Optical Sensor Light Emission Control for Image Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently adjusting light emission amounts due to variations in specular and diffused light, leading to prolonged downtime and excessive toner consumption, especially when optical sensor blots or surface changes occur.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detection unit that includes separate light receiving units for specular and diffused light, and a controller that determines emission intensities based on the relationship between these light amounts to maintain them within detectable ranges, minimizing downtime and toner consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light emission amount adjustment is performed by forming a measurement image and measuring reflected light, then the light emission amount can be adjusted to maintain measurement precision, but downtime increases and toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the optical sensor by measuring the relationship between incident light amount and reflected light amount (including specular and diffused components) before actual measurement. This preliminary data is stored and used to determine appropriate light emission amounts for future measurements, eliminating the need to form measurement images for adjustment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using actual measurement images for light emission amount adjustment, the system creates a reference model by measuring the optical characteristics of the sensor on a blank image carrier. This reference model is then used to guide subsequent measurements, replacing the need to consume toner for adjustment purposes.
2Measurement precision
If light emission amount adjustment is performed by forming a measurement image, then the light emission amount can be adjusted, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the optical sensor by measuring the relationship between incident light amount and reflected light amount (including specular and diffused components) before actual measurement. This preliminary data is stored and used to determine appropriate light emission amounts for future measurements, eliminating the need to form measurement images for adjustment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using actual measurement images for light emission amount adjustment, the system creates a reference model by measuring the optical characteristics of the sensor on a blank image carrier. This reference model is then used to guide subsequent measurements, replacing the need to consume toner for adjustment purposes.
3Ease of operation
If light emission amount is determined based on specular light from base region, then adjustment can be performed, but measurement precision decreases when diffused light exceeds threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the measurement of specular light and diffused light into distinct detection channels with separate light receiving units. This allows independent measurement and evaluation of each light component, enabling the system to detect when diffused light exceeds threshold values and adjust accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from both specular and diffused light measurements to dynamically determine the appropriate light emission amount. By monitoring the relationship between incident and reflected light amounts for both components, the system can adjust the light emission to keep diffused light within measurable ranges.
4Measurement precision
If optical sensor blots or surface conditions change, then measurement precision decreases, but adjusting light emission amount requires forming measurement images which increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the optical sensor by measuring the relationship between incident light amount and reflected light amount (including specular and diffused components) before actual measurement. This preliminary data is stored and used to determine appropriate light emission amounts for future measurements, eliminating the need to form measurement images for adjustment purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the light emission amount based on the measured relationship between incident and reflected light. By continuously adapting the light emission to current sensor and surface conditions, the system maintains measurement precision without requiring repeated formation of measurement images for adjustment.
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 approach allows for precise control of light emission, reducing downtime and toner usage by predicting and adjusting for changes in surface conditions, ensuring accurate density measurements and minimizing the impact of blots or wear on the optical sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a first light receiving unit configured to receive specular light from the measurement image
Implementation Method 2
a second light receiving unit configured to receive diffused light from the measurement image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises: a detection unit which detects a light amount of reflected light from a measurement image, and includes an irradiation unit which irradiates the measurement image with light, a first unit which receives specular light from the measurement image, and a second unit which receives diffused light from the measurement image; a controller which controls an image forming condition based on a detection result; and a determination unit which determines a first emission intensity based on a light amount of the specular light, and determines a second emission intensity based on the first emission intensity, the light amount of the specular light, and a light amount of the diffused light, wherein the emission intensity of light with which the irradiation unit irradiates the measurement image is controlled based on the second emission intensity.