UV Toner Image Confirmation via Downstream Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, images on media like postcards with barcodes are intended to be invisible under visible light but visible under specific light, such as UV light, making it difficult to confirm if the image is properly printed when the media is irradiated with visible light.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses an image forming section with UV toner that emits visible light under UV irradiation and a specific light source to emit UV light downstream of the image forming section, allowing for confirmation of image visibility and print quality without disturbing the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an image is formed on the image receiving medium that is visually recognizable through irradiation of specific light (UV light), then the image can be used for purposes such as barcode sorting, but when the discharged image receiving medium is irradiated with visible light, it becomes difficult to confirm whether the image is normally printed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific light source (UV light) as an intermediary device positioned between the image forming section and the discharged image receiving medium. This mediator illuminates the printed image with the specific wavelength needed to make invisible images visible, allowing confirmation of print quality without directly exposing the user to UV light during normal operation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the discharged image receiving medium is irradiated with specific light (UV light) to confirm image visibility, then the image can be visually recognized, but there is a risk of direct UV exposure to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specific light source from the direct user path by positioning it at the downstream side of the image forming section, where it illuminates the image receiving medium after it has been discharged. This separation allows UV light to be used for image confirmation while preventing direct exposure to users who would otherwise be in the line of fire
Solution Approach 2:
The discharged image receiving medium itself acts as an intermediary that carries the printed image to a location where it can be illuminated by UV light without exposing the user. The medium serves as a carrier that separates the harmful UV radiation from the user while still allowing image verification
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a specific light source is positioned to illuminate the image receiving medium downstream of the image forming section, then image visibility can be confirmed without direct UV exposure to user, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The specific light source positioned downstream serves multiple functions: it illuminates the discharged image receiving medium for quality confirmation, it prevents UV exposure to users by being positioned outside the direct path, and it can be integrated into the existing apparatus structure without requiring completely separate systems
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 configuration ensures that images can be visually recognized and confirmed as printed correctly, even when the media is stationary, preventing direct UV exposure to the user and maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
specific material which emits visible light through irradiation by specific light
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section and a specific light source. The image forming section forms an image on an image receiving medium with a specific material which emits visible light through irradiation by specific light. The specific light source emits the specific light to the image receiving medium at a downstream side of the image forming section in a conveyance direction of the image receiving medium.