Image Forming Apparatus Paper Type Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to accurately determine the type and moisture content of paper sheets, leading to suboptimal image forming conditions and reduced image quality due to unsuitable pressure and conveyance speed settings, especially with varying paper thickness and high moisture content.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a measuring unit to irradiate light onto the paper, a type determination unit to assess the paper type based on light intensity, and a moisture content calculation unit to set appropriate image forming conditions based on the determined type and measured moisture content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image forming conditions are set based only on paper type or moisture content, then the setting process is simple, but the image forming conditions may not be properly set leading to reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paper property assessment into multiple independent measurement dimensions: paper type determination through transmitted light intensity, moisture content measurement through reflected light intensity, and surface roughness evaluation. This segmentation allows each parameter to be measured and optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and precise condition setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from single-dimension (only moisture or only type) to multi-dimension (type, moisture content, and surface roughness). By measuring transmitted light intensity for type determination, reflected light intensity for moisture content, and analyzing surface characteristics, the system achieves comprehensive paper characterization without complicating the operation interface.
2Device complexity
If moisture content is estimated from surrounding air temperature and humidity, then the measurement is simple, but the moisture content may not be calculated with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect environmental sensing method (temperature and humidity sensors) with direct optical measurement using a reflected light measuring unit. This substitution measures the actual moisture content of the paper directly through reflected light intensity, eliminating the estimation errors inherent in environmental-based calculations while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflected light intensity as an intermediary parameter to measure moisture content. Instead of directly measuring moisture or estimating from air conditions, the system uses reflected light intensity as a mediator that correlates with moisture content, enabling accurate measurement without complex direct moisture sensing hardware.
3Device complexity
If pressure and conveyance speed are not adjusted for paper thickness, then the control system is simple, but image quality reduces due to unsuitable pressure and conveyance speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of paper properties (type, moisture content, surface roughness) before the image forming process. By determining these parameters in advance using the transmitted and reflected light measuring units, the system can pre-adjust pressure and conveyance speed settings to match the specific paper characteristics, ensuring optimal image quality without requiring complex real-time control adjustments during printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pressure and conveyance speed parameters dynamic rather than fixed. Based on the measured paper type, moisture content, and surface roughness, the system dynamically adjusts these parameters to suit each specific paper batch, resolving the contradiction between simple control and high image quality.
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
Enables high-accuracy determination of paper type and moisture content, allowing for precise control of image forming conditions, thereby improving image quality and reducing color unevenness and image degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring unit configured to include at least one light source, to irradiate a sheet of paper with light emitted by the at least one light source, to receive the light transmitted through the sheet of paper or reflected by the sheet of paper, and to measure an intensity of the light that has been received
Implementation Method 2
to receive the light transmitted through the sheet of paper or reflected by the sheet of paper
Data Source
AI summary
Type and moisture content of a sheet of paper are determined with high accuracy for controlling an image forming condition, accordingly. A coping machine includes a transmitted-light measuring unit, a reflected-light measuring unit, a type determination unit configured to determine a type of a sheet of paper, a moisture content calculation unit configured to calculate a moisture content of the sheet of paper, based on the type of the sheet of paper determined by the type determination unit and the intensity of the light measured by the reflected-light measuring unit, and an image forming condition setting unit configured to set an image forming condition for the sheet of paper.