Color Image Timing Calibration Using Diffuse Reflection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting the timing of image formation for multiple development colors due to inconsistencies in diffuse reflection light detection, particularly when the surface conditions of the intermediate transfer belt are not uniform, leading to potential misalignment and toner consumption imbalances.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a diffuse reflection light detection method to form chromatic color test images and a superimposed black test image on a chromatic color background, adjusting the timing of image formation based on detection signals to minimize toner consumption and ensure accurate alignment, using a control device to select a target chromatic color for the background image based on consumption status or remaining toner amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diffuse reflection light detection is used for color slippage adjustment, then timing adjustment can be performed, but detection accuracy deteriorates when surface conditions of the intermediate transfer belt are not uniform
Solution Approach 1:
A light-emitting unit is introduced as an intermediary component to illuminate the intermediate transfer belt surface during detection. The light emitter provides controlled illumination that enables the light receiving unit to accurately detect surface reflectivity variations caused by toner images, even when the belt surface has non-uniform conditions. This intermediary lighting system acts as a mediator between the detection system and the variable surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter by introducing active light emission onto the intermediate transfer belt surface. By controlling the light emission intensity and timing, the system compensates for non-uniform surface conditions and enhances the contrast of diffuse reflection light from toner images, thereby improving detection accuracy under varying surface conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple chromatic color test images are formed for adjustment, then comprehensive timing calibration is achieved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the detection function from the image formation process. Instead of forming complete test images with all chromatic colors for adjustment purposes, the system uses a light-emitting and light-receiving mechanism to detect toner image formation timing without requiring actual toner deposition for detection. This separates the measurement function from the material-consuming image formation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy or representation of the toner image formation process through light reflection detection. Rather than relying on physical toner images for all adjustment measurements, the diffuse reflection light detection creates a virtual model of image formation timing, reducing the need for physical toner consumption while maintaining calibration accuracy.
3Device complexity
If conventional color slippage adjustment is performed without considering developing agent consumption status, then adjustment process is simple, but toner consumption imbalances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection results from diffuse reflection light measurement are used to adjust image formation timing, and this adjustment process is repeated iteratively. The feedback loop continuously monitors detection results and refines the timing adjustment, enabling the system to achieve balanced toner consumption across different chromatic colors while maintaining a relatively simple overall process structure.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of image formation timing adjustments, reducing misalignment and toner consumption imbalances, thereby improving the overall quality and efficiency of color printing.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuse reflection light detection portion that irradiates a surface of the transfer medium with light and detects an amount of diffuse reflection light reflected by the surface of the transfer medium
Data Source
AI summary
A control device selects one of a plurality of chromatic colors as a target chromatic color according to a consumption status of developing agents of the plurality of chromatic colors. The control device causes an image forming portion to execute a process of forming, on a surface of a transfer medium, a plurality of chromatic color test images of the plurality of chromatic colors, and a superimposed test image in which a black test image is superimposed on a background image of the target chromatic color. The control device acquires a test detection signal of an amount of diffuse reflection light in each of areas of the plurality of chromatic color test images and the superimposed test image on the surface of the transfer medium. The control device adjusts timing of image formation of the plurality of colors by the image forming portion based on the test detection signal.