Image Formation Adjustment Scheduling by Printing Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and effectively adjusting image formation conditions for both monochrome and color printing, particularly in maintaining consistent image quality while balancing the frequency of condition adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes separate processing units for monochrome and color printing, with predefined adjustment conditions, executing specific types of condition adjustment processes based on the printing history to optimize image quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If condition adjustment processes are executed frequently to maintain image quality, then image quality stability is improved, but printing efficiency deteriorates due to increased adjustment frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the condition adjustment processes into two distinct categories: monochrome adjustment processes for monochrome printing and color adjustment processes for color printing. Each type of printing has its own dedicated adjustment routine, allowing independent optimization of adjustment frequency and parameters for each printing mode, thereby reducing unnecessary adjustments and improving overall printing efficiency while maintaining image quality stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of adjustment frequency based on the printing mode. By detecting whether the current printing is monochrome or color, the system dynamically adjusts which condition adjustment processes to execute and at what frequency. This parameter change allows the system to perform fewer but more targeted adjustments, reducing the impact on printing efficiency while maintaining reliable image quality
2Reliability
If separate condition adjustment processes are executed for monochrome and color printing, then image quality for each printing type is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control structure that handles both monochrome and color printing through a single image processing unit. The control unit universally manages condition adjustment by detecting printing type and selecting appropriate adjustment processes, avoiding the need for separate dedicated hardware or processing paths for each printing mode. This multi-functional approach maintains image quality consistency while minimizing device complexity
3Productivity
If condition adjustment processes are executed in units of specific number to balance frequency, then printing efficiency is improved, but image quality stability may deteriorate due to less frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic condition adjustment by executing adjustment processes in units of a specific number of printing operations. Instead of continuous adjustment, the system performs adjustments at regular intervals determined by the specific number parameter. This periodic approach balances printing efficiency (by not adjusting every time) with image quality stability (by maintaining regular adjustment cycles), optimizing the trade-off between productivity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a first image processing portion, and a second image processing portion. The first image processing portion executes a plurality of types of image formation condition adjustment processes of the image forming portions on the image forming units used for monochrome printing in units of a specific number of condition adjustment processes in order whenever an execution history of the monochrome printing satisfies a monochrome adjustment condition set in advance. The plurality of types of condition adjustment processes is set in advance. The second image processing portion executes the plurality of types of condition adjustment processes on the image forming unit of the plurality of image forming units used for color printing in units of a specific number of condition adjustment processes in order whenever an execution history of the color printing satisfies a color adjustment condition set in advance.