Light Emitting Device Staggered Rows Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic systems, aligning light emitting elements in a main scanning direction on a single substrate is challenging, leading to potential misalignment of images in the subscanning direction at switching points when multiple substrates are staggered and light emitting elements are switched.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with a first and second light-emitting-element row, where the second row overlaps the first in the subscanning direction, and a light-emission control unit that sequentially turns on light emitting elements in the overlapping portion, ensuring the same direction of sequential activation for both rows at the switching point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple substrates are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction to accommodate light emitting elements, then the number of light emitting elements can be increased, but image misalignment occurs in the subscanning direction at switching points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row arrangement to a two-row staggered arrangement, utilizing the subscanning direction as an additional dimension. The first and second light emitting element rows are positioned at different locations in the subscanning direction, allowing increased element capacity while maintaining image alignment through coordinated switching control at overlapping portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching control where the light emitting element rows are selectively activated or deactivated based on positional requirements. The light emission control unit dynamically switches between rows in overlapping portions to maintain consistent image positioning in the subscanning direction, preventing misalignment at switching points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting elements are switched between different rows in overlapping portions, then coverage is improved, but image misalignment in the subscanning direction occurs at switching points
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the switching between first and second light emitting element rows. It manages the transition in overlapping portions by selectively controlling which row emits light, ensuring that image positioning remains consistent in the subscanning direction despite row switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational characteristics to different spatial regions. In overlapping portions where rows intersect, the system selectively activates specific rows based on positional requirements, while in non-overlapping portions, continuous emission from a single row maintains stability. This localized control prevents image misalignment at switching points.
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 configuration reduces the likelihood of image misalignment in the subscanning direction at switching points, enhancing image alignment and quality by maintaining consistent light emission directionality across the overlapping regions.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in a main scanning direction; a second light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in the main scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
a rod lens array used for forming an electrostatic latent image by focusing the light outputs of the light emitting elements and exposing a photoconductor to light
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device includes: a first light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in a main scanning direction; a second light-emitting-element row that includes light emitting elements arranged in a row in the main scanning direction and that is positioned in such a manner that at least a portion of the second light-emitting-element row overlaps the first light-emitting-element row in a subscanning direction; and a light-emission control unit that switches a light-emitting-element row caused to emit light between the first light-emitting-element row and the second light-emitting-element row at a switching point that is set at a position in an overlapping portion in which the first light-emitting-element row and the second light-emitting-element row overlap each other. The light-emission control unit sequentially turns on the light emitting elements in the overlapping portion in the order in which the light emitting elements are arranged and sets a direction in which the light emitting elements are sequentially turned on in the first light-emitting-element row and a direction in which the light emitting elements are sequentially turned on in the second light-emitting-element row to be the same as each other.