Optical Sensor for Automatic Paper Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-forming apparatuses require users to manually set complex fixing conditions for various types of recording media, leading to suboptimal image quality due to the inability to accurately identify the media type and its surface conditions, especially with the increasing diversity of paper types and brands.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a surface-emitting laser array, collimate lens, and light receivers with a polarizing filter, which emits linearly polarized light and receives surface-regular and internal-diffuse reflected light to determine the brand and fibrous direction of the recording paper, allowing for automatic adjustment of fixing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually set fixing conditions for various recording media, then the apparatus can handle diverse paper types, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor automatically detects recording media properties (white degree, smoothness, fibrous direction) and the control unit autonomously determines optimal fixing conditions without user intervention. The system serves itself by eliminating manual input requirements while maintaining adaptability to diverse paper types through automated measurement and decision-making processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user operation with an optical measurement system. Instead of users physically examining and setting parameters for different media, an optical sensor uses light reflection and transmission to automatically characterize the recording media and trigger appropriate fixing conditions, substituting mechanical/manual processes with optical-electronic automation.
2Extent of automation
If conventional optical sensors detect recording media properties, then automation is achieved, but detection precision is insufficient for distinguishing similar paper types
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple independent measurements: white degree detection via reflected light, smoothness detection via transmitted light intensity ratios, and fibrous direction detection via polarized light analysis. Each measurement targets a specific paper property independently, allowing the system to accumulate precise multi-dimensional characterization data that enables accurate discrimination of similar paper types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds multiple measurement dimensions beyond simple light detection: it measures both reflected and transmitted light, analyzes light intensity ratios, and incorporates polarized light detection for fibrous direction. By expanding from single-dimension detection to multi-dimensional optical measurement space, the system achieves superior precision in paper type discrimination while maintaining automation.
3Measurement precision
If the optical sensor uses multiple light receivers to detect different light components, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor integrates multiple light receivers (first and second light receivers) that serve different functions within a single device structure. The first light receiver detects reflected light for white degree measurement, while the second light receiver detects transmitted light for smoothness measurement. This multi-functional integration achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the components work synergistically within a unified sensor 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
Enables high-accuracy detection of recording paper type and fibrous direction, ensuring optimal image formation by automatically setting the most suitable fixing conditions, thus improving image quality and simplifying user input.
Implementation Method 1
a light source 10 which emits linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a first light receiver 13 which receives surface-regular reflected light and a second light receiver 15 which receives internal-diffuse reflected light
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sensor comprising: an optical sensor including a light source and a plurality of light receivers which receive light emitted from the light source and light regularly reflected and diffusely reflected by an object; a database including output data regarding multiple objects of known and different types from the plurality of light receivers, when an incident direction of light emitted from the light source forms a first direction to the object and when the incident direction of light emitted from the light source forms a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction; and a processor which controls the light emitted from the light source to illuminate an object of unknown type and specifies the type of the object by matching the output data of the plurality of light receivers to the database.