Laser Dot Positioning for Uniform Solid Image Density

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image recording devices experience issues such as voids, low image density, and burning when recording solid images, particularly due to changes in the distance between the device and the recording object, and fluctuations in image resolution.

Innovation Solution

The device employs a laser irradiation system with a fiber array unit, where laser light emitting elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the moving recording object, and the image recording unit controls the laser to shift image dots relative to each other, ensuring partial overlap and maintaining image density by adjusting the laser output timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser lights are emitted to different positions in a predetermined direction to record images, then image recording speed is improved, but voids occur on solid images and image density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage recording speedVSAvoidimage density uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the image dot positions variable rather than fixed. Specifically, the positions of image dots in the sub-scanning direction are dynamically adjusted based on the overlap degree with adjacent dots in the main scanning direction. When the distance between laser light emitting elements increases (reducing overlap), the sub-scanning positions are shifted to compensate and maintain uniform image density, thus resolving the contradiction between recording speed and density uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the positional parameters of image dots adaptively. The sub-scanning direction positions are modified based on the main scanning direction overlap degree. This parameter adjustment ensures that even when laser element spacing varies (affecting main scanning overlap), the overall image dot distribution maintains consistent coverage, preventing voids and density variations while preserving high-speed recording capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between the image recording device and recording object changes, then recording flexibility is improved, but image density decreases and resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidimage density and resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the image dot positioning dynamic in response to distance changes. When the distance between the recording device and object changes, the overlap degree between adjacent image dots in the main scanning direction changes accordingly. The system dynamically adjusts the sub-scanning positions to compensate for these changes, maintaining consistent image density and resolution across varying distances, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual overlap degree of image dots is monitored and used to adjust the sub-scanning positions. This closed-loop control ensures that even when distance variations occur (affecting main scanning overlap), the system responds by adjusting perpendicular positions to maintain the desired image quality, thereby preserving precision while allowing distance flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If image dots are recorded alongside at different positions perpendicular to the moving direction, then recording coverage is improved, but voids and low density areas occur when dots are not properly overlapped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording coverageVSAvoidimage density uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the positional parameters of image dots in the sub-scanning direction based on the overlap degree in the main scanning direction. When main scanning overlap is insufficient (larger dot spacing), the sub-scanning positions are shifted to increase coverage and ensure adequate overlap, preventing voids. This adaptive parameter change maintains both comprehensive coverage and uniform density across the entire recording area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the perpendicular positioning of image dots dynamic rather than static. The sub-scanning positions are continuously adjusted based on the actual overlap conditions in the main scanning direction. This dynamic adjustment ensures that image dots are distributed optimally to cover the entire area uniformly, preventing both voids and excessive overlap, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and density uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 prevents voids and low image density, improves resolution, and maintains consistent image quality despite changes in distance, while effectively managing heat distribution to prevent burning.

Implementation Method 1

a laser irradiation device that emits laser lights output from a plurality of laser light emitting elements to different positions in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

irradiate a recording object moving relative to the laser irradiation device in a direction different from the predetermined direction with laser so as to heat the recording object, form image dots, and record an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3412466B1Image recording apparatus and image recording method
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3412466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3412466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3412466B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

When a solid image is recorded on a recording object, the output timing of laser from an odd-numbered laser output portion, counted from one side along a direction perpendicular to a relative moving direction of the recording object, is different from the output timing of laser output from an even-numbered laser output portion. Furthermore, laser power or laser irradiation timing is adjusted such that an image dot, recorded on a recording object due to laser irradiation, is overlapped with all adjacent image dots.