Hard Imaging Scan Lens Correction via Image Data Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard imaging devices face challenges in producing high-quality images due to scan geometry errors introduced by scan lenses with insufficient degrees of freedom, leading to complex and costly designs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves modifying image data using correction data to accommodate scan geometry errors, allowing for the use of less complex and expensive scan optics, and varying the timing of pixel output to compensate for scanning errors, thereby reducing image errors and achieving acceptable image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If scan lens with minimal scan geometry error is used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to significant degrees of freedom required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction data that compensates for scan geometry errors before the actual imaging process. The system determines the relationship between pixel positions and scan angles in advance, creating a lookup table of correction values that are applied during image rendering, thereby eliminating the need for complex scan lens designs while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical solution (complex scan lens with multiple degrees of freedom) with a computational approach. Instead of using sophisticated optical hardware to minimize scan geometry errors, the system uses software-based correction algorithms that process pixel data and apply geometric corrections, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing
2Manufacturing precision
If scan lens with minimal scan geometry error is used, then image quality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the principle of using simpler, less expensive components (scan lens with fewer degrees of freedom) that would normally produce lower quality images, but compensates for their deficiencies through computational correction. The inexpensive scan lens is paired with software that corrects its geometric errors, achieving high image quality without requiring costly precision optics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by shifting from hardware-based error correction (optical design parameters) to software-based correction (computational parameters). By modifying how correction is achieved—from physical lens geometry to digital image processing—the system reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining 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 enables the production of high-quality hard images using simpler and less expensive scan optics, effectively correcting scan geometry errors and minimizing image distortions, resulting in improved imaging performance without the need for complex scan lens designs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating polygon mirror used to reflect the light from the light source towards the scan lens
Implementation Method 2
A scan lens may be used to focus light (from a laser) along a scan line of the photoconductor
Implementation Method 3
The focused light may be used to selectively discharge pixels of the scan line to form latent images
Data Source
AI summary
Hard imaging methods, hard imaging device fabrication methods, hard imaging devices, hard imaging device optical scanning systems, and articles of manufacture are described. A hard imaging method includes providing image data corresponding to a hard image to be formed and generating light responsive to the image data. The method further includes scanning the light to form a latent image corresponding to the hard image to be formed and accessing correction data corresponding to scanning errors of a scan lens intermediate a rotating reflection device and a photoconductor. The method also includes modifying the image data using the correction data before the generating and the modifying including modifying to reduce the introduction of image errors resulting from the scanning using the scan lens.