Laser Scan Path Model for Electrophotographic Image Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic systems face challenges in accurately correcting laser beam process direction position errors due to imprecision in optical elements and component aging, leading to image distortion and skew in printed images.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for characterizing laser beam process direction position errors by constructing a laser scan path model and Pel profile, which allows for data point measurements to be stored in a memory device and used to warp image data electronically, compensating for errors and reducing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precisely manufactured and aligned optics are used to correct laser beam process direction position errors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from physically adjusting optical parameters (precision manufacturing and alignment of lenses and mirrors) to electronically adjusting image data parameters. By constructing a laser scan path model and applying digital corrections to the image data, the system compensates for process direction errors without requiring high-precision optical components.
2Manufacturing precision
If precisely aligned optics are used to reduce laser beam position errors, then image accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to component aging and operational influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the laser scan path by measuring actual beam positions at multiple locations and constructing a correction model before printing operations begin. This pre-established model accounts for manufacturing tolerances and initial misalignments, allowing the system to compensate for these errors consistently without requiring the optical components to maintain perfect alignment over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by using measured laser beam position data from the actual optical path to create a correction model. This model is then applied to image data to compensate for detected deviations, effectively creating a closed-loop system that corrects for optical imperfections and their variations due to aging or operational conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If component tolerances are tightened to reduce laser beam position errors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from a manufacturing domain issue (requiring tight tolerances on optical components) to a software processing issue (applying digital corrections to image data). By characterizing the actual laser scan path and applying computational corrections, the system achieves high image accuracy with standard, easily manufactured optical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for characterizing laser beam process direction position errors in an electrophotographic device. Once the process direction position errors of a given beam laser beam system have been characterized, an image is adjusted or warped prior to being processed by the laser beam system to compensate for laser beam process direction position errors, e.g., bow and skew.