Sheet Imaging Apparatus Light Guide Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet determination devices require an inner surface reference plate for accurate light amount correction, increasing costs and complexity due to the need for additional components and mounting steps.
Innovation Solution
A sheet imaging apparatus with a light source, a first light guide for illumination, a second light guide for monitoring light, and a control unit to adjust the light emission based on detection signals, eliminating the need for an inner surface reference plate by using integrated light guides and reflection surfaces to guide and attenuate light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inner surface reference plate is used for light amount correction, then determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the inner surface reference plate from the sheet determination device. Instead of using a separate reference plate component, the invention uses the sheet itself as the reference by imaging a specific region (such as a corner or edge) that provides consistent reflection characteristics. This removes the additional component and mounting steps while maintaining determination accuracy through software-based reference establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the sheet serve multiple functions: it is both the object being measured and the reference standard for measurement. By imaging a specific region of the sheet that exhibits consistent optical properties, the sheet itself provides the reference signal needed for light amount correction, eliminating the need for a separate reference plate and enabling the same component to serve dual purposes.
2Measurement precision
If an inner surface reference plate is mounted, then light amount correction is achieved, but manufacturing cost and work steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the inner surface reference plate from the manufacturing process. Light amount correction is achieved by imaging a specific region of the sheet itself (such as a corner or edge with known optical properties) and using that image data to establish a reference signal. This eliminates the need to purchase, install, and maintain a separate reference plate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet determination device uses the sheet itself to provide the reference signal needed for light amount correction. By imaging a specific region of the sheet that exhibits consistent and predictable optical characteristics, the system makes the sheet self-referential, eliminating the need for external reference components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light guides are used for illumination and monitoring, then light amount control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional light guides: one dedicated to illumination (guiding light from the light source to the sheet) and another dedicated to monitoring (guiding reflected light to the imaging sensor). This segmentation allows each light guide to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision through controlled light paths and reduced cross-interference.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and improves determination accuracy without reducing throughput, allowing for precise light adjustment and surface property characterization without an inner surface reference plate.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide 33 configured to guide first light in a first light guiding path
Implementation Method 2
a second light guide 36 configured to guide second light in a second light guiding path different from the first light guiding path
Implementation Method 3
an image capturing element 35 configured to convert light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A first light guide guides first light in a first light guiding path. The first light is of light irradiated from the light source to a sheet. A first detection unit receives reflected light from the sheet and outputs an image signal indicating an image of a surface of the sheet. A second light guide guides second light in a second light guiding path different from the first light guiding path. The second light is of the light irradiated from the light source and is different from the first light. A second detection unit receives the second light and output a detection signal corresponding to a light amount of the second light. A control unit controls a light emission amount of the light source based on the detection signal.