Image Forming Apparatus Conditional Density Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face instability in image quality due to the presence or absence of transfer assisting materials, leading to inappropriate image quality adjustments when reading images from an image holding unit.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image holding unit, a transfer unit, a reading unit, a supply unit for transfer assisting materials, and an adjustment unit that adjusts image quality based on readings, with distinct adjustment methods depending on whether the transfer assisting material is supplied, utilizing a density sensor to detect adhesion and adjust image density accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image quality adjustment is performed by reading an image from the image holding unit regardless of transfer assisting material presence, then image quality can be adjusted, but image quality becomes unstable due to interference from the transfer assisting material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the image quality adjustment process conditional based on the presence of transfer assisting material. The adjustment unit performs different operations depending on the local condition (presence or absence of transfer assisting material), thereby achieving accurate and stable image quality adjustment in both scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the image quality adjustment method adaptive and changeable based on operating conditions. The adjustment unit dynamically selects between different adjustment strategies (with or without transfer assisting material) based on detection results, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain stable performance.
2Reliability
If transfer assisting material is supplied to assist transfer, then transfer reliability improves, but image quality measurement becomes inaccurate due to material interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the detection unit to detect whether transfer assisting material is present on the image holding unit, and then using this feedback information to control the adjustment unit's behavior. This closed-loop control ensures that image quality adjustment is performed appropriately based on actual conditions, maintaining both transfer reliability and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary (the detection unit and control logic) that mediates between the transfer assisting material supply and the image quality adjustment process. This intermediary detects the presence of transfer assisting material and determines the appropriate adjustment strategy, preventing direct interference from the transfer material while maintaining its beneficial transfer effects.
3Device complexity
If a single image quality adjustment method is used regardless of conditions, then the adjustment process is simple, but image quality becomes unstable on different paper types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transforming a static, single-method adjustment system into a dynamic, multi-method system. The adjustment unit automatically selects between different adjustment strategies based on detected conditions (presence of transfer assisting material), maintaining simple operation for the user while providing complex, condition-specific adjustment internally to ensure consistent image quality across different paper types.
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
Stabilizes image quality by suppressing excessive density adjustments and ensuring accurate image formation regardless of transfer assisting material presence, enhancing precision and reducing the likelihood of transfer failures on paper types like Japanese or embossed paper.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit that reads an image held by the image holding unit
Implementation Method 2
an image of a developer on an image holding unit is electrostatically transferred and fixed to a medium such as paper
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image holding unit, a transfer unit that transfers an image held by the image holding unit to a medium, a reading unit that reads an image held by the image holding unit, a supply unit that supplies, to the image holding unit, a transfer assisting material that assists transfer, and an adjustment unit that performs adjustment of an image quality based on a result of a reading operation performed by the reading unit on an image for image quality adjustment, which is held by the image holding unit, and that performs the adjustment in different ways depending on whether or not the transfer assisting material has been supplied to the image holding unit.