Optical Sensor for Transfer Member Color Misregistration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting color misregistration and image density due to variations in temperature, humidity, and the surface state of the transfer member, leading to errors in position detection and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an optical sensor with light emitting and receiving elements configured to emit and receive light at specific angles, allowing for optimal detection of diffused reflected light, and a controller that selects the appropriate light receiving element based on the transfer member's state to accurately detect color misregistration and adjust image forming positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the transfer member is used for a long time to reduce replacement cost, then the transfer member life is extended, but the front surface deteriorates and reflection characteristics change, causing position detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light receiving element selectable and reconfigurable based on transfer member surface state. The system dynamically switches between different light receiving elements (first for specular reflection, second for diffused reflection) depending on whether the surface is new or deteriorated, allowing the detection system to adapt to changing surface conditions over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter by switching between different reflection detection modes. When the transfer member surface is new, specular reflection detection is used; when the surface deteriorates, diffused reflection detection is employed. This parameter change allows accurate position detection throughout the transfer member's service life despite surface condition changes.
2Speed
If specularly reflected light method is used for detection, then detection speed is fast, but detection accuracy decreases when transfer member surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between specular reflection detection (fast, for new surfaces) and diffused reflection detection (accurate, for deteriorated surfaces) based on the transfer member's surface state. This dynamic adaptation maintains both speed and accuracy across different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that determines the appropriate detection method based on transfer member surface state and selects the corresponding light receiving element. This intermediary function coordinates between the two detection methods, ensuring the optimal method is used for each surface condition.
3Measurement precision
If diffused reflected light method is used for detection, then detection accuracy is maintained on deteriorated surfaces, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two specialized light receiving elements: one optimized for specular reflection detection and another for diffused reflection detection. This segmentation allows each element to excel at its specific function, with the controller selecting the appropriate element based on surface condition, thereby managing complexity through functional division.
4Measurement precision
If the detection region width is increased to improve detection accuracy, then position detection precision improves, but the sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective detection region by selecting different light receiving elements based on surface condition. The first light receiving element uses a smaller detection region optimized for specular reflection on new surfaces, while the second element uses a larger detection region for diffused reflection on deteriorated surfaces, optimizing the balance between precision and size for each condition.
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 precise detection of color misregistration and image density, reducing errors and maintaining high image quality even with changes in the transfer member's surface state, thereby ensuring accurate color reproduction and extended transfer member life.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element configured to emit light for irradiating the detection image at a predetermined angle of incidence
Implementation Method 2
a first light receiving element arranged at a position at which diffused reflected light from the detection image is received at a first angle of reflection
Implementation Method 3
a second light receiving element arranged at a position at which the diffused reflected light from the detection image is received at a second angle of reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an optical sensor configured to detect reflected light from a detection image formed on the transfer member. The optical sensor includes a light emitting element configured to emit light for irradiating the detection image at a predetermined angle of incidence, a first light receiving element arranged at a position at which diffused reflected light from the detection image is received at a first angle of reflection, and a second light receiving element arranged at a position at which the diffused reflected light from the detection image is received at a second angle of reflection.