Optical Sensor Backing for Paper Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining paper information, such as measuring the thickness of printing paper, require operator intervention and are time-consuming, as they necessitate placing the paper on a platen glass or automatic document feeder, leading to inaccurate data entry and increased operator effort.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with reflection-type optical sensors and a backing system that changes optical density, allowing the sensors to measure paper weight by calculating differences in reflectance values using different backing colors, thereby eliminating the need for manual data entry and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using platen glass or ADF are used to measure paper thickness, then paper information can be obtained, but operator time and effort are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus automatically measures paper weight using its built-in optical sensor and backing unit without requiring operator intervention. The system self-activates when a sheet is fed, performs the measurement during normal operation, and stores the result automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually place paper on platen glass or ADF.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor and backing unit, originally designed for other functions in the image forming apparatus, are utilized to perform paper weight measurement. This multi-functional use of existing components eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and operator actions, thereby saving time while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If manual data entry by operator is used, then paper information can be input, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of placing paper on platen glass and reading measurements is replaced by an optical measurement system. The optical sensor detects light reflection differences automatically, converting a manual mechanical task into an automated optical detection process that eliminates human error while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary between the paper and the control unit. Instead of the operator directly handling paper and entering data, the optical sensor mediates the measurement process by detecting optical properties and transmitting data automatically to the control unit, ensuring accuracy while keeping the system easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If reflection-type optical sensors are used with changing optical density backing, then paper weight measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor and backing unit are existing components in the image forming apparatus that serve multiple functions. By utilizing these components for paper weight measurement in addition to their original purposes, the patent avoids adding complex new hardware while achieving improved measurement accuracy through clever use of existing multi-functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The backing unit changes its optical density parameter (between light and dark states) to enable differential measurement with the optical sensor. This parameter change allows the system to detect paper weight through reflection differences without requiring complex measurement hardware, achieving high precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 enables efficient and accurate measurement of paper weight without operator intervention, saving time and effort while utilizing existing optical sensors within the image forming apparatus, thus reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflection-type optical sensor that measures a sheet in the sheet path
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are image forming apparatuses, non-transitory recording media each storing a computer-readable program for obtaining paper information, and paper-information obtaining methods. An image forming apparatus includes at least one reflection-type optical sensor that measures a sheet in a sheet path, and at least one backing configured to change optical density of a backing face which is to be placed under a sheet in the sheet path for a measurement of the sheet with each of the at least one reflection-type optical sensor. A hardware processor in a system including the image forming apparatus, causes the at least one reflection-type optical sensor to take measurements of a sheet in the sheet path by using different optical densities of the backing face, and calculates paper weight, which is weight of paper per unit area, of the sheet on the basis of the result of the measurements.