Image Forming Apparatus Color Deviation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, color deviation correction during low-velocity print modes is delayed due to the longer time required to reach the set number of printed pages, leading to deteriorated precision and increased power consumption from unit cooling fans to manage temperature changes in the writing unit.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus sets individual correction execution page number thresholds for each print mode, allowing for independent timing of color deviation correction control, thereby improving precision and reducing unnecessary cooling fan operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color deviation correction control is executed based on a unified page number threshold for all print modes, then the control logic is simple, but the color matching precision deteriorates during low-velocity printing due to delayed correction timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different correction execution page number thresholds for different print modes (normal velocity vs. low velocity). Instead of using a unified threshold, the system adapts the threshold value according to the specific print mode, thereby optimizing color matching precision for each mode without overly complicating the overall control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the correction execution threshold adaptive rather than static. The threshold changes dynamically based on the print mode being executed, allowing the system to respond appropriately to different printing conditions and maintain optimal color matching precision across varying operational scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If the correction execution threshold is set low to ensure timely color deviation correction, then color matching precision improves, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary cooling fan operation during low-velocity printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different correction execution page number thresholds for different print modes. For low-velocity printing, a higher threshold is used compared to normal velocity printing, thereby reducing unnecessary cooling fan operation and power consumption while maintaining adequate color matching precision for each specific print mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the correction execution page number threshold based on print mode characteristics. The threshold parameter is changed according to the printing velocity, allowing the system to optimize both color matching precision and power consumption by matching the threshold to the actual printing conditions.
3Productivity
If a unified correction execution threshold is used for all print modes, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to extended correction intervals in low-velocity modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing mode-specific correction execution thresholds that are tailored to each print mode's characteristics. This allows the system to optimize correction frequency for productivity while managing the complexity of threshold settings through structured mode-based differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the correction execution threshold adaptive to print mode conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the threshold based on whether normal or low-velocity printing is detected, thereby optimizing productivity without requiring complex manual configuration for each scenario.
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
This approach enhances temporal color matching precision during low-velocity printing, reducing power consumption and costs by optimizing the execution timing of color deviation correction.
Implementation Method 1
a latent image writer (45) that writes latent images to the latent image bearers (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of developing units (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) that develops the latent images of the latent image bearers (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) and form toner images
Implementation Method 3
a primary transfer unit (24Y, 24C, 24M, 24K) that transfers the toner images on the latent image bearers to an intermediate transferer (21)
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of latent image bearers, a latent image writer, a plurality of developing units, a primary transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, an adjuster, a pattern image formation controller, a color deviation detector, a color deviation correction controller, and an image-formation-mode setting unit. The color deviation correction controller executes color deviation correction control in the separated state. The image-formation-mode setting unit sets a normal linear-velocity image formation mode in which an image is formed at a normal linear velocity and at least one non-normal linear-velocity image formation mode including a low linear-velocity image formation mode in which an image is formed at a low linear velocity slower than the normal linear velocity. A plurality of image formation velocities including the normal linear velocity and the low linear velocity is set, and an execution timing of the color deviation correction control in image formation at the normal linear velocity and an execution timing of the color deviation correction control in image formation at the low linear velocity are set independently from each other.