Optical Sensor for Recording Media Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the type and properties of recording media, such as smoothness and thickness, using contact methods or non-contact methods like reflected light analysis, which can be costly and increase the size of the apparatus, and may not provide detailed or accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor is developed with a light source and detector arranged to optimize incident and detection angles, using a collimator lens and photodiode to measure regular reflection light intensity, allowing for detailed identification of recording media without increasing the apparatus size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact methods or non-contact methods like reflected light analysis are used to determine recording medium properties, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional components needed for measurement - a light source and a single optical detector - eliminating unnecessary complex sensor systems. By taking out only the critical elements for detecting recording medium properties through reflected light intensity, the system achieves accurate measurement without increasing device complexity or cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to identify recording medium type and properties, then measurement precision is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical detection system universal by configuring it to detect multiple recording medium properties (smoothness, thickness, type) through reflected light intensity measurements. By making the optical detector multi-functional rather than using separate sensors for each property, the system achieves high identification accuracy without increasing apparatus size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user manually sets fixing conditions, then adaptability to different recording media is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback system where the optical detector measures recording medium properties and the controller automatically determines optimal fixing conditions based on the detected smoothness, thickness, and type. This feedback loop eliminates manual user input while maintaining high adaptability to different recording media, greatly improving ease of operation.
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 optical sensor enables accurate identification of recording media, improving image quality by setting optimal fixing conditions based on measured properties like smoothness, reducing the need for multiple sensors and minimizing apparatus size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector detecting intensity of light that is reflected by a recording medium, the light emitted from the light source and irradiated onto the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes a light source; and an optical detector detecting intensity of light that is reflected by a recording medium, the light from the light source and irradiated onto the recording medium. Further, when an incident angle of the light incident to the recording medium from the light source relative to a normal line of the recording medium is given as θ1, a formula 75°≤θ1≤85° is satisfied.