Image Forming Apparatus Recording Material Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face accuracy issues in discriminating the type of recording materials due to manufacturing irregularities, leading to deteriorated image quality and control inaccuracies, especially when handling multiple sheets of varying types.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an image formation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit that stores output values from the detection unit, allowing it to adjust image forming conditions based on differential values between detected and stored values, using the stored values if the differential is below a threshold and relying solely on new values if it exceeds the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the detection unit detects only one recording sheet, then the control process is simple, but the accuracy of recording material type discrimination deteriorates due to manufacturing irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of multiple recording sheets before actual image formation. The detection unit measures characteristics of several sheets in advance, storing these values for later comparison. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a reference range of variations for the recording batch, improving discrimination accuracy without complicating the real-time control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing detection values of multiple recording sheets and using the variation range to adjust discrimination thresholds. The control unit receives feedback from the detection unit about characteristic variations, and dynamically adjusts the discrimination criteria based on this feedback, thereby maintaining high accuracy while managing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the control unit uses detection values from multiple recording sheets, then the discrimination accuracy improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of multiple recording sheets before actual image formation. The detection unit measures characteristics of several sheets in advance, storing these values for later comparison. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a reference range of variations for the recording batch, improving discrimination accuracy without complicating the real-time control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing detection values of multiple recording sheets and using the variation range to adjust discrimination thresholds. The control unit receives feedback from the detection unit about characteristic variations, and dynamically adjusts the discrimination criteria based on this feedback, thereby maintaining high accuracy while managing complexity.
3Productivity
If the apparatus accommodates multiple recording sheets of the same type, then the productivity increases, but the discrimination accuracy deteriorates due to variations among sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of multiple recording sheets before actual image formation. The detection unit measures characteristics of several sheets in advance, storing these values for later comparison. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a reference range of variations for the recording batch, improving discrimination accuracy without complicating the real-time control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for discrimination from a single fixed threshold to a dynamic range based on detected variations. By adjusting the discrimination criteria to account for the observed parameter variations among sheets, the system maintains high accuracy even when processing multiple sheets of the same type in batch.
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 enhances the accuracy of recording material type discrimination and improves image quality by effectively managing variations in material characteristics, ensuring precise control of image forming conditions.
Implementation Method 1
capable of discriminating the type of a recording material by irradiating the recording material with light and capturing an image of the light having transmitted through the recording material
Implementation Method 2
capturing an image of the light reflected on the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image formation unit, a detection unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. When the detection unit outputs a second output value when a second recording material, which is different from a first recording material is detected, in a state where the storage unit stores a first output value output by the detection unit upon detection of the first recording material, the control unit controls an image forming condition based on at least the first output value if a differential value between the first output value and the second output value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value and controls the image forming condition based on the second output value without using the first output value if the differential value is greater than the predetermined threshold value.