LED Head Grouping for Image Forming Apparatus Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face significant processing loads due to the need for continuous correction of LED head alignment errors, leading to image quality deterioration caused by varying distribution tendencies of light emitting diodes across different color heads.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve extracting and grouping LED heads with similar distribution tendencies, allowing for the assembly of exposing units with aligned or corrected light emission patterns, thereby reducing the need for continuous correction processing and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If correction processing is conducted every time image formation is performed, then image quality deterioration caused by LED distribution tendency differences is restrained, but processing load becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by classifying LED heads into groups based on their distribution tendencies before the actual image formation process. This pre-grouping allows the system to select appropriate LED heads in advance, eliminating the need for continuous correction processing during image formation and thereby reducing processing load while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by having the LED head classification and grouping mechanism operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention or continuous external correction. The pre-established groups enable the system to automatically select and use LED heads with compatible distribution tendencies, reducing the processing burden during normal operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If LED heads with different distribution tendencies are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but color deviation occurs between color images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by recognizing that different LED heads have different distribution tendencies and grouping them accordingly. Instead of requiring all LED heads to be perfectly aligned, the system allows local variations in LED distribution by creating groups of LED heads with similar characteristics, then assigns them to specific color channels where their distribution patterns are compatible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of LED head selection based on distribution tendency characteristics. By classifying LED heads according to their spatial distribution patterns and using this classification to guide selection, the system accommodates manufacturing variations while maintaining color alignment accuracy through parameter-based decision making.
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 reduces the processing load by eliminating the need for continuous correction processing, enhancing image quality by ensuring consistent light emission patterns across different color heads, and allowing for efficient assembly and maintenance by identifying and sorting LED heads into groups with similar distribution tendencies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs: light emitting diodes) arranged in a row
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus usable in an image forming apparatus, comprising a photoreceptor, and a plurality of exposing devices having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged therein for exposing the photoreceptor, wherein the plurality of exposing devices include at least two exposing devices having a distribution tendency similar to the plurality of light emitting elements.