Image Forming Apparatus Light Power Stabilization for BD Sensor Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face measurement errors and accuracy issues in adjusting the writing start positions of light emitting elements due to variations in light power incident on the beam detection sensor, affecting the synchronization and emission timing of light beams.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light power control unit to stabilize the light power of light beams incident on the detection unit, a measuring unit to measure the time interval between detection signals from first and second light beams, and a timing control unit to adjust the emission timings based on these measurements, ensuring accurate synchronization and correction of writing start positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light power of light beams incident on the detection unit is not stabilized, then the measurement process is simpler, but measurement errors occur due to variations in light power affecting the detection unit's response speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the light power parameter of light beams incident on the detection unit to be substantially equal, preventing variations in detection unit response speed that would cause measurement errors in time interval measurements between light beams from different light emitting elements
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit detects light beams from multiple light emitting elements and generates detection signals, which are then used to measure time intervals. The system uses this feedback to adjust emission timings of light beams, ensuring accurate synchronization and writing start position correction
2Manufacturing precision
If the writing start positions of multiple light emitting elements are not precisely synchronized, then the device operation is simpler, but image formation accuracy deteriorates due to shifts in writing start positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures time intervals between detection signals from light beams emitted by different light emitting elements, then uses this measurement feedback to precisely control the emission timings of each light emitting element, ensuring their writing start positions coincide and eliminating shifts in image formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment methods with optical measurement and electronic control. Instead of mechanically adjusting the positions of light emitting elements, the system uses optical detection to measure time intervals and electronically controls emission timings to achieve precise synchronization of writing start positions
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 solution effectively suppresses measurement errors and improves the accuracy of writing start position correction for light emitting elements, maintaining consistent image formation across multiple light emitting elements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for detecting the light beam deflected by the rotating polygonal mirror (beam detection (BD) sensor), and the optical sensor generates a synchronization signal upon detecting the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to one aspect controls a light source such that first and second laser beams emitted from first and second light emitting elements respectively are incident on a BD sensor successively, and measures the time interval between two BD signals, output from the BD sensor, that correspond to the first and second laser beams. When performing the measurement, the image forming apparatus controls the light powers of the first and second light beams so as to be light powers determined in advance using APC. According to this, measurement errors when measuring the interval between the light beams emitted from the two light emitting elements are suppressed, and correction accuracy for the image writing start positions for the multiple light emitting elements is improved.