Sheet Type Detection via Optical Transmission in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image recording apparatuses deteriorate the quality of sheets by feeding them to determine the type, leading to potential scratches and reduced image quality, especially when sheets have thickness or coatings.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that adjusts the feeding roller's conditions based on sensor detection, allowing differentiation between sheet types without initial feeding, using distinct feeding conditions for glossy and plain sheets to prevent unnecessary conveyance and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet is fed by rotating the feeding roller to determine the type of sheet, then the sheet type can be detected based on frictional resistance, but the quality of the sheet is deteriorated with scratches on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical feeding method with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the sheet, and a sensor detects the transmitted light intensity. Since different sheet types (glossy, matte, transparent, opaque) have different light transmission properties, the sensor can identify the sheet type without physical contact, thereby avoiding scratches on the sheet surface while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the feeding roller feeds the sheet to determine sheet type, then the detection can be performed, but unnecessary conveyance may lower sheet conveying accuracy and image recording quality
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system allows sheet type identification without moving the sheet through the feeding roller. The light source and sensor are positioned to detect sheet properties in place, eliminating the need for conveyance during detection. This prevents any potential degradation of sheet conveying accuracy and image recording quality that would result from unnecessary sheet movement.
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
Prevents sheet damage and maintains quality by accurately determining sheet type without initial feeding, ensuring proper feeding conditions for each type, thus enhancing image recording accuracy and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to detect the sheet passing through the conveying passage
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus is configured such that, in response to receipt a first command designating recordation of an image on a first type sheet, a motor is driven in accordance with a first feeding condition, and in response to the first sensor not detecting the sheet until the motor rotates by a particular rotation amount, the motor is driven in accordance with a second feeding condition. Further, the controller causes the recorder to record an image, based on the first command, on the sheet which is fed as the motor is driven in accordance with the second feed condition, while, in response to the first sensor detecting the sheet before the motor rotates by the particular rotation amount, the controller does not record the image, based on the first command, on the sheet which is fed as the motor is driven in accordance with the first feeding condition.