LED Light Scan Head Density Correction for Image Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniform image density in the main-scanning direction due to variations in mechanical accuracy and developer adhesion, leading to non-uniform image quality, which existing solutions attempt to address through costly component improvements or complex circuit adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that controls the intensity of light emitted from LED elements based on correction data to compensate for non-uniform image density patterns caused by developer adhesion variations, using a density correction unit to adjust light intensity and drive time for each LED element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical accuracy of photoreceptor drum and development roller position is improved, then image density uniformity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of LED light intensity emission to compensate for mechanical position variations. By adjusting the intensity of light emitted from each LED element based on pre-stored correction data, the system compensates for gap variations between photoreceptor drum and development roller, achieving uniform image density without improving mechanical manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If magnetic power of development roller is adjusted in longitudinal direction, then image density uniformity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment methods (improving component rigidity or adjusting magnetic power) with an optical control approach. By controlling the intensity of light emitted from LED elements based on correction data, the system achieves image density uniformity without mechanical modifications or increased magnetic power adjustment complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If LED intensity control circuit is added to correct non-uniform image density, then image density uniformity is improved, but circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction data in a storage unit before actual image formation. The correction data, which corresponds to expected non-uniform density patterns, is prepared in advance and retrieved during operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculation circuits and reducing overall circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses correction data that copies or replicates the expected non-uniform density patterns in advance. By storing these pre-computed correction profiles and applying them through simple intensity adjustment, the system avoids the need for complex real-time analysis and feedback circuits, thereby reducing circuit complexity while achieving uniform image density.
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 effectively corrects non-uniform image density by stabilizing the gap width between the photoreceptor drum and development roller, ensuring consistent image quality without increasing costs or circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A light scan head (LED head) that includes a plurality of LED elements which are disposed along a main-scanning direction of a photoreceptor drum and expose the photoreceptor drum with light
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a light scan head having a plurality of LED elements disposed along a main-scanning direction of a photoreceptor drum and configured to expose the photoreceptor drum with light, a developing device disposed to face the photoreceptor drum in the main-scanning direction and including a development roller configured to supply a developer to the photoreceptor drum, and a non-uniform density correction unit configured to control an intensity of light emitted from the plurality of LED elements of the light scan head based on correction data that corresponds to a tendency pattern of an expected non-uniform image density so as to correct the non-uniform density of an image that is to be formed on a recording medium.