Image Forming Apparatus Dust Detection and Geometric Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity and usability issues due to the interruption of image reading processes when foreign matter is detected on the contact glass, leading to reduced efficiency and increased user burden during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes line sensors to read test images formed on a sheet, with a controller determining whether dust is detected in specific areas, allowing for adjusted geometric characteristics based on read data, and only prompting user intervention when foreign matter affects image adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image reading apparatus interrupts processing to notify users of foreign matter on the contact glass, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and user workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the contact glass into multiple regions and assigning different importance levels to foreign matter detection in each region. Foreign matter in the first region (affecting test image reading) triggers processing interruption and user notification, while foreign matter in the second region (not affecting test image reading) allows processing to continue without interruption. This selective approach maintains measurement precision where critical while preserving productivity in non-critical areas.
2Measurement precision
If the system interrupts processing whenever foreign matter is detected, then reading accuracy is ensured, but productivity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system differentiates between critical and non-critical areas on the contact glass, applying different response strategies. Foreign matter in the first region requires user intervention to maintain reading accuracy, while foreign matter in the second region is tolerated to avoid unnecessary user inconvenience. This selective tolerance approach balances measurement precision with user convenience.
3Productivity
If continuous processing is maintained despite foreign matter detection, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements spatial differentiation of the contact glass surface, identifying a first region where foreign matter critically impacts test image reading accuracy and a second region where foreign matter has minimal impact. The system maintains processing continuity in the second region while interrupting only when necessary in the first region, thus preserving productivity overall while protecting measurement precision where it matters most.
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 solution minimizes productivity losses and user inconvenience by allowing continuous image forming adjustments and delayed cleaning notifications, ensuring uninterrupted processing and reduced user workload.
Implementation Method 1
a line sensor configured to read a sheet having test images formed thereon while the sheet having the test images formed thereon is conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a line sensor configured to read a sheet having test images formed thereon while the sheet having the test images formed thereon is conveyed; and a controller configured to: control the image forming unit to form the test images on the sheet; control the line sensor to read the sheet having the test images formed thereon; obtain read data related to the test images, the read data being output by the line sensor; and control, based on the read data, a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed on a sheet by the image forming unit, wherein the controller is configured to determine, in a reading area of the line sensor, whether dust is detected in a first area.