Orthogonal Light-Receiving Elements for Flare-Free Density Patch Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image stabilization control in electrophotographic processes is challenged by changes in image density due to environmental and process variations, and flare effects from inclined density patches during optical sensor readings.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus forms a reference image and multiple test images of different densities on a sheet, using a reading unit with light-receiving elements orthogonal to the conveyance direction to determine the test image orientation and control image density based on read data, thereby mitigating flare effects and ensuring stable image density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a density patch is formed on a sheet for image stabilization control, then the effects of transferring and fixing can be considered, but flare occurs when the patch is inclined causing reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of light-receiving elements from the conveyance direction to a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. This dimensional change in the reading unit's configuration allows accurate reading of density patches regardless of their inclination angle, eliminating the flare problem that occurs when reading inclined patches with conventionally oriented sensors.
2Measurement precision
If only central region read values are used to suppress flare effects, then reading accuracy improves, but the ability to account for patch skew is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting light-receiving elements orthogonal to the conveyance direction, the system can read density patches accurately even when they are inclined or skewed. This configuration allows the reading unit to capture the full density information of the patch regardless of its orientation, eliminating the need to restrict readings to only the central region.
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 accurate reading of test images and adjustment of image forming conditions, resulting in stable image density output by suppressing flare effects and accounting for patch skew, enhancing the reliability of image stabilization control.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit configured to read the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit, and output read data, the reading unit including a plurality of light-receiving elements disposed along a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form a reference image, and a plurality of test images; a conveying unit configured to convey the sheet; a reading unit configured to read the sheet, and output read data, the reading unit including a plurality of light-receiving elements disposed along a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the sheet; and a controller configured to: determine a direction in which the plurality of test images are disposed based on read data related to the reference image; determine test image read data related to test image regions corresponding to each of the plurality of test images from the read data based on the direction; and control a density of an image to be formed by the image forming unit based on the test image read data.