Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Adjustment Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately evaluating the demand for adjustments in image forming conditions, leading to potential delays in timely execution of adjustments, which can affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a complex evaluation system that calculates predictive values for color registration and image density errors based on various state variations, using coefficients to estimate errors from factors like opening/closing operations, temperature, and humidity, to determine the necessity and timing of adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent execution of adjustment is performed to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but user waiting time is prolonged and consumption of ink or toner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment execution timing determination based on calculated error amounts from multiple state variations. Instead of fixed periodic adjustment, the system dynamically decides when adjustment is needed by comparing calculated errors against thresholds, allowing adjustment frequency to adapt to actual device conditions and reducing unnecessary adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of adjustment timing from fixed periodic intervals to variable intervals determined by calculated error amounts. By computing error amounts based on multiple state variations (temperature, humidity, operational hours, component wear) and comparing against dynamic thresholds, the system optimizes adjustment frequency to maintain image quality while minimizing user waiting time and resource consumption.
2Reliability
If frequent execution of adjustment is performed to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but consumption of ink or toner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines adjustment execution timing based on calculated error amounts from multiple state variations. By adapting adjustment frequency to actual device conditions rather than using fixed schedules, the system reduces unnecessary adjustments and associated resource consumption while maintaining image quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment timing parameter transitions from fixed periodic intervals to variable intervals determined by calculated error amounts. The system computes error amounts based on multiple state variations and compares against dynamic thresholds, optimizing adjustment frequency to minimize ink or toner consumption while preserving image quality.
3Device complexity
If simple state variation detection is used to determine adjustment timing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of error evaluation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error evaluation into multiple independent state variations (temperature changes, humidity changes, operational hours, component wear, vibration exposure). Each state variation is detected and calculated separately, then combined to determine overall error amount. This segmentation allows comprehensive error evaluation without requiring a single complex measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple simple sensors and detection mechanisms that each perform a single function (temperature sensing, humidity sensing, operation counting) but collectively provide comprehensive error evaluation. This multi-functional approach achieves high measurement precision through combination of simple, reliable components rather than a single complex device.
4Ease of operation
If adjustment is executed based on single state variation threshold, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of image quality maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The error evaluation is segmented into multiple state variations (temperature, humidity, operational hours, component wear, vibration) that are detected and calculated independently. This segmentation allows the system to comprehensively assess device condition and determine adjustment timing based on cumulative error from multiple sources, improving image quality maintenance while keeping control logic relatively simple through modular calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple simple detection functions (temperature sensing, humidity sensing, operation counting) that work together to provide comprehensive error evaluation. This multi-functional approach maintains ease of operation through use of standard sensors and straightforward calculation, while achieving high reliability by considering multiple factors that affect image quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a forming portion, an adjusting portion and a control portion. The forming portion is configured to form an image, while the adjusting portion is configured to execute an adjustment for correcting a pre-selected adjustable image forming condition based on a measurement of an image formed by the forming portion. The control portion is configured to control execution of the adjustment achieved by the adjusting portion. Specifically, the control portion obtains a plurality of kinds of variation values, which individually indicate a different state variation capable of involving a state change in the pre-selected adjustable image forming condition. The control portion calculates a complex evaluation of the current state of the pre-selected adjustable image forming condition based on the plurality of kinds of variation values, and determines a starting time for execution of the adjustment based on the complex evaluation.