Optical Sensor for Recording Medium Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-quality image formation due to the need for complex user settings and potential errors in fixing conditions for various types of recording media, which can result in irregular colors and reduced image quality, especially when the smoothness and thickness of the media are not accurately determined.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system that uses a combination of surface emitting laser arrays and polarizing filters to differentiate between surface specular and internal diffuse reflections, allowing for precise determination of the recording medium's type, smoothness, and thickness by analyzing the light reflection patterns, thereby optimizing the fixing conditions automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the user manually sets the fixing condition based on recording medium type, then the image quality can be optimized for specific media, but the operation complexity increases and user error may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus automatically identifies the recording medium type through optical sensing and autonomously selects the appropriate fixing condition, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system serves itself by detecting media properties and adjusting parameters without human intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between optimized image quality and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates an optical sensor that detects reflected light from the recording medium and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback regarding surface smoothness and other properties, the system automatically adjusts fixing conditions to achieve optimal image quality without requiring user knowledge or manual setting.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection systems are used to accurately identify recording medium properties, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection units, each equipped with light sources of different wavelengths and photodetectors for different spectral ranges. This segmentation allows precise measurement of various recording medium properties (surface smoothness, transparency, color) using specialized detectors, while the modular structure manages system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single integrated sensor unit can detect multiple properties of recording media (surface smoothness, transparency, color, thickness) by combining several light sources and photodetectors. This universal detection capability achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one sensor assembly performs multiple measurement functions.
3Productivity
If automated medium identification is implemented, then the productivity improves by eliminating manual settings, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary identification of the recording medium type and properties immediately upon media insertion, before the actual image formation process begins. This preliminary action allows the control unit to pre-set the optimal fixing conditions, thereby improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention while the added complexity is confined to the initial detection phase rather than the entire system.
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 system enhances the accuracy of identifying recording media, reducing the complexity of user settings and ensuring high-quality image formation by providing detailed information on the media's characteristics, leading to improved image quality and reduced errors.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) or the like is emitted to the recording medium of a target to be identified, and the name or the like of the recording medium is specified based on a reflected light amount from the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
An optical sensor system that uses a combination of surface emitting laser arrays and polarizing filters to differentiate between surface specular and internal diffuse reflections
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an optical sensor, a light emission system emits an irradiated light of a linear polarization in a first polarization direction toward a surface of a target object having a sheet shape from an incident direction which is inclined with respect to a normal direction of the surface. A first light detection system includes a first light detector arranged on a first light path of a specular reflected light, which is emitted from the light emission system and is specularly reflected from the target object. A second light detection system includes a second light detector arranged on a second light path of a diffuse reflected light which is diffusely reflected from an incident plane on the target object. The second light detector receives second light passed by an optical element which passes a linear polarization component of a second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction.