Velocity Detecting Device Using Laser Speckle Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting velocity fluctuations in intermediate and conveyor belts in multi-color image forming apparatuses are inefficient, leading to color misregistration and increased costs due to the need for direct marking on the belts, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A velocity detecting device using a laser light source and an area sensor with a lens system that acquires and computes speckle patterns to determine the velocity and fluctuation of moving members, such as belts, without the need for direct processing of the belt, allowing for stable and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct marking on the intermediate transfer belt is used to detect velocity fluctuation, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light source and optical sensor as intermediary components to detect velocity fluctuation indirectly through speckle pattern analysis, eliminating the need for direct marking on the belt while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct marking method with an optical detection system that uses laser speckle patterns to measure belt velocity fluctuations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
2Measurement precision
If conventional velocity detection methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming belt processing
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor and light source act as intermediaries to detect velocity without requiring belt marking or processing, thereby eliminating time-consuming preparation steps and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of the belt surface through speckle pattern formation to detect velocity, replacing the need for physical marking and subsequent detection, thus significantly improving preparation efficiency
3Measurement precision
If direct marking and detection methods are employed, then velocity measurement is achieved, but cost increases due to extended processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical marking and detection methods with an optical system that provides immediate velocity measurement without time-consuming belt processing, thereby reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is pre-configured to detect speckle patterns directly from the moving belt surface, eliminating the need for preliminary marking actions and reducing overall processing time
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
The solution enables accurate detection of velocity fluctuations with reduced computational load and power consumption, suppressing detection errors and achieving high-quality color images by correcting belt velocity fluctuations, thus preventing color misregistration and image expansion/contraction issues.
Implementation Method 1
irradiates light emitted from the laser light source to the moving member to make scattering light of the moving member scattered from the moving member
Implementation Method 2
provides a lens between the moving member and the area sensor... and acquires an image pattern on the area sensor derived from the scattering light by using the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A velocity detecting device includes an image-pattern acquiring unit that includes a laser light source and an area sensor that acquires a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional image. The image-pattern acquiring unit includes a lens between a moving member and the area sensor, irradiates a beam emitted from the laser light source to the moving member to make a scattering light of the moving member scattered from the moving member on the area sensor by using the lens, and acquires an image pattern at a predetermined time interval in association with movement of the moving member. A velocity calculating unit calculates the velocity of the moving member by computing the image pattern acquired by the image-pattern acquiring unit. The lens is a reduced optical system that projects a reduced object onto the area sensor.