Reference Roll Surface Length for Image Detection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting toner concentration, image defects, and image position defects on recording media due to limitations in the design of detection systems, particularly in handling curled media and minimizing contact areas to prevent scratches and contamination.

Innovation Solution

The detection apparatus includes a transmission member and a detection section with a light-receiving member, utilizing a reference roll with opposing surfaces that are strategically positioned and shaped to reduce contact areas and prevent scratches, while the inline sensor employs a CCD sensor and imaging optical system to detect image defects and toner concentration, integrated with a calibration system for precise image formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detection surface length is increased to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the contact area with the medium increases causing scratches and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidscratches and contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reference member is divided into multiple surfaces (white reference surfaces, black reference surfaces, and colored reference surfaces) with different functions. Each surface has a controlled length in the conveying direction, with white reference surfaces having shorter lengths to minimize contact area and scratches, while still providing sufficient calibration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different surfaces of the reference member are designed with different properties: white reference surfaces have shorter lengths to reduce contact area, black reference surfaces provide high contrast for detection, and colored reference surfaces enable color calibration. This local differentiation optimizes both detection accuracy and scratch prevention in specific regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the opposing surface length is made shorter to reduce contact area and prevent scratches, then harmful factors are reduced, but detection coverage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact-related scratchesVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference member comprises multiple distinct surfaces (white, black, colored) that can be selectively positioned in the conveying path. This segmentation allows the system to use shorter white reference surfaces for calibration when scratches are a concern, while maintaining the option to use other surfaces for comprehensive detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference member serves multiple functions: calibration (using white reference surfaces with shorter lengths to minimize scratches), detection (using black and colored surfaces for image quality assessment), and comprehensive coverage (the polyhedron shape allows different surfaces to be positioned as needed). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between scratch prevention and detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enhances the detection accuracy and reduces contact-related issues, improving the reliability of image defect detection and toner concentration analysis, thereby ensuring high-quality image formation and minimizing operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission member that is provided facing a conveying path on which a medium is conveyed and transmits a light from the medium which is conveyed on the conveying path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a detection section that detects the medium or an image on the medium according to the light which is transmitted by the transmission member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8699891B2Detection apparatus and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.04.15 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US8699891B2 patent drawing
  • US8699891B2 patent drawing
  • US8699891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detection apparatus includes a transmission member that is provided facing a conveying path on which a medium is conveyed and that transmits light from the medium being conveyed on the conveying path; a detection section that detects the medium or an image on the medium according to the light which is transmitted by the transmission member, wherein the light is received by a light-receiving member of the detection section; and an opposing member provided on an opposite side of the conveying path from the transmission member and having at least one opposing surface that faces the transmission member. In a conveying direction of the medium, a length of the opposing surface is shorter than a length of a detection surface.