Image Density Correction Using Position-Specific Relational Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively correcting image-density unevenness in the image-width direction due to varying relational values between unevenness-in-density corrective values and image-forming conditions, leading to insufficient correction of image-density issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus calculates corrective values for image-forming conditions at multiple positions in the image-width direction using a set of relational values corresponding to specific portions, allowing for precise correction of image-density unevenness by adjusting exposure values such as LD power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single relational value is used for correcting image-density unevenness across the entire image-width direction, then the correction process is simple, but the correction precision is insufficient due to varying relational values at different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The image-width direction is divided into multiple portions, and separate relational values are determined for each portion. This segmentation allows the correction to account for position-specific variations in the relationship between unevenness-in-density corrective values and image-forming conditions, thereby improving correction precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different relational values are applied to different portions of the image-width direction based on their specific characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that each region is corrected according to its own relational characteristics, improving overall correction accuracy while maintaining reasonable process complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple relational values corresponding to specific portions are used for correction, then the image-density correction precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image-width direction is divided into a predetermined number of portions, with each portion having its own relational value. This segmentation structure organizes the complexity into manageable segments while achieving position-specific correction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The relational values used for correction are changed based on the position in the image-width direction. By varying the relational value parameter according to position, the system achieves higher correction precision without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to form an image on an image bearer based on a prescribed image-forming condition, and circuitry to change the prescribed image-forming condition and correct image-density unevenness in an image-width direction orthogonal to an image conveyance direction of the image bearer. In the image forming apparatus, the circuitry calculates a corrective value of the prescribed image-forming condition for each one of positions in the image-width direction, based on unevenness-in-density corrective values for the multiple positions in the image-width direction and relational values indicating a relation between the multiple unevenness-in-density corrective values and the corrective value of the prescribed image-forming condition, and the circuitry corrects the image-density unevenness in the image-width direction based on the corrective value of the prescribed image-forming condition. In the image forming apparatus, the multiple relational values correspond to portions in the image-width direction.