Image Forming Apparatus Sequential Diagnostic Chart Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses lack an efficient method for diagnosing and adjusting image quality issues such as spots, streaks, transfer defects, exposure variations, density non-uniformity, and gradation errors, which affects the overall output quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an output unit, reading unit, and processor that outputs and reads multiple types of diagnostic charts, including spot/streak, transfer, exposure adjustment, density non-uniformity, and gradation charts, performing sequential diagnoses and adjustments based on these charts to identify and correct defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple types of diagnostic charts are used for comprehensive image quality diagnosis, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus integrates multiple diagnostic functions (spot/streak diagnosis, transfer diagnosis, exposure diagnosis, density diagnosis, gradation diagnosis) into a single unified system. The output unit generates various types of diagnostic charts, and the reading unit reads these charts to perform comprehensive image quality assessment, allowing one system to serve multiple diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic process is divided into multiple sequential stages, each focusing on a specific aspect of image quality. The processor performs diagnosis in a predetermined order: first diagnosing spots and streaks, then transfer issues, followed by exposure, density, and gradation problems. This segmentation allows comprehensive diagnosis while managing complexity through structured progression.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential multi-step diagnosis and adjustment processes are performed, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnosis of various image quality parameters in a predetermined sequence before final adjustment. By systematically checking for spots and streaks first, then transfer issues, and subsequently exposure, density, and gradation problems, the apparatus prepares comprehensive diagnostic information in advance, enabling more efficient final adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic and adjustment process continues systematically through multiple stages without interruption. The processor continuously performs diagnosis based on read charts and executes adjustments in a seamless flow, maintaining productive action throughout the entire quality assurance process rather than stopping between separate diagnostic steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an output unit, a reading unit, and a processor. The output unit outputs multiple types of charts. The reading unit reads images of the charts. The charts are output by the output unit. The processor performs multiple types of processes in a predetermined order in accordance with the images of the charts and original images used to output the charts. Each of the processes is at least one of diagnosis and adjustment. The images of the charts are obtained through the reading operation performed by the reading unit. The charts which are output by the output unit include a diagnostic chart for a spot and/or a streak and a diagnostic chart for transfer. After the processor performs a first diagnosis based on the diagnostic chart for a spot and/or a streak, the processor performs a second diagnosis based on the diagnostic chart for transfer.