Image Density Correction in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face density irregularities in the main scanning direction, leading to deteriorated image quality, despite existing correction technologies, which fail to achieve further improvements in image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a forming unit, storage unit, correction unit, measurement unit, and changing unit that stores and applies correction data to adjust image density uniformly across regions, using a correction table to compensate for in-plane irregularities, and adjusts the development bias to achieve a target density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If correction data is applied to each region to correct density irregularity, then in-plane irregularity is reduced, but image formation density deviates from target density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement unit measures the actual image formation density after correction is applied, and the changing unit adjusts the correction data based on the difference between measured and target density values. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that both density uniformity and absolute density accuracy are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the correction data dynamically. Instead of using fixed correction values, the correction data is adjusted based on measured density values to achieve the target density. This parameter adaptation allows the system to correct both in-plane irregularities and maintain accurate overall density.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction data is stored for multiple regions, then in-plane irregularity correction is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image forming area into multiple regions along the main scanning direction, with each region having its own correction data. This segmentation approach enables targeted correction of local density irregularities while keeping the correction data structure organized and manageable through systematic storage and application methods.
3Measurement precision
If measurement and adjustment processes are implemented, then image formation density accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs correction data adjustment in advance during setup or maintenance periods, storing the optimized correction data for future use. This preliminary action separates the time-consuming measurement and adjustment processes from normal image forming operations, thereby maintaining high productivity during actual printing while ensuring accurate density control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces in-plane irregularities and ensures consistent image density, improving overall image quality by uniformly adjusting the image formation density across the scanning direction.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit that measures an image formation density by the forming unit
Implementation Method 2
a correction unit that corrects a density of the image formed by the forming unit for each of the plurality of regions based on correction data stored in the storage unit
Implementation Method 3
a changing unit that changes the image formation density by the forming unit with a uniform change amount in the plurality of regions so that the image formation density measured by the measurement unit approaches a predetermined target density
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a forming unit, a storage unit, a correction unit, a measurement unit, and a changing unit. The forming unit forms an image. The storage unit stores correction data for correcting density irregularity in each of a plurality of regions obtained through division in a main scanning direction of the image formed by the forming unit. The correction unit corrects a density of the image formed by the forming unit for each of the plurality of regions based on the correction data stored in the storage unit. The measurement unit measures an image formation density by the forming unit in association with the correction by the correction unit. The changing unit changes the image formation density by the forming unit with a uniform change amount in the plurality of regions so that the image formation density measured by the measurement unit approaches a predetermined target density.