Image Forming Apparatus Edge Exposure Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the consumption of toner while maintaining image quality, as phenomena like 'sweep-up' and 'edge effect' lead to increased toner adhesion at edges, affecting image quality and toner usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a discriminating unit to identify regions based on pixel values and an identifying unit to correct exposure amounts for pixels near edges, using correction amounts determined by the number of pixels between edge regions to adjust exposure, thereby reducing toner consumption without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If exposure intensity is reduced to decrease toner consumption, then toner consumption is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to sweep-up and edge effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating exposure correction strategies for different regions of the image. Specifically, it identifies edge regions (within a predetermined distance from image boundaries) and applies enhanced exposure correction with larger correction amounts, while non-edge regions use standard correction amounts. This localized approach ensures that toner consumption is reduced overall while image quality at critical edge regions is maintained through targeted exposure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing exposure amount correction on image data before the actual image formation process. The correction amounts are calculated and applied in advance based on pixel position analysis, allowing the exposing unit to compensate for anticipated sweep-up and edge effects during exposure, thereby preventing toner adhesion issues before they occur during development.
2Manufacturing precision
If exposure amount is corrected to suppress sweep-up and edge effects, then image quality is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional correction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the exposure amount parameter based on pixel position within the image. The system calculates correction amounts as quantitative parameters that modify the original exposure data, with different parameter values applied to edge regions versus non-edge regions. This parameter-based approach maintains image quality while avoiding the need for complex hardware modifications.
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
Effectively reduces toner consumption by minimizing toner adhesion at edges while maintaining image quality by accurately adjusting exposure amounts based on pixel relationships and region intervals.
Implementation Method 1
an exposing unit configured to expose the photosensitive member to light to form an electrostatic latent image
Implementation Method 2
a developing unit configured to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member by using a developing agent to form an image
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where another first region exists which faces the edge pixel across a second region on a line in a predetermined direction passing through the edge pixel of the first region, the correcting unit selects a correction amount for correcting the exposure amount applied by the exposing unit for the pixel to be corrected from information describing a plurality of correction amounts in accordance with a first number of pixels being a number of pixels on the line within the second region between the first region and the other first region and corrects the exposure amount for the pixel to be corrected in accordance with the selected correction amount.