Recording Apparatus Medium Type Detection Using Thickness and Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses fail to accurately determine the type of recording medium due to limitations in detecting medium type, particularly when the specified type is incorrect or when medium types have similar surface conditions, leading to inaccurate printing modes.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus and method that includes a thickness information acquisition section, a surface information acquisition section, and a determination section to specify the type of recording medium based on measured thickness and surface information, using a combination of light sources and a camera to capture images of the medium's surface from different angles, allowing for precise identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single detection method (e.g., only surface imaging or only thickness sensing) is used, then the device complexity is low, but the medium type determination accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods into a unified detection section that includes both surface imaging capability and thickness sensing capability. The determination section integrates results from both surface image analysis and thickness measurement to achieve accurate medium type determination, resolving the contradiction by merging complementary detection approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection section is designed with multi-functionality to perform both surface imaging and thickness measurement using a single integrated structure. This universal detection section can determine various medium types (paper, transparent film, non-transparent film) by utilizing both detection capabilities, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to image the medium surface from different angles, then the surface information acquisition accuracy is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection section operates by sequentially activating different light sources in a periodic manner rather than simultaneously. The control section manages the light sources to image the medium surface from different angles in sequence, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive surface information acquisition capability.
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
Enables accurate specification of the recording medium type, ensuring appropriate printing conditions are applied, thereby improving print quality and preventing errors caused by incorrect medium type assumptions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates a surface of the recording medium with light
Implementation Method 2
a thickness measurement section that measures a thickness of the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head performing recording on a recording medium; a cassette on which the recording medium to be transported to the recording head is placed; and a transporting path for transporting the recording medium from the cassette to the recording head. In addition, the recording apparatus includes a medium thickness sensor obtaining thickness information by measuring a thickness of the recording medium in the cassette or the transporting path; a surface information acquisition section acquiring surface information of the recording medium in the cassette or the transporting path; and a determination section specifying a type of the recording medium based on the thickness information and the surface information of the recording medium.