Sheet Feeding Device Dynamic Imaging for Reflectance Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding devices face challenges in accurately detecting and feeding sheets of varying reflectance, as the binarization threshold values optimized for one type of sheet may not be suitable for others, leading to incomplete detection and potential feeding failures.
Innovation Solution
The sheet feeding device incorporates a controller that adjusts imaging conditions based on captured images, optimizing luminance values of the exposed and dark sheet portions to ensure the binarization threshold values are appropriate for the specific sheet type, using a combination of sensitivity and light amount adjustments to enhance image quality and detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed binarization threshold value optimized for one sheet type is used, then detection accuracy is improved for that specific sheet type, but detection accuracy deteriorates for other sheet types with different reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The binarization threshold value is changed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that automatically adjusts based on the detected sheet reflectance. The system performs preliminary binarization with an initial threshold, detects the luminance characteristics of the sheet portion, and then recalculates the threshold value to match the specific sheet type, enabling accurate detection across varying sheet reflectances
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the binarization threshold parameter based on the detected sheet properties. By measuring the luminance distribution and identifying whether the sheet has high or low reflectance, the system selects or calculates an appropriate threshold value, thereby adapting the detection parameters to match different sheet types while maintaining high detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the binarization threshold is optimized for high reflectance sheets, then detection accuracy is improved for white sheets, but detection accuracy deteriorates for low reflectance sheets causing feeding failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary binarization using an initial threshold value before final detection. This preliminary step allows the system to analyze the luminance characteristics of the sheet and determine its reflectance level, enabling subsequent adjustment of the binarization threshold to ensure reliable detection and feeding for both high and low reflectance sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the preliminary binarization and luminance detection to adjust the binarization threshold value. By continuously monitoring the sheet's reflectance characteristics and adapting the threshold accordingly, the system ensures reliable operation across different sheet types, preventing feeding failures that would occur with a fixed threshold optimized for only one sheet type
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 approach allows for reliable detection and feeding of sheets with both high and low reflectance, reducing the risk of feeding failures by dynamically adjusting imaging conditions to match the sheet type, thereby ensuring accurate binarization and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
The blower blows air to the sheets stacked on the sheet tray and floats an uppermost sheet of the sheets
Implementation Method 2
The illuminator illuminates the uppermost sheet floating
Implementation Method 3
The imager captures an image including the uppermost sheet illuminated by the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet tray, a blower, a feeder, an illuminator, an imager, and circuitry. The sheet tray stacks sheets. The blower blows air to the sheets stacked on the sheet tray and floats an uppermost sheet of the sheets. The feeder feeds the uppermost sheet. The illuminator illuminates the uppermost sheet floating. The imager captures an image including the uppermost sheet illuminated by the illuminator. The circuitry adjusts an imaging condition based on the image captured by the imager.