Image Density Correction in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently setting appropriate correction amounts to eliminate image density unevenness corresponding to the rotation cycle of rotating bodies, as current methods often require constant correction amounts regardless of image density, leading to potential deviations and complexity in determining optimal correction values.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a setting unit to adjust image forming conditions based on the density of the image formed, using a test image to determine an appropriate correction amount by varying the correction amounts applied to the test image in accordance with the toner concentration, thereby efficiently determining the optimal correction for image density unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant correction amount is applied to the test image regardless of image density, then the correction process is simplified, but the accuracy of eliminating image density unevenness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The correction amount is changed as a parameter based on the density of the test image. Specifically, when the test image density is below a reference value, a first correction amount is applied; when density exceeds the reference value, a second correction amount is applied. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction by making the correction process adaptive to actual image conditions, achieving both reasonable complexity and high precision in eliminating density unevenness.
2Manufacturing precision
If the correction amount is determined based on test image density, then the accuracy of correcting image density unevenness is improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the correction amount parameter based on the measured test image density. A reference density value is established, and the correction amount is adjusted according to whether the actual density falls below or exceeds this reference. This approach improves correction accuracy while maintaining process simplicity through a clear threshold-based decision logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the density of the test image and using this measurement to determine the appropriate correction amount. The density measurement feeds back into the correction determination process, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adjusts the correction amount based on actual image conditions, thereby improving precision without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple correction amounts are tested to find the optimal value, then the image density uniformity is improved, but the time required for correction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of testing multiple correction amounts through repeated iterations, the system changes the correction amount parameter based on a single density measurement of the test image. By establishing a reference density value and applying different correction amounts based on whether the measured density is below or above this reference, the system achieves optimal image density uniformity in a single determination step, significantly reducing the time loss associated with multiple testing iterations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device and a setting unit. The image forming device is configured to form an image on a recording medium using a rotating body under a predetermined image forming condition. The setting unit is configured to set a correction amount for the image forming condition adjust image density unevenness corresponding to a rotation cycle of the rotating body, based on a density of the image formed by the image forming device, and cause the image forming device to form a test image to which the correction amount is applied on the recording medium.