Image Forming Apparatus Spaced Test Toner Patterns for Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently forming and adjusting toner images due to varying developing voltage conditions, which affect image density, and there is a need for improved methods to optimize image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a control portion to sequentially form and transfer test toner images with different developing voltage conditions onto an intermediate transfer body, selecting target image-carrying members at specific spacings to adjust the image forming portion based on detected densities, ensuring efficient and precise image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple test toner images with different developing voltage conditions are formed on all image-carrying members simultaneously, then comprehensive density detection is achieved, but the area required on the intermediate transfer body increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the set of image-carrying members into two groups: target image-carrying members selected at specific spacings and non-target image-carrying members. The test output process is segmented to only process target members, transferring test toner images only from these selected members to the intermediate transfer body. This segmentation reduces the total area required on the intermediate transfer body while still enabling comprehensive density detection through systematic selection of target members.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing all image-carrying members simultaneously, the patent applies partial action by selectively processing only target image-carrying members that are spaced apart from each other. This partial processing approach reduces the intermediate transfer body area requirement and processing time while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through the strategic selection of target members.
2Measurement precision
If multiple test toner images with different developing voltage conditions are formed on all image-carrying members simultaneously, then comprehensive density detection is achieved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing task by identifying target image-carrying members at specific spacings and excluding non-target members from the test output process. This segmentation allows parallel processing of test images from multiple target members simultaneously, reducing total processing time while maintaining comprehensive density detection through systematic coverage of developing voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by processing only target image-carrying members rather than all members. This selective processing reduces the total processing time required for density detection while maintaining measurement precision through the strategic selection of target members that represent the full range of developing voltage conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If test toner images are formed within an area corresponding to arrangement spacing of image-carrying members, then the intermediate transfer body area is minimized, but the spacing between test images becomes too small for accurate density detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting target image-carrying members at specific spacings greater than the standard arrangement spacing. This creates locally optimized regions on the intermediate transfer body where test images are positioned with sufficient separation for accurate density detection, while still minimizing the overall area used by concentrating target members in specific spatial patterns.
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 allows for efficient and precise adjustment of developing voltage conditions, resulting in improved image quality and density control, enhancing the overall performance of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a density detecting portion configured to detect density of a toner image formed on a surface of the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 2
a transfer device including an intermediate transfer body, which transfers the toner images on the surfaces of the plurality of image-carrying members to the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 3
an image forming portion including a plurality of image-carrying members arranged with spacing in between and a plurality of toner-carrying members arranged corresponding to the plurality of image-carrying members and to which a common developing voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A control portion causes an image forming portion to execute a test output process in which a plurality of test toner images each having a different developing voltage condition are formed in sequence on a surface of each of a plurality of image-carrying members and then transferred to an intermediate transfer body. The control portion sequentially selects, from the plurality of image-carrying members, target image-carrying members that are arranged at a distance greater than an arrangement spacing of the plurality of image-carrying members, and causes the image forming portion to execute the test output process so that each time one of the plurality of target image-carrying members is selected, the plurality of test toner images for each of the plurality of target image-carrying members are transferred within an area on the surface of the intermediate transfer body whose length corresponds to pacing between the plurality of target image-carrying members.