Image Forming Apparatus Density Control via Sheet Profile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in adjusting the highest density of images across different types of paper, requiring cumbersome settings and potential mistakes that lead to inadequate density adjustments, especially when transitioning from one paper type to another.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a memory section to store sheet profiles and a control section that adjusts toner adhesion based on detected density, allowing for automatic highest density adjustments without the need for repetitive user operations or reproducing exact sheet settings used by customer engineers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus is adjusted for coated paper sheets, then the image density standard is met, but the image density becomes low when using coarse paper sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of developing bias voltage based on sheet type detection. The control section changes the developing bias voltage according to the detected sheet type (coated paper vs. coarse paper), allowing the apparatus to adapt its image forming characteristics to different sheet types. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed, enabling optimal density for each sheet type through real-time parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the developing bias voltage parameter based on sheet type. By detecting the sheet type and adjusting the developing bias voltage accordingly, the system modifies the toner adhesion amount to achieve appropriate image density for different paper types. This parameter change approach allows the same apparatus to maintain manufacturing precision across different sheet types.
2Manufacturing precision
If the toner adhesion amount is increased to compensate for low density on coarse paper, then the image density improves, but the toner adhesion amount exceeds the soluble range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the developing bias voltage within safe limits based on sheet type detection. By using real-time detection and controlled parameter changes, the system achieves adequate toner adhesion for coarse paper without exceeding the soluble range, avoiding the harmful effect of excessive toner accumulation while maintaining sufficient image density.
3Manufacturing precision
If the highest density adjustment is performed separately for different sheet types, then the density accuracy is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic sheet type detection where the detection section automatically identifies the sheet type and the control section automatically adjusts the developing bias voltage accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention in sheet type identification and adjustment selection, reducing operation time while maintaining density accuracy for different sheet types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of sheet type before image formation and pre-adjusts the developing bias voltage accordingly. By detecting and preparing the appropriate parameters in advance, the system avoids time-consuming manual adjustment during the image forming process, thereby reducing overall operation time while ensuring density accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If the sheet setting is manually reproduced during adjustment, then the adjustment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic sheet type detection system eliminates the need for manual sheet setting reproduction. The detection section automatically identifies the sheet type and the control section automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding adjustment parameters, making the operation simple while maintaining high adjustment accuracy through automated parameter selection.
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
Enables efficient and accurate adjustment of the highest density across various paper types without requiring users to remember specific sheet settings, reducing the time and risk of errors in achieving the desired image density.
Implementation Method 1
a density sensor that detects a density of the density patch
Implementation Method 2
an image forming section that forms an image with toner on a sheet
Implementation Method 3
adjusting an image forming section so as to make the highest density coincide with a target density
Data Source
AI summary
A memory section 1013, an image forming section 150, a control section 101, and a density detecting section 220 to detect a density of an image are disposed. when performing density adjustment by forming a density patch on a sheet with the image forming section, receiving the density detection result of the density patch, and adjusting the image forming section based on the density detection result such that a highest density with the toner coincides with a target density, a target density-compliant sheet profile which is a sheet profile including sheet setting for a sheet used at the time of determining the target density and the target density are memorized in the memory section; and the image forming section is adjusted based on the target density-compliant sheet profile and the target density such that the highest density coincides with the target density.