Image Formation Calibration for Mixed Monochrome-Color Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience downtime and reduced printing efficiency due to frequent image adjustments, particularly when switching between monochrome and full-color modes, and unnecessary calibrations occur when mixed monochrome and color pages are printed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with counters for monochrome and color image counts, performing adjustments only when necessary, such as after a predetermined threshold is reached in the respective mode, and skipping unnecessary calibrations based on subsequent image information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image adjustment is performed every time a predetermined number of sheets is continuously printed, then stable image density is maintained, but printing efficiency decreases due to frequent downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration trigger parameter from a fixed sheet count to a dynamic parameter that considers both sheet count and image type. The controller monitors the type of images being printed and adjusts when calibration occurs, skipping unnecessary calibrations when color images are detected after monochrome calibration, thus reducing frequent adjustments while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the calibration process by making the calibration timing adaptive based on the mix of monochrome and color images. The system dynamically determines whether to perform calibration based on real-time image type detection, transforming a static fixed-interval calibration into a dynamic condition-based calibration system
2Reliability
If contact mode is switched every time switching takes place between full-color and monochrome image formation, then correct image formation is ensured, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of subsequent image types before executing calibration or mode switching operations. By acquiring information about upcoming images in advance, the system can determine whether mode switching or calibration is necessary, avoiding unnecessary operations and reducing downtime
3Reliability
If monochrome calibration is performed when subsequent images include color images, then image density is adjusted, but unnecessary calibration occurs causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the type of subsequent images and uses this information to determine whether monochrome calibration should be performed. The system feeds back image type information to the calibration control logic, enabling intelligent decision-making that prevents unnecessary calibrations when color images are expected
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of information about subsequent images before executing calibration. This advance knowledge allows the controller to skip monochrome calibration when color images are detected, avoiding unnecessary downtime while maintaining proper image density control
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus for performing an image adjustment in a monochrome image formation mode. In a case where color information for subsequent images includes a color image, the image forming apparatus does not perform an image adjustment in the monochrome image formation mode. Rather, image forming apparatus performs the image adjustment in a color image formation mode in a case where a subsequent color image is formed.