Ultrasonic Sensor Basis Weight Control for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using ultrasonic sensors face challenges in accurately controlling image formation conditions due to changes in surrounding temperature, leading to erroneous determination of recording material basis weight and potential degradation in image quality during continuous image formation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an image forming unit, a transmission unit for ultrasonic waves, a reception unit, and a control unit that measures time periods and amplitude values at reference and varying temperatures to adjust image formation conditions based on differences, ensuring accurate control irrespective of temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If environmental correction is performed based on amplitude value of ultrasonic wave obtained in a state in which no recording material exists, then the influence of surrounding environment change is suppressed, but the determination result may still vary due to temperature changes during continuous image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary environmental correction by obtaining amplitude values of ultrasonic waves in a state where no recording material exists between transmission and reception units. This preliminary correction data is stored and used to correct subsequent measurements during continuous image formation, allowing the system to compensate for temperature changes and environmental variations without requiring continuous re-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the amplitude values of ultrasonic waves and compares them against the preliminary environmental correction data. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the basis weight determination, ensuring accurate measurements even as environmental conditions change during continuous operation.
2Extent of automation
If ultrasonic wave amplitude is used to determine basis weight, then the basis weight can be automatically determined, but the amplitude value changes with temperature causing erroneous determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary environmental correction mechanism that mediates between the ultrasonic wave amplitude measurements and the basis weight determination. By using amplitude values obtained in a no-material state as a reference, the system separates the effects of environmental changes from the actual basis weight measurements, allowing automatic determination to remain accurate despite temperature variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If image formation conditions are controlled based on basis weight determination, then image quality can be maintained, but temperature changes cause erroneous conditions to be set
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit obtains environmental correction data in advance by measuring ultrasonic wave amplitudes in a no-material state. This preliminary data is then used to correct subsequent basis weight determinations and image formation condition settings, ensuring that temperature changes do not cause erroneous conditions to be set during continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from ultrasonic wave amplitude measurements to continuously adjust image formation conditions. By comparing current measurements against the preliminary environmental correction data, the control unit dynamically adjusts transfer conditions and fixing conditions to maintain optimal image quality despite environmental variations.
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 enables precise control of image formation conditions, enhancing image quality by minimizing errors caused by temperature fluctuations, even during continuous printing on multiple recording materials.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave; a reception unit configured to receive the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission unit
Implementation Method 2
receiving an ultrasonic wave attenuated via the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a control unit configured to obtain a time period until the reception unit receives a first ultrasonic wave via a first recording material and an amplitude value thereof at a reference temperature, obtain a time period until the reception unit receives a second ultrasonic wave via a second recording material and an amplitude value thereof at a different temperature, control an image formation condition for forming the image on the first recording material on the basis of the amplitude value of the first ultrasonic wave, obtain a difference time period between reception of the first and second ultrasonic waves, and control an image formation condition for forming the image on the second recording material on the basis of the difference time period and the amplitude value of the second ultrasonic wave.