Dither Matrix Reference Position Adjustment for LED Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic printers using light emitting elements like LEDs or organic ELs, the uneven degradation of light emitting elements leads to variations in light intensity, causing poor image quality with streaks, especially when different elements have different usage frequencies, and existing solutions like adding dummy pixels result in positional deviations during continuous printing.

Innovation Solution

Applying a predetermined dither matrix with shifting threshold values to image data for each page or job to optimize light emitting element usage, reducing continuous lighting frequency and maintaining image quality by adjusting the reference position of the dither matrix in the main scanning direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a dummy pixel is added to the top of image data to prevent lighting unevenness, then lighting uniformity is improved, but positional deviation occurs every page

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting uniformityVSAvoidpositional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the dither matrix reference position variable rather than fixed. The reference position is dynamically adjusted based on the cumulative lighting frequency of light emitting elements, allowing the system to adapt to degradation patterns over time without introducing positional deviations. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for dummy pixels while maintaining both lighting uniformity and positional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of dither matrix reference position from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on element usage history. By adjusting the reference position according to cumulative lighting frequencies, the system achieves lighting uniformity without the positional deviation caused by dummy pixel addition. This parameter change allows the same physical array to behave differently across pages to compensate for element degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If light emitting elements are used continuously to maintain productivity, then output is improved, but element lifespan decreases due to continuous lighting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting outputVSAvoidelement lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different dither matrix reference positions based on cumulative lighting frequencies. Instead of continuous uniform usage, the system periodically shifts which elements are activated, creating a rotating usage pattern that prevents any single element from continuous degradation while maintaining high printing output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting dither matrix reference positions based on measured lighting frequencies. The control unit monitors element performance and autonomously redistributes usage without external intervention, extending element lifespan while maintaining productivity through adaptive reallocation of lighting tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If dither matrix reference position is fixed for simplicity, then ease of operation is improved, but lighting unevenness occurs due to element degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidlighting uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces feedback by measuring the actual lighting frequencies of light emitting elements and using this information to adjust the dither matrix reference position. This closed-loop system automatically compensates for degradation without requiring manual intervention, maintaining lighting uniformity while keeping the user interface simple. The control unit processes usage data and autonomously optimizes element allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 reduces the frequency of continuous lighting for light emitting elements, prolongs their lifespan, and improves image quality by evenly distributing the light emitting element usage, minimizing positional deviations and lighting unevenness.

Implementation Method 1

The exposure head includes a light emitting element group arranged in a longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum, and a rod lens array for forming an image on the photosensitive drum with the light of the light emitting element group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a method for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum by using an exposure head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS9509885B2Method for performing dither processing
Publication Date: 2016.11.29 CANON KK
  • US9509885B2 patent drawing
  • US9509885B2 patent drawing
  • US9509885B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a case where dither processing is performed as image forming processing, a reference position of a dither matrix to be used is changed in units of predetermined printing execution. Such a change prevents continuous lighting of a light emitting element and fixation of a lighting position, and suppresses speed of deterioration in the light emitting element with time.