Laser Scanning Emission Timing Correction for Color Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tandem-type image forming apparatuses, color shift correction based on a preset constant arithmetic expression is insufficient due to changes in the rotational speed of the laser scanning member, leading to incomplete correction of color shift caused by temperature gradients.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a light source, laser scanning member, speed controlling portion, light detecting portion, temperature gradient detecting portion, and correction processing portion, which adjusts the emission start timing and rotational speed to accurately correct color shift by using detected temperatures and a dynamic arithmetic expression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a preset constant arithmetic expression is used for color shift correction, then the correction process is simple, but the correction accuracy deteriorates when rotational speed changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection process complexityVSAvoidcolor shift correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the correction amount variable based on rotational speed. Instead of using a fixed constant arithmetic expression, the system dynamically adjusts the correction amount according to the actual rotational speed of the laser scanning member. The correction amount is calculated as a function of rotational speed, allowing the correction to adapt to speed changes and maintain accuracy across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the correction amount parameter based on rotational speed variations. The system detects changes in rotational speed and相应地 adjusts the color shift correction amount, transforming the correction from a static constant value to a dynamic parameter that changes with operating conditions. This ensures accurate correction regardless of whether the rotational speed increases or decreases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the rotational speed of the driving portion is changed to adapt to different sheet types and resolutions, then the productivity is improved, but the color shift correction accuracy deteriorates due to calorific value changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage forming speedVSAvoidcolor shift correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by detecting the actual rotational speed of the laser scanning member and using this information to adjust the color shift correction amount. The system continuously monitors rotational speed changes and feeds this information back to the correction calculation, enabling real-time adaptation of the correction amount to match current operating conditions and maintain correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the correction amount based on real-time rotational speed measurements. When the rotational speed changes due to different sheet types or resolution requirements, the correction amount is recalculated to account for the new thermal conditions, ensuring that color shift correction remains accurate across varying productivity demands.

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

Improves the accuracy of color shift correction by considering changes in rotational speed, ensuring precise alignment of toner images across the scanning path.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature gradient detecting portion configured to detect a temperature gradient in the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature gradient detection: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a first temperature detecting portion configured to detect a temperature of the scanning lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 3

color shift may be generated by expansion and contraction of an optical member due to a temperature change inside the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11294298B2Image forming apparatus with temperature-based emission start timing correction
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11294298B2 patent drawing
  • US11294298B2 patent drawing
  • US11294298B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus with accurate color shift correction with consideration of a change in a rotational speed of a driving portion of a laser scanning member includes a light source, the laser scanning member, a driving portion, a speed controlling portion, a light detecting portion, a light source controlling portion, a scanning lens, a housing, a temperature gradient detecting portion, a first temperature detecting portion, and a correction processing portion. The temperature gradient detecting portion detects a temperature gradient in the housing. The first temperature detecting portion detects a temperature of the scanning lens. The correction processing portion corrects an emission start timing at which light corresponding to a line of image data is emitted from the light source, based on the temperatures detected by the temperature gradient detecting portion and the first temperature detecting portion, the rotational speed of the driving portion, and a preset arithmetic expression.