MFP Stabilization Frequency Control for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in optimizing the frequency of the image stabilization process, leading to either excessive consumable consumption and waiting times or inadequate image quality, as existing techniques struggle to balance the need for stable image quality with the frequency of stabilization processes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a stabilization processing part with a first and second stabilization process, a controller to adjust the frequency of these processes based on user instructions and execution frequency, allowing for optimized execution frequency while maintaining satisfying image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stabilization process is executed frequently to maintain stable image quality, then image quality stability is improved, but consumable consumption and waiting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of stabilization process execution frequency based on detected image quality metrics. By monitoring actual image quality and dynamically adjusting whether to execute stabilization processes, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining image quality stability and reducing unnecessary consumable consumption associated with frequent stabilization executions.
2Reliability
If the stabilization process is executed frequently to maintain stable image quality, then image quality stability is improved, but waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the execution frequency parameter of stabilization processes based on real-time image quality detection. When image quality is already stable, the system reduces or skips stabilization executions, thereby reducing waiting time while maintaining image quality stability. When quality degradation is detected, stabilization is executed to restore quality.
3Loss of substance
If the stabilization process is executed less frequently to reduce consumable consumption, then consumable usage is reduced, but image quality stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image quality is continuously detected and used to control subsequent stabilization process executions. This feedback loop ensures that stabilization is executed only when actually needed to maintain image quality, preventing both excessive consumable consumption and image quality degradation. The system learns from past executions and adjusts future execution decisions based on detected quality changes.
4Loss of time
If the stabilization process is executed less frequently to reduce waiting time, then operational efficiency is improved, but image quality stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time image quality feedback to intelligently determine when stabilization processes are necessary. By monitoring image quality metrics and comparing them against thresholds, the system executes stabilization only when quality degradation is detected, thereby minimizing waiting time while ensuring image quality stability is maintained when needed.
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 apparatus effectively optimizes the execution frequency of the stabilization process, reducing unnecessary consumable consumption and ensuring stable image quality by dynamically adjusting the frequency of the stabilization processes based on user input and operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The IDC sensor is a reflection-type photosensor that detects an intensity of reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
In an MFP, when a count of printed sheets of paper exceeds a predetermined count, a controller reads, from internal counters, a frequency of a stabilization process executed in return, a frequency of a stabilization process executed automatically in printing, a frequency of a stabilization process executed manually based on a user's instruction, and a frequency of return, respectively. When the frequency of the stabilization process executed automatically is small while the frequency of the stabilization process executed manually is large, the controller raises a frequency level of execution of the stabilization process. When the frequency of the stabilization process executed manually is small, the controller lowers the frequency level of execution of the stabilization process.