Dynamic Density Correction for Periodic Unevenness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in correcting periodical density fluctuations due to rotational deflection of rotating members, leading to increased load on cleaning units, toner consumption, and decreased productivity when attempting to enhance density correction accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that analyzes image information, predicts periodical density unevenness, and adjusts density correction conditions, including the length of the correction patch image, to minimize unnecessary corrections and optimize toner usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the length of the correction patch image is increased to improve density correction accuracy, then density correction accuracy is improved, but the load on the cleaning unit increases and toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of correction patch image length dynamically based on the detected periodical density unevenness characteristics. Instead of using a fixed long patch image, the system adjusts the patch length to match the actual cycle length of density fluctuations, thereby maintaining correction accuracy while minimizing toner consumption and cleaning load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary length of correction patch image required to capture one complete cycle of density unevenness. Rather than consistently using an excessively long patch image, the system determines the minimum required length based on actual measurement, thus avoiding unnecessary toner consumption while still achieving accurate correction.
2Measurement precision
If the length of the correction patch image is increased to improve density correction accuracy, then density correction accuracy is improved, but the cleaning load becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the correction patch image length parameter to match the actual cycle length of density unevenness. This ensures that the patch image is long enough to capture complete cycles for accurate correction, but not excessively long, thereby minimizing the cleaning load and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary minimum length of correction patch image required to capture one complete cycle of density unevenness. This avoids the excessive action of consistently using long patch images, thereby reducing cleaning load while maintaining sufficient correction accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the density profile is updated frequently to improve correction accuracy, then density correction accuracy is improved, but the time required for correction increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the update frequency parameter of the density profile based on actual usage conditions and environmental factors. Instead of frequent updates, the system determines optimal update intervals that maintain correction accuracy while minimizing productivity loss, adjusting the parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic updates of the density profile at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous or frequent updates. The update timing is based on usage patterns and environmental stability, creating an optimized periodic action that balances correction accuracy with productivity maintenance.
4Measurement precision
If a correction patch image longer than the cycle length of rotating members is used to obtain high-precision density profile, then density correction accuracy is improved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the correction patch image length parameter to match the actual cycle length of density unevenness detected during operation. Instead of consistently using a patch image longer than the rotating member cycle length, the system optimizes the length parameter to be just sufficient for capturing complete cycles, thereby maintaining high-precision density profile while minimizing toner consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary length of correction patch image required to capture complete cycles of density unevenness. Rather than consistently using an excessively long patch image, the system determines the minimum required length based on actual cycle length measurements, thus avoiding unnecessary toner consumption while achieving sufficient precision.
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 allows for efficient correction of periodical density unevenness while reducing the load on cleaning units and toner consumption, thereby maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
an image density detecting unit configured to detect a density in an image formed on an image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit including a rotating member and being configured to form an image on a paper sheet in accordance with print job data; a rotation position detecting unit configured to detect a rotation position of the rotating member; an image density detecting unit configured to detect a density in an image formed on an image carrier; an image information analyzing unit configured to analyze image information in the print job data; a density profile managing unit configured to form a correction patch image on the image carrier, and create and manage a density profile indicating periodical density unevenness; a correction data creating unit configured to create correction data; a density correcting unit configured to perform density correction; and a density correction control unit configured to predict an appearance of periodical density unevenness, and set conditions for the density correction.