Exposure Amount Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies struggle to adequately adjust developing images for low pixel density data, such as thin lines and isolated pixels, as density correction images of different densities cannot sufficiently address these low pixel density image data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that form density detection images with varying pixel densities on a conveyance member, detect their densities, and adjust the exposure amount of the exposure device based on comparisons with reference densities to optimize image formation regardless of pixel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If density correction images of different densities are used to adjust developing images, then intermediate color density adjustment is improved, but adjustment for low pixel density image data (thin lines and isolated pixels) remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the density correction process into multiple stages by creating multiple sets of density correction images with different pixel densities (first, second, and third sets). Each set is specifically designed for different image characteristics: the first set for general density correction, the second set for low pixel density regions (thin lines and isolated pixels), and the third set for high pixel density regions. This segmentation allows the system to address the specific needs of different pixel density scenarios separately, resolving the contradiction between general density adjustment and specific low-density region adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different density correction images with varying pixel densities tailored to specific regions of the original image. The second set of density correction images is specifically designed for low pixel density regions (thin lines and isolated pixels), while the third set is designed for high pixel density regions. This local customization ensures that each region receives the appropriate density correction treatment, improving both manufacturing precision and adaptability simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple density correction images are used, then the process is simple, but sufficient adjustment cannot be carried out for low pixel density image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the density correction process into multiple stages with different image sets. The first set provides basic density correction, while the second and third sets provide specialized correction for low and high pixel density regions respectively. This segmentation maintains process simplicity while significantly improving adjustment precision for low pixel density image data, as each stage builds upon the previous one with targeted corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first applying general density correction using the first set of density correction images, then subsequently applying specialized corrections for low and high pixel density regions using the second and third sets. This sequential preliminary actions approach ensures that basic density adjustment is established first, followed by refined adjustments for specific regions, maintaining process simplicity while achieving high precision.
3Productivity
If exposure amount is not adjusted for low pixel density regions, then processing is simplified, but image quality of thin lines and isolated pixels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different density correction images with varying pixel densities tailored to specific regions of the original image. The second set of density correction images is specifically designed for low pixel density regions (thin lines and isolated pixels), while the third set is designed for high pixel density regions. This local customization ensures that each region receives the appropriate density correction treatment, improving both manufacturing precision and adaptability simultaneously.
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 effective adjustment of developing images across different pixel densities, preventing degradation in image quality for thin lines and isolated pixels by dynamically adjusting exposure amounts.
Implementation Method 1
The exposure device is configured to expose the photosensitive member based on image data to form a latent image on the photosensitive member
Implementation Method 2
The image forming unit is configured to develop the latent image by developer to form an image on the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a method of setting an exposure amount are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, an exposure device which expose the photosensitive member to form a latent image on the photosensitive member, a conveyance member which conveys a recording medium, an image forming unit which forms a plurality of density detection images corresponding to the image data and having different pixel densities on the conveyance member, a density detection unit which detects densities of the density detection images, and an exposure setting unit which compares respective detected image densities of the density detection images with reference densities corresponding to the respective density detection images, and sets an exposure amount according to a condition based on a combination of respective comparison results between the detected image densities and the reference densities.