Optical Sensor Light Adjustment for Sheet Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately identifying the edge positions of sheets during the image formation process, particularly due to limitations in detecting the light receiving quantity and adjusting the light emitting quantity, which affects the precision and efficiency of image formation.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus equipped with a head, an optical sensor, and a carriage moving mechanism that adjusts the light emitting quantity of the optical sensor while moving, allowing for the calculation of sheet edge positions based on detection values, enabling precise identification of both side edges in the scanning direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light emitting quantity is adjusted while the carriage is moving, then the measurement precision of sheet edge position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor dynamically adjusts its light emitting quantity during carriage movement based on real-time detection conditions. The control unit modifies the light emitting quantity mid-traversal to optimize detection accuracy for sheet edges, transforming a static sensor into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the light emitting quantity parameter of the optical sensor during operation to improve edge detection precision. By adjusting this physical parameter in response to detected sheet positions and lighting conditions, the system optimizes measurement accuracy without requiring multiple sensors or complex mechanical adjustments.
2Productivity
If the carriage moves in a single direction to traverse sheet edges, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to limited adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary adjustment of the light emitting quantity before the optical sensor reaches the sheet edge. By anticipating the detection point and pre-adjusting light intensity based on initial sheet position detection, the system ensures optimal detection conditions are already in place when the edge is traversed, eliminating the need for slower post-detection adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors detection values from the optical sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the light emitting quantity during carriage movement. This real-time feedback loop allows the system to maintain measurement precision while moving in a single direction, as the light intensity is continuously optimized based on actual detection conditions.
3Loss of time
If the light emitting quantity is adjusted during carriage movement, then the loss of time is reduced, but the reliability of detection values may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting quantity adjustment is performed continuously during carriage movement rather than in discrete stops. The control unit maintains continuous modulation of the optical sensor's light output throughout the traversal, ensuring that detection is always performed under optimally adjusted conditions without interrupting the carriage motion or requiring pausing for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as moving the sensor or changing physical configurations) with electronic control of the light emitting quantity. This substitution allows for rapid, precise adjustment of detection parameters without mechanical complexity or interruption of motion, maintaining both speed and reliability.
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 identification of sheet edge positions, allowing for prompt initiation of the image forming operation and improving the overall performance of the image forming apparatus by optimizing the light emitting quantity adjustment and edge detection process.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor detects (positions of) the side edges of the sheet, e.g., by emitting light toward a sheet conveyance path and receiving reflected light from the side of the sheet conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus including a controller configured to move a carriage from an initial position to such a position that an optical sensor traverses one of two side edges of a sheet in a scanning direction, in a direction along the scanning direction, in response to the sheet reaching a position opposed to the optical sensor, adjust a light emitting quantity of the optical sensor while the carriage is being moved, within a period from when the carriage begins to move from the initial position to when the optical sensor traverses the one side edge, calculate a position of the one side edge traversed by the optical sensor after the adjustment, based on detection values, corresponding to the light receiving quantity, output from the optical sensor after the adjustment, and identify edge positions of the two side edges based on the calculated position of the one side edge.