Image Forming Apparatus Density Calibration Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in shortening calibration time due to constraints on detection pattern arrangement positions, leading to prolonged detection pattern formation and removal times, which hinder efficient printing operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus relaxes constraints on detection pattern arrangement positions by using a storage unit, image forming unit, light-receiving unit, sampling unit, and determination unit to form and detect density and reference patterns on an image carrier, allowing for shorter detection patterns and faster calibration through efficient signal processing and positioning determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection patterns are arranged to satisfy predetermined constraints for cancelling influence at arrangement positions, then measurement precision is improved, but the distance between detection patterns must be widened, resulting in increased total length of detection patterns and prolonged calibration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical approach of physically arranging detection patterns at specific distances with an electronic signal processing approach. By using a light-receiving unit to detect reference patterns and a sampling unit to capture reflection light signals at specific timing based on detection time, the system eliminates the need for wide physical spacing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the reference pattern as a temporal reference copy to determine when to sample the density detection pattern signal. By detecting the reference pattern first and using its detection time to trigger sampling of the density pattern, the system creates a temporal copy relationship that replaces the spatial arrangement requirement, allowing shorter detection patterns.
2Reliability
If multiple detection patterns are formed on the image carrier to avoid influence at certain positions, then reliability of density measurement is improved, but the total length of detection patterns increases, prolonging the time to form and remove patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical solution of forming multiple widely-spaced detection patterns with an electronic timing-based sampling system. The light-receiving unit continuously monitors the image carrier, and the sampling unit captures signals at precisely determined timing based on reference pattern detection, eliminating the need for multiple physical patterns while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the reference pattern to determine the optimal sampling timing for the density detection pattern. By detecting the reference pattern first and using that information to trigger the sampling action, the system prepares the measurement in advance, ensuring reliable density control without requiring multiple pattern formations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the distance between detection patterns is widened to satisfy arrangement constraints, then the influence cancellation effect is improved, but the total length of detection patterns increases, leading to longer calibration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spatial separation method with an electronic temporal separation method. Instead of physically spacing detection patterns far apart to cancel influence, the system uses the light-receiving unit to detect reference patterns and triggers sampling of density patterns at specific timing, achieving influence cancellation through temporal coordination rather than spatial distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional spatial arrangement problem to a two-dimensional solution combining spatial detection with temporal sampling. By adding the time dimension through sequential detection of reference patterns and timed sampling of density patterns, the system achieves influence cancellation without requiring wide spatial separation, thus reducing the length of detection patterns.
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 enables faster calibration by reducing the total length of detection patterns and allowing for simultaneous registration and density control, thereby shortening the overall calibration time and improving printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving unit configured to receive reflection light of light emitted toward the image carrier, and output a signal corresponding to an amount of received light
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a density detection pattern and a reference pattern on an image carrier by a developer; a light-receiving unit configured to receive reflection light of light emitted toward the image carrier, and output a signal corresponding to an amount of received light; a sampling unit configured to sample the signal output from the light-receiving unit, and store sampling values in the storage unit; a detection unit configured to detect the reference pattern; and a determination unit configured to determine a sampling value corresponding to reflection light from the density detection pattern of the color among the sampling values stored in the storage unit, based on a detection time of the reference pattern.