Sheet Measurement Power Control for Accurate Media Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement accuracy of sheet type by media sensors in image forming apparatuses is compromised due to temperature fluctuations, leading to incorrect setting of image forming conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sheet detection device with a power supply voltage controller that initiates power supply to the measurement unit only when a sheet measurement mode is set, ensuring accurate measurement results by minimizing temperature-induced fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the media sensor continuously operates to automatically detect sheet type, then the automation level increases, but temperature fluctuations cause measurement precision to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic sheet type detectionVSAvoidsheet type discrimination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The media sensor operates periodically only when sheet measurement mode is activated, rather than continuously. The power supply voltage controller receives a notification that sheet measurement mode is set, then starts supplying power to the media sensor at that timing, enabling measurement only when needed and reducing temperature-induced drift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational state parameter of the media sensor from continuous operation to on-demand operation. By controlling the power supply voltage based on the measurement mode notification, the sensor's operating temperature is stabilized, improving measurement precision while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the media sensor operates continuously, then measurement availability improves, but temperature-induced measurement fluctuations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation durationVSAvoidmeasurement result stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the media sensor is activated periodically only when the sheet measurement mode is set. The power supply voltage controller monitors the measurement mode notification and supplies power accordingly, reducing the total operation duration and minimizing temperature drift accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the media sensor operation from continuous operation and separates it into discrete measurement events. By controlling power supply based on measurement mode notifications, the sensor operates only when measurement is required, improving stability by reducing thermal drift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12535758B2Sheet detection device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 CANON KK

AI summary

A sheet detection device includes a measurement unit configured to measure a sheet, and a power supply voltage controller configured to control supply of a power supply voltage to the measurement unit, wherein the power supply voltage controller is configured to start supplying the power supply voltage to the measurement unit when receiving a notification indicating that a mode for performing sheet measurement is set.