Imaging System Defect Detection Using Check Pattern Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image defects such as vertical streaks occur in image forming devices, which existing technologies struggle to accurately detect and diagnose, affecting the quality of formed images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a defect detection system that uses check pattern data and toner images to identify the source of defects by forming and processing specific check toner images across multiple image carriers, allowing for visual inspection to determine the cause of image defects and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing image forming devices use reference data comparison to detect image defects, then defect detection capability is provided, but accurate detection and diagnosis of defects such as vertical streaks is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple independent process steps (charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fixing) and creates corresponding check patterns for each step. By segmenting the detection process and assigning specific check patterns to each process step, the system can accurately identify which specific step causes the defect, thereby improving both detection accuracy and diagnosis reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces check patterns as intermediary elements that are formed on image carriers during each process step. These check patterns serve as mediators between the process steps and the final image output. By comparing the check patterns against reference data, the system can indirectly detect and diagnose defects in each process step without directly observing the complex imaging process itself.
2Measurement precision
If multiple check patterns are formed on image carriers to enable accurate defect detection, then defect source identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image carrier serve multiple functions: it acts as both the carrier for the actual image and as the substrate for forming check patterns. The same image carrier that will eventually hold the user's document also receives the check patterns during the imaging process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate check pattern carriers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining accurate defect source identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The check patterns are formed in advance during the imaging process itself, before the actual image is formed on the final medium. By performing the check pattern formation as a preliminary action within the normal imaging sequence, the system avoids adding extra steps or components. The check patterns are created using the same charging, exposing, and developing processes that will be used for the actual image, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a toner imaging device to form a toner image, a toner image conveying device to convey the toner image, a medium conveying device to convey a medium, and a toner image recording device to record the toner image conveyed by the toner image conveying device on the medium conveyed by the medium conveying device. Additionally, the imaging system includes a control device to determine a stop state including at least one of a state where a recording check toner image is recorded on the medium, a state where a conveyance check toner image is positioned on the toner image conveying device, and a state where a formation check toner image is positioned on the toner imaging device. During the stop state, the control device stops a formation of the toner image that is performed by the toner imaging device, stops a conveyance of the toner image that is performed by the toner image conveying device, and stops a conveyance of the medium that is performed by the medium conveying device.