Image Forming Apparatus Speed Variation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face complexity in detecting the surface state of recording materials when their conveyance speed changes, leading to difficulties in accurately adjusting the irradiation light and capturing images, which can degrade image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a conveyance unit to accelerate or decelerate the recording material's speed during image capturing, an irradiation unit to emit light, an image capturing unit to capture multiple images, and a control unit that calculates a feature quantity from these images to control the image forming conditions based on the conveyance speed, allowing for high-quality image formation without complex detection operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reading speed is adjusted in real time according to the conveyance speed of the recording material, then the surface state detection accuracy is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the correspondence relationship between conveyance speeds and reading speeds in a table. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations, the system simply looks up the appropriate reading speed from the pre-prepared table based on the current conveyance speed, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while simplifying the operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the amount of irradiation light is finely adjusted according to the conveyance speed, then the surface state detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the correspondence relationship between conveyance speeds and irradiation light amounts in a table. The system simply retrieves the appropriate light amount from the pre-prepared table based on the current conveyance speed, avoiding complex real-time adjustments while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a LED light source that can be rapidly switched on and off without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The LED's inherent responsiveness allows the system to change light output quickly by simply controlling the on/off timing, avoiding the need for complex variable light intensity adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the conveyance speed of the recording material is changed, then the productivity is improved, but the image quality may deteriorate due to speed variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reading speed and irradiation light amount variable according to the conveyance speed. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on the actual speed of the recording material, ensuring that detection accuracy and image quality are maintained even when the conveyance speed changes to improve productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by measuring the actual conveyance speed of the recording material and using this information to adjust the reading speed and irradiation light amount. This closed-loop control ensures that the detection conditions are always optimized for the current speed, maintaining image quality regardless of speed variations.
4Speed
If the LED light source is used for irradiation, then the response speed is improved, but it becomes difficult to accurately follow the conveyance speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the required light amount for each conveyance speed and storing it in a table. This approach leverages the LED's fast response capability by simply switching between pre-determined light levels rather than requiring continuous analog adjustment, thereby maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by controlling the LED light source through pulsed illumination synchronized with the conveyance speed. The LED is turned on and off at specific intervals corresponding to the recording material's movement, allowing the fast-response LED to provide accurate illumination without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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-quality image formation on varying recording materials by determining image forming conditions based on surface states without complicating the detection process, even when the material's speed is accelerated or decelerated, improving productivity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to radiate light on the recording material being conveyed by the conveyance unit, an image capturing unit configured to capture a plurality of times the light radiated by the irradiation unit and reflected on the recording material as surface images
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit, an irradiation unit, an image capturing unit configured to capture a plurality of times the light radiated by the irradiation unit and reflected on the recording material as surface images, an image formation unit, and a control unit, wherein the conveyance unit accelerates or decelerates a conveyance speed of the recording material in at least a part of an image capturing period during which the image capturing unit captures the surface images the plurality of times, and wherein the control unit obtains a feature quantity from a plurality of surface images captured by the image capturing unit and controls the image forming condition based on the obtained feature quantity and a threshold value set according to the conveyance speed of the recording material in the image capturing period.