Single Sensor Skew Detection via Variable Aperture Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems face challenges in accurately detecting skewing of sheets during conveyance due to variance in sensor timing measurements across devices, leading to degraded measurement accuracy and increased costs from the need for multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus equipped with a conveyance unit, a sensor featuring a light emitter, light receiver, and a shielding unit with a transmissive part of varying opening width, which allows for accurate detection of skewing by analyzing changes in received light as the sheet passes through, enabling precise calculation of skew angles using a single sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are used to sense skewing of a sheet, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to timing measurement variance between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single sensor by using a shielding unit with multiple transmissive parts (through-holes) of different widths. This single integrated sensor structure eliminates timing measurement variance between multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive skew detection capability across different positions of the sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding unit is segmented into multiple transmissive parts with different opening widths, where each part corresponds to a different measurement position. This segmentation allows the single sensor to detect skew angles at multiple locations simultaneously by analyzing light reception patterns through each differently-sized opening.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are provided to detect sheet skewing accurately, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple sensors into a single sensor unit. The shielding unit with multiple transmissive parts of varying widths enables one sensor to perform what would traditionally require multiple sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable skew detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor system is designed to be universal in its detection capability, handling skew measurement at multiple positions and orientations through the varied transmissive parts. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining comprehensive detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for skew detection, then measurement accuracy should improve, but cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection capabilities of multiple sensors into a single sensor by incorporating a shielding unit with multiple transmissive parts. This reduces the quantity of sensors from multiple separate units to one integrated sensor, thereby lowering cost while maintaining measurement accuracy through the varied opening widths that capture skew information from different effective positions.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and reduces costs by allowing accurate skew angle detection with a single sensor, improving the reliability and efficiency of sheet conveyance and image processing.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter, a light receiver configured to receive sensing light output from the light emitter
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver configured to receive sensing light output from the light emitter and perform output in accordance with the amount of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a conveyance unit configured to convey a medium; a sensor configured to sense a medium being conveyed; and a controller configured to control the conveyance unit and acquire a result of the sensing performed by the sensor. The sensor includes a light emitter, a light receiver configured to perform output in accordance with the amount of the received light, and a shielding unit including a transmissive part through which the sensing light transmits. The transmissive part has a shape in which an opening width in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the medium changes in the conveyance direction. The controller determines skewing of the medium being conveyed based on change in the amount of light received by the light receiver as the medium passes along the transmissive part and temporal change in accordance with the conveyance of the medium.