Linear Light Source for Recording Media Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in precisely determining the type of recording media before they are supplied, leading to suboptimal image forming and fixing conditions due to uneven light intensity from point light sources, which limits the precision in deciding the type of recording media.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a light radiating portion with a linear light source or optical fibers arranged parallel to the recording media, coupled with a light detecting portion that captures images of light transmitted through the media, allowing for precise determination of the media type by analyzing light intensity and attenuation rates, thereby optimizing image forming and fixing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If point light sources such as round type LEDs are used for radiating light toward recording media, then the light source structure is simple, but unevenness of light intensity is produced in the detection area which limits precision to decide on the type of recording media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independent LED elements arranged in a linear array, where each LED can be controlled independently to illuminate different regions of the recording media stack. This segmentation allows uniform light distribution across the detection area while maintaining measurement precision for recording media type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point light sources (zero-dimensional) to a linear light source (one-dimensional), extending the illumination in the horizontal direction to cover the entire detection area uniformly. This dimensional change eliminates the unevenness problem while keeping the structure relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If the type of recording media is decided after the recording media are supplied from the recording media supplying unit, then the decision can be made with available sensors, but some image forming apparatuses cannot optimize the conditions of the image forming method and fixing method in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification of recording media type in the supplying unit before the media are conveyed to the image forming portion. By measuring light attenuation characteristics in advance, the system determines media type and thickness beforehand, allowing real-time optimization of image forming and fixing conditions to be applied immediately when the media arrive at the processing unit.
3Loss of time
If light is radiated on the bundle of recording media stacked in the recording media supplying unit to measure thickness and density, then the media type can be decided before supply, but unevenness of light intensity from point sources limits the precision
Solution Approach 1:
The linear light source is divided into multiple discrete LED elements that can be independently controlled. Each LED illuminates a specific region, and the corresponding light detection area is matched to measure local light attenuation characteristics. This segmentation enables precise measurement of multiple regions simultaneously, improving overall measurement precision while allowing preliminary media type identification.
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 enables more precise identification of recording media type and density, ensuring optimal image forming and fixing processes, reducing light intensity unevenness and enhancing precision in media type determination.
Implementation Method 1
light on the bundle of recording media stacked in the recording media supplying unit is radiated in order to let the light in the bundle, an image of light leaking from between these stacked recording media is captured by means of an area sensor, and the thickness and density of the recording media is measured based on contrast of the obtained image and a change of a light intensity, that is, the attenuation rate of the light in the recording media
Data Source
AI summary
A recording media deciding apparatus has: a light radiating portion which radiates light having a uniform light amount on a range corresponding to an image capturing range of a first surface of a bundle of recording media; a light detecting portion which captures an image of light emitted from a second surface different from the first surface of the bundle of the recording media; and a controller which decides on a type of the recording media based on an output of the light detecting portion.