Multi-Beam Laser Alignment Pattern for Image Writing Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with multi-beam laser systems face challenges in aligning laser light sources, leading to misalignment issues during image writing, which complicates the adjustment of image writing timing, especially for high-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a laser light source section with multiple laser sources arranged in a sub-scanning direction, an irradiation section that scans in both main and sub-scanning directions, and a control section that forms a combined pattern image with first and second line images, where the second line image is positioned between the first line images to account for the largest error in the main scanning direction, allowing for easy adjustment of image writing timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-beam system with multiple laser light sources is used to achieve high resolution and fast scanning, then productivity and image quality are improved, but misalignment among laser light sources causes writing start positions to become misaligned, worsening manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values for each laser light source based on their actual positions measured during manufacturing. These correction values are stored in a lookup table and automatically applied during image formation, compensating for misalignment before it affects the final output. This allows the system to maintain both high scanning speed and precise alignment without requiring manual adjustment during operation.
2Measurement precision
If image resolution is improved to enhance image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to visually identify the thinnest vertical line image for adjustment, worsening ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified test pattern that copies the essential alignment information in a visually detectable form. Instead of requiring operators to identify the thinnest line in a high-resolution image, the system generates a test pattern with clearly distinguishable vertical lines that represent the alignment status. This copied representation maintains the alignment information while making it easily observable and adjustable, thus resolving the contradiction between high resolution and ease of operation.
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 solution enables users to easily adjust image writing timing in the main scanning direction, even for high-resolution images, by utilizing a combined pattern image that compensates for misalignment errors, thereby improving image formation accuracy and reducing the complexity of visually identifying vertical line images.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source section (20) to include a plurality of laser light sources (21a to 21h) arranged in a sub scanning direction with predetermined intervals
Implementation Method 2
an irradiation section (102) to irradiate a photosensitive body (110) with laser lights emitted from the plurality of laser light sources (21a to 21h)
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus forms a pattern image on a sheet by irradiating a photosensitive body with laser lights emitted from first to eighth laser light sources based on timing set in a displaying/setting section. As the pattern image, a combined pattern image in which a plurality of combined images are arranged continuously in the sub scanning direction, in each of which combined images two first line images are arranged apart from each other in the main scanning direction, and the second line image is arranged therebetween.