Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Condition Update Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity losses due to the need to wait for image forming conditions to be updated after generating an adjustment chart, which delays the printing process and can compromise image quality when updating conditions are not timely.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that operates in two modes: one prioritizing image quality by waiting for image forming condition updates and another prioritizing productivity by starting the next image formation before updates are completed, allowing for flexible management of image quality and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming condition is updated based on the reading result of the adjustment chart before forming the next image, then the image quality is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image forming condition update timing flexible rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts whether to update conditions before or after forming the next image based on real-time feedback from the adjustment chart reading, allowing the process to adapt between quality-priority and productivity-priority modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of update timing from a fixed state to a variable state. By introducing two distinct update timing modes (before next image formation and after next image formation), the system can switch between different parameter settings to optimize for either image quality or productivity depending on operational requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image forming condition is updated at predetermined intervals when printing large numbers of sheets, then the image quality is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to waiting time after adjustment chart generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the update timing dynamic by offering two selectable modes: updating before the next image (ensuring quality) or updating after the next image (prioritizing productivity). This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios rather than following a rigid predetermined interval schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the option to complete the next image formation using existing conditions before updating. This enables the system to prepare and execute the next image formation in advance without waiting for the condition update to complete, thereby reducing waiting time and improving productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the image forming condition update is performed immediately before the first page image formation, then the printing position accuracy is stabilized, but the productivity decreases due to the waiting period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the next image formation process before the condition update is finalized. This allows the system to prepare and execute image formation in advance using existing conditions, then update the conditions afterward, thereby eliminating the waiting period that would otherwise occur before image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional sequence by allowing image formation to proceed first and then updating the conditions afterward. This reverse sequencing eliminates the waiting time that occurs when conditions must be updated before image formation, while still ensuring that subsequent images use the updated accurate conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an image forming unit configured to form an image based on an image forming condition; a reading unit configured to read a test image on a sheet; a controller configured to: control the image forming unit to form the test image; obtain read data related to the test image output from the reading unit is formed; and update the image forming condition based on the read data. The controller operates in a first mode and a second mode, the first mode is a mode in which, the controller controls the image forming unit to form the image for the second sheet after the image forming condition is updated based on the reading data related to the test image.