Image Density Correction via Pressure Plate Closure Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face instability in output image density due to environmental factors and usage frequency, leading to incorrect density correction when the test original is not properly set or oriented, resulting in improper generation of correction data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a platen, pressure plate, reading sensor, operation panel, detector, correction unit, and controller that ensures proper placement of the test original by displaying a prompt if the pressure plate is not closed after forming a pattern, preventing incorrect correction data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the system automatically generates correction data without verification, then the operation speed is improved, but the reliability of correction data generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting whether the pressure plate is closed before allowing correction data generation. This preliminary check ensures that the test original is properly set on the platen before the reading operation begins, preventing unreliable correction data from being generated while maintaining efficient operation flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using the pressure plate detector to monitor the state of the original setting unit. When the detector signals that the pressure plate is not closed, the system provides feedback to prevent correction data generation, ensuring that only properly configured test originals are used for correction table creation.
2Reliability
If the system adds verification steps to ensure proper test original placement, then the reliability of correction data generation is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification of pressure plate closure is performed as a preliminary condition check before the correction data generation process begins. This approach integrates the verification into the existing workflow without requiring separate additional steps, minimizing time loss while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing pressure plate detector and control mechanisms to perform self-verification of the test original placement. By leveraging already-present hardware components, the system avoids adding extra verification equipment or procedures that would increase operation time.
3Ease of operation
If the system allows correction data generation without checking pressure plate state, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of correction data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic verification of the pressure plate state using the existing detector, eliminating the need for manual checking by the operator. This maintains ease of operation while ensuring that correction data is only generated when the test original is properly positioned, thereby preserving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback based on the pressure plate detector state, controlling whether correction data generation is permitted. This feedback mechanism ensures high precision correction data without requiring complex manual verification procedures, maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus can prevent generation of correction data without setting a proper test original. A mat is closed for pressing an original on a platen. An opening/closing sensor detects a closed state and an open state of the mat. A density correction section corrects image data based on a correction condition. A printer forms an image based on the image data. A CPU controls the printer to form a pattern on a sheet, controls a CCD sensor to acquire read data concerning an image of the original according to user instruction for the CCD sensor to read the original, and generates the correction condition based on the read data. When the user instruction is given, if the open state of the mat is not changed to the closed state, the CPU displays a screen prompting the user to place the sheet on the platen.