Recording Material Moisture Sensing With Visible and Near-IR Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisture detection systems for recording materials require expensive optical elements like LEDs or photo-diodes using InGaAs, increasing costs due to the need for light sources and light receiving elements sensitive to specific water absorption wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A moisture detecting apparatus using a combination of visible and near-infrared light sources and common photo electronic conversion elements to measure moisture content, eliminating the need for expensive InGaAs-based components by employing LEDs with peak wavelengths of 560 nm and 850 nm, and CMOS sensors for light reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light sources at water absorption wavelengths (1450 nm, 1940 nm) and InGaAs photo-diodes are used, then moisture detection accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameters from traditional water absorption wavelengths (1450 nm, 1940 nm) to visible and near-infrared wavelengths (400-1000 nm). This parameter change enables the use of standard silicon-based photodetectors instead of expensive InGaAs components, while maintaining moisture detection capability through the relationship between light transmission and moisture content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized InGaAs photo-diodes with inexpensive, standard silicon-based photodetectors that are widely available and cost-effective. This substitution maintains sufficient detection accuracy while dramatically reducing component costs
2Measurement precision
If specialized InGaAs light receiving elements are used, then detection sensitivity at water absorption wavelengths is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal silicon-based photodetectors that can detect across a broad spectrum including visible and near-infrared wavelengths. These standard components serve multiple detection needs without requiring specialized InGaAs elements, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex, expensive InGaAs-based optical elements with simple, inexpensive silicon-based photodetectors that are mass-produced and cost-effective, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost
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
Accurately determines moisture content without the need for costly InGaAs components, providing high accuracy and cost-effectiveness by using common light sources and sensors, and enabling precise control of image forming processes based on moisture levels.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element with which a necessary light-receiving sensitivity in these wavelengths can be obtained
Implementation Method 2
detecting inner scattered light of a recording material using light at an absorption wavelength of water (1450 nm) and light at a non-absorption wavelength of water (1300 nm)
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting apparatus includes first and second light emitting elements configured to emit light on a recording material, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light transmitted through the recording material. The apparatus also includes a rotation member configured to rotate and press the recording material, on which the first light and the second light is emitted, against a conveyance guide for guiding the recording material. As viewed in a rotational axis direction of the rotation member, a first light path connecting the first light emitting element with the light receiving unit and a second light path connecting the second light emitting element with the light receiving unit overlap with the cylindrical member.