Optical Medium Thickness Detection via Transient Light Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sheet thickness detection methods, such as ultrasonic wave penetration, lack precision and stability, failing to meet advancing printing requirements for controlling printing parameters.
Innovation Solution
A medium thickness detection device utilizing transient light emitting and receiving, with a processor-controlled system including a light emitting element, constant-current control circuit, light-receiving element, analog-to-digital converter, and self-learning calibration for precise thickness determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic wave penetration method is used for sheet thickness detection, then the detection can be performed, but the thickness detecting precision and stability are not high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic wave penetration method (acoustic/mechanical system) with a light-based optical detection system. The light emitting element emits light that passes through the sheet, and the light-receiving element detects the transmitted light. This substitution of detection principle fundamentally improves both precision and stability by utilizing optical properties that provide more consistent and measurable signals for thickness determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a learning mode that dynamically adjusts the irradiation time parameter and establishes correspondence between integrated light reception amounts and sheet thickness. By changing the detection parameter (irradiation time) and creating a calibrated relationship (learning curve), the system achieves high-precision thickness detection that adapts to different sheet types and conditions, resolving the precision and stability issues of fixed-parameter methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-feed sensor is used for sheet thickness detection, then multiple sheets can be detected to prevent paper jam, but the thickness detection precision is insufficient for controlling printing parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic irradiation of light through the sheet multiple times during the learning mode to accumulate integrated light reception amounts. This periodic detection action allows the system to gather sufficient data for accurate thickness determination while maintaining the capability to detect multiple sheets. The cumulative measurement approach provides both multi-sheet detection versatility and the precision needed for printing parameter control.
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 device provides stable and precise thickness detection, reducing errors from light-receiving element variability and enabling precise control of printing parameters, enhancing printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element; a constant-current control circuit, which is electrically connected to the light emitting element, and controls, in a constant-current manner, the light emitting element to output light passing through a medium for an irradiation time; a light-receiving element receiving the light passing through the medium to obtain an analog signal
Data Source
AI summary
A medium thickness detection device includes: a light emitting element; a constant-current control circuit controlling, in a constant-current manner, the light emitting element to output light passing through a medium for an irradiation time; a light-receiving element receiving the light passing through the medium to obtain an analog signal; a receiver circuit receiving the analog signal; a maximum holding circuit holding a maximum of the analog signal; an analog-to-digital converter circuit reading the maximum of the analog signal and converting the maximum of the analog signal into a digital signal; a reset circuit resetting the maximum holding circuit; and a processor controlling operations of the constant-current control circuit, the reset circuit and the analog-to-digital converter circuit, and determining a thickness of the medium according to the digital signal when a specification of the medium is unknown.