Image Forming Apparatus Light-Emitting Element Lifespan Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital multi-functional peripherals, the high light-emission frequency of some light-emitting elements leads to reduced lifespan when printing multiple copies from the same data, causing uneven wear and potentially affecting print quality.
Innovation Solution
The exposure control section shifts the printing data for each page set, generating shifted printing data to distribute the light-emission load more evenly across the light-emitting elements, thereby reducing the frequency of high usage for any single element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same printing data is used for multiple printings, then productivity is improved, but the light-emission frequency of some light-emitting elements becomes high which reduces their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by cyclically shifting the printing data for each page set. When multiple printings are performed, the data is shifted by one line for the second printing, two lines for the third printing, and so on, creating a periodic distribution pattern that ensures each light-emitting element is used evenly across multiple printing cycles, thereby extending their lifespan while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If the same printing data is used for multiple printings, then productivity is improved, but uneven wear of light-emitting elements occurs which may affect print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic shifting of printing data ensures that no single light-emitting element is overused, preventing uneven wear that could lead to degradation in print quality. This systematic rotation maintains consistent performance across all elements throughout multiple printing operations
3Duration of action of stationary object
If printing data is shifted for each page set, then the lifespan of light-emitting elements is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data positioning by applying a simple shift operation based on the page set number. This parameter change (shifting the data by a calculated number of lines) achieves even distribution of light-emitting element usage without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the exposure device
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 approach extends the lifespan of the light-emitting elements by ensuring even wear and maintaining print quality, even when printing multiple copies from the same data.
Implementation Method 1
an image forming section which develops, with developing agent, a latent image formed on a photoconductive drum through the light from the light-emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line, an image forming section and an exposure control section. The image forming section develops, with developing agent, a latent image formed on a photoconductive drum through the light from the light-emitting elements which emit light according to printing data. The exposure control section controls the operations of the plurality of light-emitting elements according to shifted printing data obtained by shifting the printing data in a case where the number of printings based on the same printing data is more than one.