Chip Light Correction for Density Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining uniform density across images due to variations in light emission from light emitting elements, leading to density unevenness in printed outputs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that specifies and corrects the light quantity emitted by light emitting elements based on density readings from a test chart, using formulas to adjust the light output of each chip to achieve uniformity, and utilizing sensitivity coefficients for precise correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light emitting elements are used in the image forming unit, then image formation is enabled, but density unevenness occurs due to variations in light emission from different chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light quantity for each chip based on measured density values. By calculating correction amounts and adjusting the light quantity emitted by each chip individually, the system compensates for manufacturing variations in light emitting elements, thereby achieving uniform image density across all chips.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction of light quantity is performed for each chip, then density uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where density values are measured from the image forming unit, correction amounts are calculated based on these measurements, and the light quantity is adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for density variations without requiring complex manual calibration or additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using its own output (image density) as the basis for adjustment. The image forming unit measures its own density characteristics and automatically adjusts its light emission accordingly, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If density measurement and correction is performed, then image quality is improved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs density measurement and correction amount calculation in advance before actual image production. By pre-adjusting the light quantity parameters based on initial measurements, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming corrections during normal operation, thereby improving image quality without significantly increasing 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 apparatus effectively corrects light quantity variations, ensuring consistent image density across the printed area, thereby improving the quality and uniformity of the output images.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the image holder to light from the light emitting elements; the electrostatic latent image formed on the image holder by exposing the image holder to light
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit in which multiple chips including multiple light emitting elements are arranged in a main scanning direction, the image forming unit forming an image on a recording medium, a reading unit that reads the image fixed on the recording medium by a fixing unit, a density specification unit that specifies a density of a region in the image for each of the chips, the region corresponding to each of the chips, a correction amount specification unit that specifies a correction amount of light quantity from the chip based on an approximate value obtained by approximating the density of a region corresponding to a chip arranged in a predetermined range from a chip for which the correction amount of the light quantity is specified, and a correction unit that corrects the light quantity in accordance with the correction amount.