is added, then detection accuracy improves, but apparatus cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper quality and environment detection accuracyVSAvoidapparatus manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing detection unit serve multiple functions by using it to detect both abnormal conditions (jams, skewing) and environmental factors (paper quality, humidity, temperature). The control unit analyzes detection values in conjunction with environmental information from existing sensors, eliminating the need for dedicated paper quality sensors while maintaining comprehensive detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines abnormal condition detection with environmental monitoring using the same detection unit and control logic. By merging these functions into a single integrated system that analyzes detection values alongside environmental data, the patent achieves accurate paper quality assessment without adding dedicated sensors, thereby controlling manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces misdetection occurrences and improves the reliability of abnormal condition detection, ensuring accurate operation across varying paper qualities and environments, thus enhancing the overall performance and user experience of the medium transport system.

Implementation Method 1

a sound detector that detects a sound generated in the document transport path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

uses transmittance of ultrasonic waves as a detection value for multi-sheet feed detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reception: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3527516B1Medium transport apparatus, image reading apparatus, and control method
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3527516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A medium transport apparatus includes a medium transport path through which a medium passes, a path state detection section configured to output a detection value corresponding to a state of the medium transport path, a control section configured to compare the detection value output by the path state detection section with a threshold value for the detection value and determine whether an abnormal condition has occurred in the medium transport path, and a storage configured to store history information including the detection value acquired in the past, in which the control section changes the threshold value based on the history information.