Image Forming Apparatus Register Data Transfer Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, particularly those using electrophotographic developing, data transfer timing issues lead to image failures due to overlapping transmission segments and incomplete register settings during continuous printing, especially when dealing with varying page sizes and increased demand for higher image quality.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is configured with a plurality of photoconductors and corresponding light sources, with a drive signal generation unit that ensures parameter output for light sources is completed within a calculated time period based on the interval and rotation speeds of the photoconductors, preventing data transfer timing-related image failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the transfer speed of serial communication is increased to transmit more register data within the sheet gap segment, then the quantity of data transferred is improved, but noise suppression becomes difficult and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the required transfer speed in advance based on the sheet gap segment length and the number of registers to be changed. The control device determines the transfer speed before actual data transmission, ensuring that all register data can be transmitted within the available time window without requiring higher speeds that would introduce noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transfer speed variable rather than fixed. The control device adjusts the transfer speed dynamically based on the specific conditions of each sheet gap segment, including its length and the number of registers that need updating. This allows optimization of data transfer efficiency while maintaining reliable communication without unnecessary noise.
2Productivity
If the sheet gap segment is shortened to improve productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the time available for register data transfer is reduced making it impossible to send all required data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the transfer speed parameter based on the sheet gap segment length. When the sheet gap is short, the system increases the transfer speed to ensure all register data is transmitted within the reduced time window. This allows the system to maintain high productivity with short sheet gaps while still completing all necessary data transfers.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of registers is increased to achieve higher image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the time required to transfer all register data within the sheet gap segment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the transfer speed parameter in response to the number of registers that need to be updated. When more registers require changes (for higher image quality), the system increases the transfer speed to compensate for the larger data volume, ensuring all register updates are completed within the sheet gap segment without extending the overall processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged with an interval; a light scanning device, which includes a plurality of semiconductor lasers corresponding to the plurality of photosensitive drums on a one-to-one basis, and is configured to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum; an exposure control portion configured to generate a drive signal for causing the semiconductor laser to turn on or off the light based on image data; and a CPU configured to output a parameter for generating the drive signal to the exposure control portion, in which the CPU outputs the parameter to the exposure control portion at a transfer speed that is set so that the outputting of the parameter corresponding to the plurality of semiconductor lasers is completed within a time period calculated from the interval and rotation speeds of the photosensitive drums.