Image Detection Device Using Specular and Diffuse Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting image density due to limitations in light intensity control and the use of single light reflection types, leading to decreased accuracy and productivity, especially when dealing with individual differences in light-emitting and light-receiving devices.
Innovation Solution
An image detection device with a light-emitting unit, a first light-receiving unit for specular reflected light, a second light-receiving unit for diffuse reflected light, and a reference member that adjusts light intensity and uses both reflection types to enhance density detection accuracy, incorporating a light-emission control unit to manage light intensity and an internal reference plate for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only specular reflected light is used for density detection, then the detection system is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to individual device differences
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving unit is segmented into multiple independent detection regions: a first light receiving unit for detecting specular reflected light and a second light receiving unit for detecting diffuse reflected light. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each detection path and enables compensation for individual device differences by combining information from both paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection results from both specular and diffuse reflected light paths. The control unit combines the detection values from the first and second light receiving units to calculate the final density, thereby improving measurement precision by leveraging the complementary characteristics of both reflection types.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is not controlled, then the device operation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for device variations
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission control unit dynamically adjusts the light intensity emitted by the light emitting unit based on detected conditions. By changing the light intensity parameter in response to device variations and environmental factors, the system maintains high measurement precision across different operating conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Productivity
If mechanical shutters are used for reference calibration, then the reference detection is accurate, but the productivity decreases due to additional mechanical components and operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shutters with an electronic reference member that has a known reflectance value. This electronic reference can be quickly switched between different states (reference mode and measurement mode) without mechanical movement, thereby maintaining calibration accuracy while significantly improving detection speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference member with known reflectance is prepared in advance and integrated into the detection system. By having the reference calibration data ready before measurement begins, the system can perform rapid calibration without time-consuming mechanical operations, thus improving overall productivity while maintaining reliability.
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 solution enables high-accuracy density detection by utilizing both specular and diffuse reflected light, improving detection sensitivity and reducing the need for mechanical shutters, thereby increasing productivity and reliability while addressing individual device variations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-receiving unit that is disposed at a position where specular reflected light of the light emitted toward the image holding member is received
Implementation Method 2
a second light-receiving unit that is disposed at a position where diffuse reflected light of the light emitted toward the image holding member is received
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image detection device including a light-emitting unit that emits light toward an image holding member, a first light-receiving unit that is disposed at a position where specular reflected light of the light emitted toward the image holding member is received, a second light-receiving unit that is disposed at a position where diffuse reflected light of the light emitted toward the image holding member is received, a light-emission control unit that controls an intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit, and a reference member that is disposed at a position through which light having an intensity that is less than an intensity detectable by the second light-receiving unit passes in a case of the first intensity and through which light having an intensity that is equal to or higher than the intensity detectable by the second light-receiving unit passes in a case of the second intensity.