Optical Writing Beam Correction for Reused Polygon Mirror Dirt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image quality deterioration due to dirt on the polygon mirror in optical writing devices of reused image forming apparatuses, requiring clean room and dedicated adjustment equipment for replacement and beam position adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An optical writing device that variably controls the light beam amount based on specific and use information to correct light-amount unevenness, eliminating the need for a clean room or dedicated equipment by determining a correction value from information specific to the device and its usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the polygon mirror is replaced during refurbishment, then image quality deterioration due to dirt is resolved, but it requires opening the dustproof unit in a clean room and dedicated adjustment equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the light beam amount based on light-amount unevenness correction values stored in memory. Instead of physically replacing the polygon mirror, the system adjusts the light emission parameters to compensate for dirt accumulation, thereby maintaining image quality without requiring clean room facilities or dedicated adjustment equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically replacing the polygon mirror with an optical control approach. By using a light amount adjustment mechanism that varies the light beam intensity based on correction values, the system substitutes mechanical replacement with optical parameter adjustment, eliminating the need for complex refurbishment infrastructure
2Reliability
If the positions of optical components are changed during replacement, then a dirty polygon mirror is replaced, but the beam position changes requiring adjustment in a dedicated facility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical component replacement and position adjustment with an optical control system. By storing light-amount unevenness correction values in memory and adjusting the light beam amount accordingly, the system maintains proper beam positioning without requiring physical component replacement or dedicated adjustment facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using stored correction values to automatically adjust light beam amounts. The memory unit stores pre-determined correction values, and the light amount adjustment mechanism automatically applies these corrections, enabling the system to maintain image quality without external intervention or specialized equipment
3Productivity
If the optical writing device is reused without correction, then refurbishment is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to dirt on the polygon mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing light-amount unevenness correction values in memory before the device is put into service. These correction values are determined in advance to compensate for light amount variations, including those caused by polygon mirror dirt accumulation. When the device is reused, the pre-stored correction values are automatically applied, maintaining image quality without requiring complex refurbishment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using stored correction values to continuously adjust the light beam amount. The light amount adjustment mechanism receives correction values from memory and applies them to compensate for deterioration, creating a feedback loop that maintains image quality throughout the device's operational life and during refurbishment
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
Accurately corrects image quality issues caused by dirt on the polygon mirror, allowing the device to be reused without requiring a clean room or dedicated adjustment equipment, ensuring consistent image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam generator that emits a light beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical scanner that reflects the light beam emitted from the light beam generator and scans the light beam in a one-dimensional direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical writing device includes: a light beam generator that emits a light beam; and an optical scanner that reflects the light beam emitted from the light beam generator and scans the light beam in a one-dimensional direction, the optical writing device variably controlling an amount of the light beam within a one-dimensional scan based on a light-amount unevenness correction value. The light-amount unevenness correction value when the optical writing device is reused is determined from specific information specific to the optical writing device and use information regarding use of the optical writing device.