Image Density Calibration via Measurement Conversion Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in maintaining stable image density characteristics due to mismatched densities between patterns formed on the image bearing member and recording material, requiring repeated pattern formation for calibration, which reduces processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a correction unit for image data correction, an image forming unit, a measurement unit, a converting unit, and a generating unit that control the formation and measurement of test images to generate correction conditions, allowing for accurate conversion and calibration of image densities between the image bearing member and recording material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image forming apparatus forms a particular pattern on the recording material and reads it to generate a gradation correction table, then the image density characteristics can be corrected, but the detected densities on the image bearing member do not match the image densities on the recording material, requiring repeated pattern formation which reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion table as an intermediary between the measurement densities on the image bearing member and the image densities on the recording material. This conversion table enables accurate density correspondence without requiring repeated pattern formation, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the pattern on the image bearing member before transfer to the recording material. By measuring early and using conversion tables for subsequent corrections, the system avoids repeated formation and measurement cycles, improving processing efficiency while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If the apparatus forms and measures patterns repeatedly to achieve stable image density characteristics, then the image quality can be maintained, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement results from the image bearing member are used to generate correction values that are applied to subsequent image formation. This single-pass feedback approach achieves stable image density characteristics without requiring repeated time-consuming calibration cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and correction table generation once, then uses these correction tables for subsequent image formation operations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated calibration, reducing time loss while maintaining reliability of image density characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a correction unit configure to correct image data based on a correction condition; an image bearing member; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the image bearing member, based on the corrected image data; a transfer unit configured to transfer the image onto a recording material; a measurement unit configured to measure a measurement image formed on the image bearing member; and a converting unit configured to convert, based on a conversion condition, a measurement result of the measurement image measured by the measurement unit. A printer controller controls the image forming unit to form the measurement image, control the measurement unit to measure the measurement image, control the converting unit to convert the measurement result of the measurement image, and generate the correction condition based on the measurement result converted by the converting unit.