Image Carrier Position Detection Using Variable Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face accuracy issues in determining the position of a belt conveyor apparatus due to degradation of light emitting or receiving elements, leading to incorrect determinations about the presence or absence of the image carrier.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light emitting portion that can adjust its outgoing light amount and a determining portion that assesses the image carrier's position based on changes in detected light amounts, ensuring stable accuracy even with element degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a reflection-type photosensor is used to detect the presence of a belt conveyor apparatus by comparing received light amount against a predetermined region, then the detection method is simple and cost-effective, but the determination accuracy deteriorates due to degradation of light emitting or receiving elements over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light emission level from constant to variable. By emitting light at multiple different levels and observing how the received light amount changes in response, the system can determine the presence of the belt conveyor apparatus based on the relationship between emitted and received light amounts, rather than relying on absolute light amount thresholds that degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by having the light emitting portion emit light at different levels based on the detected light amount from the photosensor. The system adjusts the light emission level according to the received signal, creating a feedback loop that maintains accurate detection despite element degradation. This allows the system to adapt to changing sensor characteristics over time.
2Ease of operation
If the light emitting portion emits light at a constant level, then the detection system is simple to operate, but the reliability of determination deteriorates when elements degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static light emission level to a dynamic one. The light emitting portion now varies its emission level based on detection needs and feedback from the photosensor. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable operation despite element degradation, while the control logic remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by having the light emitting portion emit light at multiple different levels in sequence. Rather than emitting at a single constant level, the system cycles through different light emission levels, observing the photosensor's response at each level to determine the presence of the belt conveyor apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If the received light amount threshold is set based on initial element performance, then the detection system works accurately at startup, but the measurement precision deteriorates as elements degrade over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from fixed threshold comparison to variable light emission level comparison. Instead of using a fixed received light amount threshold that becomes inaccurate over time, the system varies the light emission level and determines presence based on the relationship between emitted and received light amounts, maintaining accuracy throughout the operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the detection system to self-adjust and compensate for element degradation. By using the photosensor's own output to control the light emitting portion's output levels, the system creates a self-regulating mechanism that automatically compensates for degradation in both the light emitting and receiving elements over time.
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
This configuration maintains accurate determination of the image carrier's position by minimizing variations in detected light amounts with changes in emitted light, reducing errors caused by element degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion 91 capable of emitting a light towards a predetermined position, and a light receiving portion 92, 93 capable of detecting a light amount of incident light from the predetermined position
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention can include an image forming apparatus having an image carrier, a light emitting portion capable of emitting a light towards a predetermined position, a light receiving portion capable of detecting a light amount of incident light from the predetermined position, a light emission control portion capable of changing an outgoing light amount of the light emitting portion, and a determining portion capable of determining whether or not the image carrier is disposed in the predetermined position based on a change in detected light amounts at the light receiving portion including a change in the outgoing light amount of the light emitting portion.