Image Formation Condition Adjustment for Distributed Printing Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed printing systems, achieving consistent image quality across multiple image forming apparatuses is challenging due to variations in sheet characteristics and machine states, leading to productivity losses from delayed color tone correction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that determines and adjusts image formation conditions for each apparatus based on sheet characteristic information, using pre-defined image quality change characteristic data to equalize output quality without reducing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color tone correction is performed by detecting image quality after image formation, then image quality consistency is improved, but adjustment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining image formation conditions based on sheet characteristic information acquired before image formation. The system acquires sheet characteristics (such as water content state) and determines appropriate image formation conditions in advance, rather than detecting and correcting after image formation. This eliminates the adjustment time required for post-detection correction while maintaining image quality consistency across multiple image forming apparatuses.
2Productivity
If distributed printing is performed across multiple image forming apparatuses, then productivity is improved, but image quality variation increases due to differences in sheet characteristics and machine states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining image formation conditions specifically for each image forming apparatus based on its acquired sheet characteristic information. Instead of using a uniform setting for all apparatuses, the system allows each apparatus to have customized image formation conditions tailored to the specific sheet characteristics and machine state, thereby achieving consistent image quality across distributed printing while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting image formation conditions (such as development bias, exposure amount, or developing time) based on detected sheet characteristic information like water content state. By dynamically changing these parameters according to actual sheet conditions and machine states, the system maintains consistent image quality across multiple apparatuses performing distributed printing, resolving the contradiction between productivity and image quality consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a hardware processor that determines an image formation condition for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses based on sheet characteristic information corresponding to a characteristic of a sheet acquired from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.