Optical Paper Feed Detector for Overlapping Sheet Misfeed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper feed mechanisms in office devices like photocopiers and scanners fail to effectively detect overlapping sheets of paper within the transport path, leading to misfeeds and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A paper feed detector system utilizing a light source and image forming arrangement to create a spatially varying intensity image, which is assessed by an image detector to determine the number of sheets in the transport path, employing a method that introduces an air gap between sheets to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional paper feed mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to detect overlapping sheets is insufficient leading to misfeeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with an optical system. A light source projects a pattern through the paper stack to an image sensor, using light transmission and image processing to detect overlapping sheets, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy or image of the paper stack's transmission pattern. The image sensor captures the light pattern transmitted through the papers, and this optical information is processed to detect overlaps, effectively using a copy of the physical state for measurement.
2Measurement precision
If no air gap is introduced between sheets, then the feed mechanism operates continuously, but detection accuracy of overlapping sheets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by analyzing the optical pattern before the papers are fully fed. The air gap allows the light pattern to stabilize and be clearly captured by the image sensor, enabling detection to occur in advance of the feeding action, thus maintaining productivity while improving accuracy.
3Reliability
If existing detection methods are used, then the device is inexpensive, but misfeeds occur due to inability to detect overlapping sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable mechanical sensors with an optical detection system. The light source and image sensor combination provides more reliable detection of paper overlaps, reducing misfeeds. The optical system is processed by software algorithms that analyze transmission patterns, providing robust detection without requiring complex mechanical components.
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
The system provides a reliable and inexpensive means to detect overlapping sheets, reducing misfeeds by analyzing image degradation caused by multiple sheets, thereby improving the feeding mechanism's reliability in office devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path from the light source to the image detector passes through the transport path
Implementation Method 2
the image detector is adapted to assess degradation of the image to make an assessment of the number of sheets within the transport path
Data Source
AI summary
A paper feed detector is disclosed for detecting when a plurality of overlapping sheets of paper occur in a transport path intended to transport paper to a first region. The paper feed detector includes a light source and an image forming arrangement adapted to form an image having a spatially varying intensity; and an image detector. An optical path from the light source to the image detector passes through the transport path. The image detector is adapted to assess degradation of the image to make an assessment of the number of sheets within the transport path.