Ultrasonic Sheet Type Detection for MFP Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording medium conveyance devices, such as MFPs, require user input to set the type of sheet, leading to complex operations and misjudgments when the type is not set, particularly in cases of envelopes being mistaken for double feeds.
Innovation Solution
A recording medium conveyance device with an ultrasonic sensor that detects the attenuation rate of ultrasonic waves to automatically determine the type of conveyed object and detect overlay states, switching between type detection and overlay detection processes based on stored information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet carrying unit requires user input to set the type of sheet, then the device can accurately detect and handle different sheet types, but the user operation becomes complicated and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet carrying unit automatically detects the type of sheet through the ultrasonic sensor without requiring user input. The system self-determines the sheet type by measuring ultrasonic wave attenuation and stores this information, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of sheet type using the ultrasonic sensor before the conveying process begins. The detected sheet type is stored in advance, allowing the system to automatically adapt its conveying parameters without requiring user setup or intervention during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet carrying unit does not require user input, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to misjudgment of envelope as double feed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the ultrasonic sensor to continuously monitor the conveying process. By comparing the attenuation rate of ultrasonic waves against stored reference values for different sheet types, the system can reliably distinguish between envelopes and actual double feed situations, preventing misjudgment while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from simple presence/absence detection to measurement of ultrasonic wave attenuation rates. By storing reference attenuation values for different sheet types and comparing real-time measurements against these references, the system achieves reliable differentiation between single sheets, envelopes, and double feeds without user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the device automatically detects sheet type using ultrasonic sensor, then the ease of operation improves and user input is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical or manual sheet type identification methods with an ultrasonic wave-based detection system. By using acoustic waves and measuring their attenuation through the sheet material, the system achieves automatic sheet type recognition without complex mechanical sensors or manual input mechanisms, balancing automation with reasonable system complexity.
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
Enhances user friendliness by eliminating the need for user input and reducing misjudgments, ensuring accurate detection of recording medium types and preventing double feeds during the conveyance process.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor that outputs a value indicating an attenuation amount of an ultrasonic wave caused by the conveyed object
Data Source
AI summary
A recording medium conveyance device includes a storage, a conveyer that conveys a conveyed object, an ultrasonic sensor that outputs a value indicating an attenuation amount of an ultrasonic wave caused by the conveyed object, and a hardware processor. The hardware processor executes a type detection process of detecting a type of the conveyed object based on output of the ultrasonic sensor and storing the type in the storage and an overlay detection process of detecting whether the conveyed object is in an overlay state in which a gap is present based on output of the ultrasonic sensor, and switches to either one of the type detection process and the overlay detection process. The hardware processor executes the type detection process when the type is not stored in the storage and executes the overlay detection process when the type is stored in the storage.