Image Forming Apparatus Fiber Direction Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the type of recording materials, leading to incorrect image forming conditions due to the influence of fiber direction, which can result in reduced image quality, and this accuracy is not achieved without increasing the cost by using multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that calculates two feature quantities from a single surface image captured by a CMOS line sensor, one along the direction parallel to the conveyance and the other orthogonal to it, to determine the type of recording material and control image forming conditions, thereby reducing the impact of fiber direction without needing additional light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two light sources are used to illuminate the recording material from different directions, then the determination accuracy of recording material type is improved, but the cost of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis of the single captured image by calculating feature quantities in two different directions (first direction and second direction intersecting the first direction). This allows the system to process information from multiple perspectives without requiring multiple physical light sources, thereby maintaining determination accuracy while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by calculating feature quantities along intersecting directions within the same image plane. Instead of adding more light sources in physical space, the system adds computational dimensions by analyzing pixel output differences along different directional arrangements, achieving multi-directional illumination effect through image processing.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is used to illuminate the recording material, then the cost of the image forming apparatus is reduced, but the determination accuracy of recording material type deteriorates due to fiber direction influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feature quantity calculation as an intermediary processing step between image capture and determination. By calculating feature quantities from pixel output differences in multiple directions and combining them, the system mediates the limitation of single-direction illumination, effectively suppressing fiber direction influence and improving determination accuracy without adding more light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of analysis from single-direction pixel intensity to multi-directional feature quantities. By calculating output value differences along different directional arrangements and combining these feature quantities, the system transforms the limitation of single light source into an opportunity for sophisticated image processing that achieves superior determination accuracy.
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 approach allows for high-accuracy determination of recording material type and improved image quality by averaging feature quantities from different directions, suppressing the influence of fiber direction without increasing the apparatus's cost.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing unit configured to capture light emitted by the illumination unit and reflected by the recording material as a surface image including a plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material, an illumination unit configured to emit light, an image capturing unit configured to capture light emitted by the illumination unit and reflected by the recording material as a surface image including a plurality of pixels, and a control unit configured to calculate a first feature quantity from a difference of output values of a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction, and calculate a second feature quantity from a difference of output values of a plurality of pixels arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction in the surface image captured by the image capturing unit, and control an image forming condition of the image forming unit based on the calculated first feature quantity and the calculated second feature quantity.