Image Forming Exposure Pattern Pixel Group Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high image quality when forming images with multiple color areas, as positional deviations between these areas can lead to reduced image quality, particularly in multicolor images.

Innovation Solution

The method involves setting non-exposure pixel groups and high-output exposure pixel groups within each image area, with the high-output exposure pixel groups receiving an optical output value higher than the predetermined value, and applying time concentration exposure techniques to correct positional deviations and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If standard exposure is applied to all pixels in multicolor image areas, then exposure uniformity is maintained, but positional deviation between image areas causes reduced image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpositional deviation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different exposure strategies to different pixel groups based on their local characteristics. Non-exposure pixel groups (where all color plates have the same pixel state) receive no exposure, while high-output exposure pixel groups (where color plates differ) receive enhanced exposure. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by targeting exposure only where positional deviation would harm image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the exposure parameter (optical output value) based on the pixel group type. High-output exposure pixel groups receive optical output values higher than the predetermined standard value, while non-exposure pixel groups receive zero exposure. This parameter adaptation allows the system to compensate for positional deviation in critical areas while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If high optical output is applied to all pixels to compensate for positional deviation, then image quality improves, but energy consumption and exposure time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidexposure energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image pixels into three distinct groups: non-exposure pixel groups, high-output exposure pixel groups, and standard exposure pixel groups. By segmenting the exposure strategy, the system applies high energy only where necessary (high-output exposure pixel groups) rather than uniformly across all pixels, thus improving image quality while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies excessive exposure (high-output exposure) only partially to specific pixel groups that are susceptible to positional deviation effects, rather than applying it to all pixels. This partial application of excessive action achieves the necessary image quality improvement in critical areas without the full energy cost of universal high-output exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If non-exposure pixel groups are identified and excluded, then exposure efficiency improves, but complexity in determining pixel groups increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure efficiencyVSAvoidpixel group determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of pixels into different groups before the actual exposure process. By determining which pixels belong to non-exposure pixel groups and high-output exposure pixel groups in advance (based on comparing pixel states across color plates), the system simplifies the subsequent exposure execution and improves overall efficiency despite the initial classification step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively reduces positional deviations between image areas, resulting in high-quality images with improved fidelity and resolution, even in complex multicolor patterns, without requiring special processing or edge detection.

Implementation Method 1

exposing a surface of an image bearer in accordance with an image pattern that includes a plurality of image areas in combination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9933722B2Image forming method and image forming apparatus for forming an image by setting various pixels of an exposure pattern as a non-exposure pixel group or a high-output exposure pixel group

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming method is for forming an image using an electrostatic latent image that is formed by exposing a surface of an image bearer in accordance with an image pattern that includes a plurality of image areas in combination. Each of the plurality of image areas includes a plurality of pixels. A part of pixels to be exposed in each of the plurality of image areas is set as a non-exposure pixel group in accordance with a position of any one of the plurality of image areas in the image pattern. Pixels that are different from the non-exposure pixel group in each of the plurality of image areas are set as a high-output exposure pixel group that is exposed with an optical output value that is higher than a predetermined optical output value that is needed to expose the image area.