Laser Light Output Control with Variable Resistor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color laser printers require a precise laser light output control system to ensure proper light intensity on each color's photosensitive member, as existing APC control systems struggle to account for varying laser light loss and temperature changes across different color channels.
Innovation Solution
A laser light output control apparatus with a combination of fixed and variable resistors in each output control system, allowing for adjustable light intensity settings through a conversion circuit and control circuit, which uses a photo-detecting device to monitor light intensity and adjust the current supplied to the laser diodes, ensuring consistent light irradiation across all color channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed resistor is used in the conversion circuit for all color channels, then the circuit structure is simple, but the light intensity cannot be precisely adjusted for each color channel due to varying laser light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different fixed resistor values for different color channels (e.g., 1.0kΩ for yellow, 1.5kΩ for cyan, 2.0kΩ for magenta) based on their specific light loss characteristics. This allows each color channel to have optimized light intensity control tailored to its individual requirements, resolving the contradiction between precision and standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistor parameter (resistance value) to compensate for varying laser light loss across different color channels. By selecting appropriate resistance values for each channel, the system achieves precise light intensity control without requiring complex adjustable circuits, thus maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same fixed resistor value is used for all laser light output control systems, then the manufacturing is simple, but the light intensity cannot be optimized for each color channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different fixed resistor values to different color channels based on their specific optical characteristics and light loss. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by using fixed resistors rather than adjustable components, while achieving precise light intensity control tailored to each channel's requirements.
3Reliability
If APC control is implemented for each color channel, then the light intensity can be controlled, but the system cannot account for varying laser light loss across different colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances adaptability by implementing local quality control through different fixed resistor values for each color channel. This allows the APC control system to account for varying laser light loss characteristics of different colors, improving both reliability and adaptability simultaneously.
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 solution enables precise adjustment of light intensity for each color channel, effectively coping with laser light loss and temperature variations, ensuring high-quality image formation by maintaining consistent light intensity, thereby improving production efficiency and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-detecting device capable of receiving the light irradiated from the laser light source and outputting a monitor current dependent on the amount of light received
Implementation Method 2
a conversion circuit capable of converting the monitor current into a voltage value, the respective conversion circuits of each said output control system have a fixed resistor and a variable resistor connected in series to each other
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention can include a laser light output control apparatus having a plurality of laser light output control systems including a laser light source capable of receiving supplying of current via a power supplying path from a power source and irradiating laser light, a photo-detecting device capable of receiving the light irradiated from the laser light source and outputting a monitor current dependent on the amount of light received, a conversion circuit capable of converting the monitor current into a voltage value, a control circuit capable of controlling the current supplied to the laser light source based on the voltage value outputted from the conversion circuit so that the intensity of laser light irradiated from the laser light source changes to a predetermined value, the respective conversion circuits of each said output control system have a fixed resistor and a variable resistor connected in series to each other, and at least one of the fixed resistors of each said plurality of laser light output control system has a resistance value different from the fixed resistors of the other plurality of laser light output control systems.