Image Reading Apparatus Thickness Detection and Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with paper jams and poor stacking during original conveyance, especially with thin sheets, due to inadequate detection and control of original thickness, and show-through of images from the reverse side, which is not effectively prevented by existing show-through prevention functions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus automatically detects the thickness of originals and adjusts the conveying speed, and enables or disables the show-through prevention function based on the detected thickness, ensuring reliable prevention of paper jams and poor stacking, while performing image processing to remove show-through data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conveying speed is increased for thin sheets, then productivity is improved, but paper jams and poor stacking occur due to insufficient time for originals to drop onto the discharging unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs thickness detection before conveying the original, and based on the detected thickness, pre-adjusts the conveying speed to an appropriate value. This preliminary adjustment ensures that thin sheets are conveyed at a slower speed that allows them to drop properly onto the discharging unit, preventing paper jams and poor stacking while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If show-through prevention function is enabled by user setting, then show-through data is removed through image processing, but reading starts before the function is enabled causing unreliable prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the thickness of the original and autonomously determines whether show-through prevention is needed, then enables the function without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach ensures that show-through prevention is reliably activated based on actual original characteristics, eliminating the delay and unreliability associated with manual user settings.
3Reliability
If thickness detection and conveying speed control are implemented, then paper jams and poor stacking are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness detection sensor serves multiple functions: it detects original thickness for conveying speed control to prevent paper jams, and simultaneously provides information for automatic show-through prevention function activation. By making the detection system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving multiple reliability improvements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image reading apparatus which is capable of preventing occurrence of a paper jam and poor stacking during conveyance of originals. The image reading apparatus sets a type of an original, conveys the original based on the set type of the original, and reads an image on the conveyed original. An original detecting sensor detects placement of the original on an original tray. An LCD touch panel displays an object for setting a type of the original in response to the detection by the original detecting sensor.