Image Timing Signal Adjustment for Video Overlap Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, when the size of the image formed is larger than the sheet size, there is an overlap between the output periods of video signals, leading to incomplete printing operations and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the output interval of the timing signal based on both the sheet size and the image size, ensuring that the video signals for each sheet are output without overlap, using a combination of sheet feeding control and image processing units to determine optimal output intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the output interval of the timing signal is determined based on the sheet size only, then the sheet feeding control is simplified, but video signal overlap occurs when image size exceeds sheet size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for determining the timing signal output interval from sheet size only to a combination of both sheet size and image size. This allows the system to calculate an appropriate interval that prevents video signal overlap even when the image extends beyond the sheet boundaries, thereby maintaining printing operation reliability without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image formation interval is determined based on the maximum sheet size, then all sheet sizes can be accommodated, but productivity decreases due to excessive waiting time for smaller sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic timing signal output interval that adapts to the specific combination of sheet size and image size for each printing operation. Rather than using a fixed interval based on maximum sheet size, the system calculates and applies an optimized interval that matches the actual requirements, thereby maintaining versatility while improving printing throughput and productivity.
3Reliability
If the video signal output interval is reduced to prevent overlap, then signal overlap is prevented, but the timing synchronization with sheet feeding becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the timing signal output interval is determined based on actual measurements of both sheet size and image size. This feedback approach allows the system to automatically calculate the appropriate interval that prevents video signal overlap while maintaining proper synchronization with the sheet feeding process, achieving reliability without excessive manual coordination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes a control unit for converting image information into an image signal and output the image signal with reference to a timing signal, a sheet feeding control unit for feeding a recording material, an image forming unit for forming the image on a photosensitive drum based on the image signal output from the control unit, a transmission unit for transmitting a length of the image corresponding to a length of an output period of the image signal, an automatic sheet length detection mechanism for acquiring a length of the recording material in a conveyance direction thereof, and an image control unit for controlling a time interval at which the timing signal is output based on the size of the image and the size of the recording material.