Multi-beam Laser Scanning for High-Resolution Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-beam image forming apparatuses face challenges in precisely controlling time intervals between scanning in different main-scanning directions, leading to decreased printing speed when attempting to improve resolution.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides high-resolution image data into multiple medium-resolution data sets and uses a controller to manage the overlapping scanning of multiple laser beams, allowing for precise formation of high-resolution electrostatic latent images on a photosensitive body without requiring precise control over the rotational speed of the polygonal mirror or video clock frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser beams are scanned sequentially in different main-scanning directions to improve resolution, then resolution is improved, but printing speed decreases due to time-consuming scanning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process by dividing the photosensitive body surface into multiple scan regions corresponding to each laser beam. Each laser beam is assigned a specific scan region, and the image data is divided accordingly so that each beam processes its designated region independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing without interference, maintaining high printing speed while achieving high resolution through the combined output of multiple beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by scanning multiple laser beams simultaneously in different main-scanning directions across the photosensitive body. Instead of sequential scanning in one direction, multiple beams operate in parallel across different spatial regions and scanning directions, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the scanning process that enables both high resolution and high speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise control of time intervals between scanning in different main-scanning directions is implemented, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate controllers for each laser beam, with each controller independently managing its beam's scanning timing and image data processing. This segmentation simplifies the overall control architecture by distributing the control functions rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller to coordinate multiple beams with precise time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-dividing the image data into separate data sets corresponding to each laser beam's scan region and direction before the scanning process begins. This pre-processing of image data allows each beam to operate independently with simplified timing control, as the data is already organized and ready for sequential or parallel processing without requiring complex real-time coordination.
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 method enables increased resolution without reducing printing speed, allowing for faster and more efficient image formation with multiple laser beams scanning in an overlapping manner.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanning unit to emit a laser beam that forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive body
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam is modulated corresponding to the input image so that the corresponding electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive body
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-beam image forming apparatus and a method using the same. The image forming apparatus includes: an image process module to divide first image data into a plurality of second image data; a light scanning unit to scan the plurality of second image data using a plurality of laser beams; and a controller to control the formation of an electrostatic latent image of the first image data on a photosensitive body in an overlapping manner, using at least two of the plurality of laser beams.