Laser Synchronization Gain Calibration for Color Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synchronization sensors in electrophotographic devices face challenges with laser power variations, leading to mis-registration between color planes due to fixed resistor settings, which can be costly to address with dual photodiode systems or require separate laser power settings for synchronization and imaging.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization system that includes a laser source, driver, and light detector with a comparing device, where the laser driver adjusts the laser beam intensity based on a control signal, and the light detector generates a synchronization signal by comparing the detected intensity with a reference signal, allowing the system to calibrate sensitivity and maintain consistent detection regardless of laser power variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed resistors are used to set sensor gain based on expected laser power range, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to mis-registration between color planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor gain adjustable rather than fixed. The gain is dynamically adapted based on the actual laser power detected during synchronization sensing. This allows the system to maintain precision across varying laser power conditions while keeping the hardware simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sensor gain from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on laser power conditions. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system achieves precise color plane registration without requiring complex hardware changes or dual photodiode systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If dual photodiodes offset in scan direction are used to address laser power variations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function needed for precision (detecting laser power variations) and implements it through a simplified approach using a single photodiode with adjustable gain. Instead of taking in additional complex components like dual photodiodes, the solution removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core precision function through parameter adaptation.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser power is boosted to uniform level during synchronization sensing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases and device complexity increases due to separate power settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the light detector to monitor actual laser power during synchronization sensing and then adjusting the sensor gain accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain precision without needing to boost laser power to uniform levels, thereby reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for separate power setting mechanisms.
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 ensures consistent synchronization signal generation across varying laser powers, preventing color-plane mis-registration and potentially reducing costs by eliminating the need for dual photodiode systems or separate laser power settings.
Implementation Method 1
The light detector has a light detecting element in an optical path of the laser beam and generates a detection signal based upon the intensity of light measured thereby
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization system for an electrographic device comprises a laser driver that drives a laser source to emit a beam having an intensity that corresponds to a laser power control signal. The beam is swept across a light detector, which generates a detection signal based upon measured intensity, and a comparing device outputs a synchronization signal based upon a comparison of the detection signal with a control signal that corresponds to the laser power control signal. Alternatively, the detection signal may be compared with a reference signal where a programmable device scales at least one of the detection signal and the reference signal based upon the laser power control signal. The synchronization signal goes active in response to the laser beam in a sufficiently consistent manner regardless of the laser beam intensity by calibrating the sensitivity of the synchronization system based upon the control signal, which corresponds to the laser power control signal.