Optical Medium Speed Detection for Printing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accelerating imaging repetition speed while maintaining high-definition image capture and precise medium transport, leading to increased size and cost of imaging and optical systems, limiting the ability to further increase transport speed.
Innovation Solution
A medium speed detection device utilizing a radiation optical system that radiates non-coherent light and a linear light reception optical system with multiple light reception units arranged along the transport direction, allowing for speed detection based on temporal correlation between light reception units, thereby simplifying the structure and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If imaging repetition speed is accelerated to increase transport speed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in capturing high-definition images at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based speed detection method with an optical measurement system. Instead of using imaging devices to capture and analyze medium images at high speeds, the invention uses light reflection and photodetector signals to measure transport speed, eliminating the speed limitation imposed by imaging repetition rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from image-based spatial analysis to light intensity temporal analysis. By measuring the time variation of reflected light intensity as the medium passes through the detection point, the system can determine speed without being constrained by imaging speed, thus resolving the contradiction between high transport speed and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If imaging system device and optical system device are enlarged to widen imaged area and capture high definition images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed detection function from the imaging system. Instead of using a complex imaging system to detect speed, the invention uses a simple optical detection system that only measures light intensity variations, separating the speed measurement function from image capture and eliminating the need for high-definition imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex imaging system with a simpler optical detection system. Instead of requiring cameras, lenses, and image processing hardware to measure speed, the invention uses light sources, photodetectors, and temporal signal analysis, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If imaging system device and optical system device are enlarged to widen imaged area and capture high definition images, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive optical components such as standard light sources and photodetectors instead of expensive imaging systems. The simple optical detection setup uses readily available, low-cost components that can be easily manufactured and replaced, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive imaging system hardware with a cost-effective optical measurement approach. By using simple light reflection detection and temporal signal processing instead of high-definition cameras and complex optical systems, the invention achieves speed measurement at a fraction of the cost.
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 accurate speed detection of transported media with a simpler and more cost-effective system, enhancing precision and reliability without the need for extensive system upgrades, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
n linear light reception units receive diffused/reflected light of non-coherent light from the medium through light reception surfaces
Implementation Method 2
n linear light reception units receive diffused/reflected light of non-coherent light from the medium through light reception surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A medium speed detection device includes a radiation optical system that radiates non-coherent light to a sheet-shaped medium which is being transported, a linear light reception optical system that includes n light reception units (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) receiving diffused/reflected light of the non-coherent light from the medium through light reception surfaces and in which the n light reception surfaces are arranged on an imaginary straight line in a transport direction of the medium, and a speed detection unit that obtains a speed of the medium based on a delay time obtained from a temporal correlation between an output of preceding light reception units with preceding light reception surfaces disposed on an upstream side in the transport direction and an output of following light reception units with following light reception surfaces disposed on a downstream side among the n light reception units.