Image Density Outlier Replacement in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in correcting image density deviations due to outliers detected by the image density sensor, which can be caused by foreign substances adhering to the sensor, leading to abnormal image formation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus executes replacement processing to replace detected image densities of areas with an average value of adjacent areas when differences exceed a threshold, ensuring accurate correction of image formation conditions and preventing abnormal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image density detection is performed using an image density sensor, then image density can be measured for correction, but foreign substances adhering to the sensor cause outlier detection leading to abnormal image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing replacement processing before image formation correction. The system detects outlier image density values caused by foreign substances on the sensor, replaces these outliers with average values from adjacent areas, and then uses the corrected density values for image formation. This preventive measure ensures that abnormal sensor readings do not lead to defective image output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a replacement value (average of adjacent areas) as a mediator between the outlier detection and the image formation correction. Instead of directly using the outlier value or discarding it entirely, the system calculates an intermediate average value from neighboring areas and uses this mediator to replace the outlier, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while preserving the correction function.
2Productivity
If outlier image density values are used for correction, then correction processing can be performed, but abnormal images are generated due to foreign substances on the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of foreign substances on the sensor into a beneficial filtering process. By detecting outlier values caused by these contaminants and replacing them with average values from adjacent areas, the system transforms the problematic raw data into corrected, reliable data. This approach maintains productivity by keeping the correction processing workflow intact while improving image quality through automated outlier removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected outlier information to trigger replacement processing. The system continuously monitors image density values, compares them against threshold criteria to identify outliers, and automatically replaces abnormal values with calculated average values from adjacent areas. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that correction processing uses only reliable data, preventing abnormal image generation while maintaining efficient operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to form a correction image, an image density detector to detect image densities of a plurality of areas in the correction image, and circuitry to correct an image formation condition of the image forming device based on detected image densities of the plurality of areas. The circuitry replaces a detected image density of an area of interest selected from the plurality of areas with an average value of detected image densities of two or more areas including adjacent areas adjacent to the area of interest and corrects the image formation condition of the image forming device based on the detected image densities of the plurality of areas after replacement when a difference between the detected image density of the area of interest and at least one of the detected image densities of the adjacent areas exceeds a predetermined threshold.