Photoconductor Pattern Discharge for Latent Image Obscuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in ensuring that latent images on photoconductors are completely removed, posing a security risk for sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a discharge member and a writing engine to discharge a pattern on the photoconductor to obscure or render unrecoverable any latent image, using hardware and programming to control the discharge process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a discharge member is used to remove residual electric charge from the photoconductor, then the photoconductor can be prepared for the next imaging cycle, but latent images may remain on the photoconductor posing a security risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary discharge action after each imaging cycle to remove residual charge patterns before the photoconductor is stored or reused. This preliminary action prevents latent images from persisting on the photoconductor surface, thereby eliminating security risks while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful residual charge that creates security risks into a beneficial complete discharge process. By intentionally applying a discharge member that overrides remaining charge patterns, the system transforms the security vulnerability into a security feature, ensuring no latent images remain while preparing the photoconductor for reuse.
2Reliability
If cleaning mechanisms are used to remove latent patterns from the photoconductor, then security is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge member serves multiple functions: it prepares the photoconductor for the next imaging cycle by removing residual charge, and simultaneously acts as a security feature by erasing latent images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the charge removal function and the latent image security function into a single discharge member operation. By combining these two functions into one unified mechanism, the system achieves reliable latent image removal while avoiding the complexity of separate cleaning systems.
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
The solution effectively obscures latent images, enhancing the security of imaging devices by ensuring that sensitive information is not recoverable from the photoconductor.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge member to discharge a pattern on a photoconductor
Implementation Method 2
an image forming apparatus with an electrographic photosensitive member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to an imaging device. The imaging device to include a discharge member to discharge a first pattern on a photoconductor; and a writing engine to control the discharge member to discharge a second pattern to the photoconductor to obscure any latent pattern formed from the first pattern remaining on the photoconductor.