Multi-Resolution Surface Imaging for Recording Material Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the type of recording material due to production variations, leading to potential misclassification and suboptimal image forming conditions, which can degrade image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a surface property detection unit with an irradiation unit, image focusing unit, and image capturing unit to capture surface images of the recording material at multiple resolutions, allowing the control unit to accurately determine the type based on feature quantities and adjust image forming conditions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single resolution image is used for recording material determination, then the detection process is simple and fast, but the determination accuracy is insufficient due to production variations in recording materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image analysis into multiple resolution levels (first resolution and second resolution). The image capturing unit captures images at different resolutions, and the control unit analyzes feature quantities from both resolutions to determine recording material type. This segmentation of resolution levels allows the system to overcome production variations that cannot be detected at a single resolution, thereby improving determination accuracy while managing complexity through structured multi-level analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple resolution images are captured and analyzed, then the recording material type determination accuracy is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing images at multiple resolutions before the actual determination process. The image capturing unit is configured to capture images at both first and second resolutions in advance, storing them for subsequent analysis. This preliminary capture of multi-resolution images allows the control unit to efficiently compare feature quantities from different resolutions without time-consuming sequential capture, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high determination accuracy.
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 precise determination of the recording material type, leading to improved image quality by optimizing transfer and fixing conditions based on the material's properties, even with variations in production.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to emit light onto the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit, an image capturing unit configured to capture the light emitted by the irradiation unit and reflected from the recording material as a surface image of the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image formation unit configured to form an image on a recording material, a conveyance unit configured to convey a recording material, an irradiation unit configured to emit light onto the recording material being conveyed by the conveyance unit, an image capturing unit configured to capture the light emitted by the irradiation unit and reflected from the recording material as a surface image of the recording material, and a control unit configured to control an image forming condition of the image formation unit based on the surface image of the recording material acquired by the image capturing unit, wherein the control unit controls the image forming condition based on a plurality of surface images of the recording material having different resolutions.