Sheet Moisture Sensing with Temperature-Corrected Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moisture sensors in image forming apparatuses provide inconsistent moisture percentage measurements for sheets, leading to errors when multiple sheets are processed continuously.
Innovation Solution
A media detection apparatus utilizing a light emitter and receiver, combined with a temperature detection sensor, to determine moisture information by accounting for temperature fluctuations and individual emitter variations, enabling accurate moisture percentage determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a moisture sensor with LED and photodiode is used to measure moisture percentage, then moisture information can be obtained, but measurement results vary even when sheets are in the same state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by detecting the wavelength of light emitted by the LED and using this wavelength information to correct the moisture percentage measurement. The system changes from a fixed calibration approach to a dynamic one where the measurement parameters are adjusted based on the actual LED wavelength, thereby resolving the inconsistency in measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the LED wavelength and using this information to adjust the moisture percentage calculation. The system creates a closed-loop measurement process where the actual LED characteristics are fed back into the measurement algorithm to compensate for variations and improve measurement reliability.
2Productivity
If moisture percentage is measured while sheets are continuously passed through during a job, then productivity is maintained, but the moisture percentage changes and error occurs with respect to the original moisture percentage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the LED wavelength before performing the moisture percentage measurement during continuous processing. This preliminary wavelength measurement allows the system to establish the correct calibration parameters in advance, ensuring accurate moisture measurements even when sheets are continuously passed through without interruption.
3Device complexity
If temperature fluctuations are not considered in moisture measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature effects on LED wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the measurement system automatically detect and compensate for its own temperature-induced wavelength shifts. The LED wavelength measurement is performed as part of the normal measurement process, and the system automatically adjusts the moisture calculation based on the detected wavelength, eliminating the need for external temperature compensation devices or complex manual calibration procedures.
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
The solution allows for precise moisture percentage detection of sheets, improving the accuracy of image forming processes by adjusting conditions based on temperature and light absorption ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that emits light; a light receiver that receives the light reflected off the sheet or transmitted through the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A media detection apparatus for detecting moisture information corresponding to a moisture amount or a moisture percentage of a sheet, the media detection apparatus comprising:a light emitter that emits light;a light receiver that receives the light reflected off the sheet or transmitted through the sheet; anda first hardware processor that determines the moisture information on the basis of temperature information corresponding to a temperature of the media detection apparatus and an output of the light receiver.