Line Sensor Distance Measurement for Photosensitive Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distance measuring methods in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses fail to accurately measure the distance between a photosensitive member and multiple developing rollers due to light obstruction, necessitating a more precise and accurate measurement technology.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device utilizing line sensors to calculate the surface shapes of measurement targets, transforming coordinate systems to unify measurements, and calculating distances between targets in a unified coordinate system, enabling precise distance measurement between cylindrical surfaces like photosensitive members and developing rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional distance measuring method using laser light is used, then the measurement can be performed, but the light is blocked by additional developing rollers preventing accurate measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidlight obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent parts by using multiple line sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor measures the distance to a specific point on the photosensitive member, and these individual measurements are then combined to determine the overall distance, allowing measurement around obstructions like additional developing rollers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point laser measurement approach to a distributed line sensor array approach. By measuring distances at multiple discrete points across the photosensitive member surface and combining these measurements, the system can determine the overall distance even when light paths are partially blocked by cylindrical rollers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple developing rollers are attached to the photosensitive member, then the image forming capability is improved, but the light path for distance measurement is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage forming capabilityVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple line sensors positioned at different locations around the photosensitive member. Each sensor independently measures the distance to its corresponding point, and these segmented measurements are then synthesized to provide the overall distance information, effectively ignoring the presence of blocking rollers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate measurement points on the photosensitive member surface as mediators. Instead of attempting to measure the distance directly through blocked paths, the system measures distances to intermediate points on the photosensitive member surface and uses these as stepping stones to determine the overall distance between the photosensitive member and the developing roller

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides increased accuracy and precision in measuring distances between photosensitive members and developing rollers, even when multiple rollers are attached, ensuring reliable light reception and effective measurement without obstruction.

Implementation Method 1

a first line sensor that emits laser light to the first measurement target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

emits laser light to the first measurement target, and calculates a surface shape of the first measurement target on the basis of first measurement data acquired from the first line sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10982953B2Measuring device, image forming apparatus, and measuring method

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A measuring device that measures a distance between a first measurement target and a second measurement target. The measuring device includes a CPU that: calculates a first surface shape of the first measurement target based on first measurement data acquired from a first line sensor that emits first laser light to the first measurement target, and calculates a second surface shape of the second measurement target based on second measurement data acquired from a second line sensor that emits second laser light to the second measurement target; transforms at least one of a first coordinate system of the first line sensor and a second coordinate system of the second line sensor, to form a unified coordinate system; and calculates a distance between the first measurement target and the second measurement target in the unified coordinate system.