Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Toner-density calculating method, reflective optical sensor, reflective optical sensor device, and image forming apparatus
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Application No.: US14335147Application Date: 2014-07-18
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Publication No.: US09377739B2Publication Date: 2016-06-28
- Inventor: Koji Masuda
- Applicant: Koji Masuda
- Applicant Address: JP Tokyo
- Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
- Current Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
- Current Assignee Address: JP Tokyo
- Agency: Blank Rome LLP
- Priority: JP2008-070198 20080318; JP2008-238451 20080917
- Main IPC: G03G15/00
- IPC: G03G15/00 ; G03G15/01 ; G01B11/14 ; G01N21/55 ; G03G11/00 ; G01B11/00 ; G01J1/02 ; G01J1/42

Abstract:
A toner density is calculated from outputs of light-receiving elements based on a difference between a reflection property of a supporting member and a reflection property of a toner pattern. Light-emitting elements aligned in one direction that is inclined to a sub-direction emit a detection light in such a manner that a distance between adjacent spots falling on the supporting member in a second direction is equal to or smaller than a width of the toner pattern in the second direction. The light-receiving elements receive a reflected light reflected from the supporting member and/or the toner pattern. The light-receiving elements are aligned, opposed to the supporting member, in a one direction corresponding to the light-emitting elements.
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