Spectral Property Acquisition Apparatus Using Segmented Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral property acquisition apparatuses for full-color image forming devices are expensive due to the need for high-intensity light sources and time-consuming two-dimensional scanning, making them impractical for multicolor printers that require acquiring spectral properties of numerous colors.
Innovation Solution
A spectral property acquisition apparatus that includes a first conveying device for moving an object, a color data acquisition device with spectroscopic sensors aligned in the conveying direction to receive light and reflectance data, and a second conveying device to move the data acquisition device orthogonally, allowing for efficient spectral property estimation using a line illumination light source and a reduction imaging lens system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear light source with high light intensity is used to acquire spectral property across the entire width, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple segments by arranging multiple spectroscopic sensors in the conveying direction. Each sensor measures a specific section of the recording medium as it passes through, eliminating the need for a single high-intensity linear light source that would illuminate the entire width simultaneously. This segmentation approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional scanning is performed to acquire spectral property of color patches, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by arranging multiple spectroscopic sensors in advance along the conveying direction. As the recording medium moves through the measurement section, each sensor is already positioned to capture spectral data from its designated area. This eliminates the need for time-consuming two-dimensional scanning while maintaining measurement precision, thereby significantly improving productivity for multicolor printers.
3Productivity
If spectroscopic sensors are arranged in the conveying direction, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurements from multiple spectroscopic sensors arranged in the conveying direction to reconstruct the complete spectral property information. Each sensor captures data from a specific position, and by combining these segmented measurements, the system achieves both high productivity (through parallel measurement) and maintained measurement precision (through integrated data processing).
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
Enables high-accuracy spectral property acquisition across a wide area without the need for expensive light sources, reducing costs and scanning time, while maintaining image quality and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spectroscopic sensors arranged in a conveying direction of the object receive light emitted and reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral property acquisition apparatus includes: a first conveying device to convey an object in predetermined conveying direction; a color data acquisition device including a plurality of spectroscopic sensors in the conveying direction, the plurality of spectroscopic sensors receive light emitted and reflected by the object to acquire color data on the object; a second conveying device to convey the color data acquisition device in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction; and circuitry to estimate a spectral property of the object based on the color data. The circuitry controls the first conveying device so as to generate predetermined tension for the object in a color data acquisition area in which the color data on the object is acquired.