LED Printer Head Light Intensity Correction via Coupled Lens Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using LED printer heads face light intensity unevenness due to manufacturing variations and optical characteristic changes, leading to density unevenness and black or white streaks, which existing correction methods struggle to fully address, especially for different types of images and image densities.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a light source section of LED elements and an optical section using coupled lenses, featuring a storage section for correction data to adjust light intensity and optical characteristics, allowing for sectional intensity adjustment and enhanced image quality by correcting light intensity based on specific lens characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light intensity correction is applied using existing methods, then density unevenness is partially reduced, but black streaks and white streaks still occur due to lens array optical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the correction data into two distinct segments: first correction data for LED element light intensity variations and second correction data for lens array optical characteristics. This segmentation allows each type of correction to be applied independently and appropriately, preventing the mixing of correction purposes that leads to streak artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction strategies to different parts of the imaging system. LED element corrections are applied at the element level while lens array corrections are applied at the lens level, matching the local characteristics and requirements of each component.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction data is stored for different image types and densities, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal correction framework where first correction data (LED element corrections) and second correction data (lens array corrections) can be applied across different image types and densities. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate correction sets for each image type, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts correction parameters based on image characteristics such as screen ruling frequency and image density. By dynamically changing correction parameters rather than storing separate correction data for every possible image type, the system maintains high image quality while managing complexity efficiently.
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
The solution enables precise sectional adjustment of light intensity, improving image quality by effectively addressing light intensity unevenness and ensuring consistent output across various image types and densities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical section including a plurality of coupled lenses to form an image on a light exposure face by gathering light emitted from the light emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including an optical writing device including, a light source section composed of a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a main scanning direction; an optical section including a plurality of coupled lenses to form an image on a light exposure face by gathering light emitted from the light emitting elements; and a storage section to store first correction data for correcting the light intensity of the plurality of light emitting elements and second correction data for correcting an optical characteristic specific to the coupled lens, and a control section to read out the first correction data and the second correction data from the storage section of the optical writing device and to correct the first correction data based on the second correction data.