Image Forming Apparatus Edge Detection for Abnormality Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require complex test patterns to accurately measure image formation status, making abnormality detection cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detection unit, control unit, edge determination unit, and abnormality determination unit that forms a check image with an edge intersecting the moving direction, allowing for simplified abnormality monitoring by detecting edge positions and determining image formation unit abnormalities based on these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complicated test pattern is formed to obtain accurate numerical values for image formation status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feature needed for abnormality detection - the edge position of a test line - from the complex test pattern approach. Instead of using complicated patterns requiring multiple measurements, it forms a simple test line and detects its edge position, obtaining sufficient information with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple test line as a copy or simplified version of complex test patterns. This test line contains sufficient information for abnormality detection without requiring the complexity of traditional test patterns, achieving the same detection purpose with reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a complicated test pattern is used for abnormality detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical information - edge position of the test line - needed for abnormality detection. This simplifies the monitoring process significantly while maintaining detection accuracy, as the control unit only needs to determine edge positions rather than process complex test pattern data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from complex numerical values requiring multiple measurements to a simple edge position parameter. This parameter change simplifies the monitoring operation while maintaining the ability to detect abnormalities accurately through the relationship between edge position and image formation density.
3Measurement precision
If complex test patterns are formed for density measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement needed - the edge position of the test line - rather than forming complex test patterns and obtaining multiple numerical values. This extraction approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for abnormality detection while significantly improving detection efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by forming only a simple test line instead of complex test patterns. This partial approach provides sufficient information for abnormality detection without the excessive complexity and time consumption of traditional methods, thereby improving productivity.
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 abnormality monitoring and density uniformity assessment through simplified processes, reducing the need for complex test patterns and providing accurate maintenance information.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect the developer attached to the image carrying surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit, a transfer unit, a detector, a controller, an edge detector, and an abnormality detector. The detector detects developer attached to an image carrying surface at a position between a position where an image is formed and a position where the image is transferred. The controller controls the image forming unit such that a check image including an edge that extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the image carrying surface is formed in a region of the image carrying surface that passes through the detection position. The edge detector determines a position of the edge based on a detection status of the developer. The abnormality detector determines whether or not the image former is abnormal based on the position of the edge.