Movable Image Sensor for Paper Deviation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require expensive image sensors with large reading widths to accurately detect paper sheet deviations, leading to increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a movable image sensor that adjusts its position to read paper sheets of varying widths, using a smaller reading width than the paper sheet's width, allowing for precise deviation detection without the need for expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image sensor with a large reading width is used to detect edges of paper sheets of all sizes, then edge detection accuracy is improved, but the image sensor becomes more expensive and may require custom-made sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is made movable in the main scanning direction through a moving mechanism. The sensor position is dynamically adjusted based on the detected paper sheet width to optimize the reading area. This allows a smaller, more affordable sensor to achieve the same functional capability as a permanently large sensor by adaptively positioning itself to read only the necessary portion of the paper sheet.
2Ease of manufacture
If the image sensor reading width is made smaller to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to read both edges of large width sheets is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the image sensor position in the main scanning direction based on the detected paper sheet width. For large width sheets, the sensor is positioned to read from one edge, and the control unit processes this partial reading data to determine the full sheet position and edges. This dynamic adaptation allows a small sensor to work with paper sheets of various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit creates a virtual representation of the complete paper sheet by processing the partial reading data from the small sensor. Through calculation and inference, the system reconstructs information about the entire sheet width and position, effectively copying the functionality of a large sensor through data processing rather than physical size.
3Length of moving object
If the image sensor reading width is made smaller, then the sensor size and cost are reduced, but the reading coverage of large width paper sheets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor position is dynamically adjusted in the main scanning direction based on the detected paper sheet width. By positioning the sensor appropriately and using the control unit to process the reading data, the system achieves effective coverage of large width sheets despite the sensor's small physical reading width.
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 precise recognition of paper sheet position deviations using an inexpensive image sensor with a small reading width, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate printing.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that reads the conveyed paper sheet in the main scanning direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An image sensor (61) of an image forming apparatus has a reading width (W1) in the main scanning direction smaller than main scanning direction widths of a largest printable size paper sheet. In setting for using a large width sheet (Pw), a controller (1) controls a moving mechanism (8) to move the image sensor (61) toward one side so that a one side edge (Eg) of the large width sheet (Pw) can be read. Based on read image data (7) obtained by reading, the controller (1) recognizes a deviation direction and a deviation amount of a position of the conveyed large width sheet (Pw) in the main scanning direction.