Dynamic Masking Sound Timing for Image Formers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noise reduction technologies in image forming apparatuses do not effectively address the variability in noise generation due to precision variations in sheet material feeding and rotor deterioration, leading to inconsistent masking sound timing and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a supply unit, rotor, memory unit, derivation unit, determination unit, decision unit, and sound output unit that adjusts masking sound output timing and duration based on the current position of the sheet material in the feeding path to synchronize with precise noise generation locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform timing is used for outputting masking sound, then the device complexity is reduced, but the noise masking effectiveness deteriorates due to variations in sheet material feeding precision and rotor deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from uniform static timing to dynamic timing adjustment. The masking sound output timing is adjusted based on the actual position of the sheet material in the feeding path, allowing the system to adapt to variations in feeding precision and rotor deterioration. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the masking sound is output at the precise moment when noise is generated, maintaining effectiveness without requiring complex predictive models or additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the derived current position of the sheet material to adjust the masking sound output timing. The determination unit continuously monitors whether the sheet material has reached the specified location upstream from the noise generation point, and this feedback information is used by the decision unit to decide the optimal output timing and duration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate synchronization between masking sound output and noise generation despite variations in feeding precision and rotor condition.
2Reliability
If masking sound output timing is adjusted based on sheet material position, then the noise masking effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional derivation and determination units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the derivation unit and determination unit to serve multiple functions within the existing control system. These units not only determine masking sound timing but also can be integrated with other control functions such as sheet material tracking, noise monitoring, and system coordination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and minimizes overall system complexity while maintaining improved noise masking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the timing and duration parameters of masking sound output based on the sheet material position. Rather than adding complex hardware, the system modifies operational parameters (output timing, output duration) of the existing sound output unit based on feedback from the derivation and determination units. This parameter-based approach achieves improved noise masking with minimal structural changes to the system.
3Ease of operation
If masking sound is output based on predetermined timing, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to variations in feeding precision and rotor condition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the masking sound control system to automatically adjust its own output timing and duration based on real-time sheet material position information. The derivation unit, determination unit, and decision unit work together to autonomously determine the optimal masking sound parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. This self-adjusting capability maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to variations in feeding precision and rotor condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the determination unit assess whether the sheet material has reached the specified location upstream from the noise generation point before triggering the masking sound output. This preliminary assessment ensures that the masking sound is output at the precise moment when noise is generated, rather than relying on predetermined timing that cannot adapt to actual feeding variations. The system performs this preliminary check continuously and automatically, maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability.
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 ensures effective noise masking by synchronizing masking sound output with the precise timing and duration of noise generation, enhancing noise reduction and user comfort by adapting to variations in sheet material feeding precision and rotor condition.
Implementation Method 1
Sound masking is a method taking advantage of a phenomenon (i.e., sound masking effect) in which perception of a sound at a certain level makes other sounds barely audible
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, having: a supply unit that forwards a sheet material; a rotor that feeds the sheet material; a memory unit that has stored therein a masking sound for noise; a derivation unit that derives a current position of the sheet material being fed; a determination unit that determines, on the basis of the current position derived by the derivation unit, whether or not the sheet material being fed has reached a second specified location at a predetermined distance upstream from the first specified location; a decision unit that decides output timing and/or output duration for the masking sound in the memory unit upon an affirmative determination by the determination unit; and a sound output unit that outputs the masking sound in the memory unit in accordance with the output timing and/or the output duration.