Edge Detection in Image Recording Apparatus Using Form Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image recording apparatuses face issues with accurately detecting the edges of recording materials due to dirt or foreign objects, leading to incorrect positioning and incomplete masking, especially when using line sensors, which can result in image recording errors and slippage during double-sided recording.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a recording material detection unit that detects the edges of the material, an operation mode determination unit to assess detection accuracy, and a control unit that adjusts the image recording process based on the detection results, ensuring accurate masking and positioning by calculating appropriate mask information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the line sensor is used to detect the recording material position, then the image recording position can be fed back for correction, but the detection becomes inaccurate when the line sensor is dirty with foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a form sensor as an intermediary device to detect the recording material position. The form sensor includes a light emitting device and receiving optics that detect the position by measuring light reflection characteristics, providing a backup detection method when the line sensor is contaminated. This intermediary detection system ensures continuous accurate positioning even when the primary line sensor is dirty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected recording material position (whether from line sensor or form sensor) is fed back to the control unit to adjust the image recording position. The control unit uses this feedback to compensate for any detection errors and ensure accurate image placement on the recording material.
2Manufacturing precision
If masking is performed based on form sensor detection, then incorrect detection areas can be masked, but the receiving optics can only detect one edge and cannot mask both sides appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the form sensor multi-functional by enabling it to detect edges on both sides of the recording material. The control unit is configured to use the form sensor detection results for masking operations on either side edge, allowing a single sensor system to perform multiple detection and masking functions that previously required separate detection systems for each edge.
3Device complexity
If amending control is not performed on image recording position, then the process is simpler, but a large margin must be reserved from the side edge causing slippage in double-sided recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the detected recording material position (from line sensor or form sensor) is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the image recording position accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise positioning without requiring large safety margins, eliminating slippage issues in double-sided recording while maintaining manageable control complexity.
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 records images on both sides of the material by accurately detecting edges and adjusting the recording process, reducing errors and slippage, even when incorrect detection occurs, and ensures proper masking without requiring large margins for edge detection.
Implementation Method 1
a recording material detection unit which is provided in the transport path and detects the edge at the side end of the recording material transported in the transport path
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus having a transport path of a recording material, and an image recording unit in the transport path which records an image in the recording material in the process of transporting the recording material in the transport path. It includes: a recording material detection unit which is provided in the transport path and detects the edge at a side end of the recording material transported in the transport path; an operation mode determination unit for discriminating whether or not incorrect detection can be performed in detecting the edge by the recording material detection unit, and determining an operation mode based on the discrimination result; and a control unit for controlling by the image recording unit an image recording process on the recording material in the operation mode.