Single Driver Controls Multiple Light Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus requires the same number of light-source drivers as light sources, leading to increased costs and size, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is designed with a single light-source driver that can control multiple light sources, utilizing a first light-source driver connected to both light emitters and receivers, allowing for simultaneous light quantity adjustment and exposure operations across multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one light-source driver is assigned to each light source, then each light source can be controlled independently and reliably, but the number of drivers increases, leading to higher costs and larger device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple light sources into a single light-source driver. This driver includes multiple output terminals that can independently control multiple light emitters, while using a single light receiver and feedback path for all light sources. This consolidation reduces the number of drivers from N (where N is the number of light sources) to just 1, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each light source through separate output terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light-source driver is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple different light sources. It includes multiple output terminals that can drive different light emitters (such as LEDS or laser diodes) and uses a universal feedback mechanism through a single light receiver that monitors the light output from any of the light sources. This universal design allows one driver to perform the work of multiple dedicated drivers, reducing component count while maintaining control reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light-source drivers are used to control multiple light sources, then precise light quantity adjustment can be achieved for each light source, but the cost and board size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light quantity adjustment functions into a single driver by implementing a shared feedback path. The light receiver collects light output from the light sources and feeds it back to the driver, which then adjusts the drive current to achieve precise light quantity control. This merged architecture maintains precision because each light source has its own output terminal for independent current control, while the shared feedback mechanism eliminates the need for separate drivers for each light source, thereby reducing cost and board size.
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 configuration reduces the number of drivers needed, lowering costs and size while maintaining precise light quantity adjustment and exposure control for each light source, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first light receiver including a first electric output responsive to a received light quantity of the first light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprising: an exposing unit including: a first light source comprising a first light emitter and a first light receiver including a first electric output responsive to a received light quantity of the first light emitter; a second light source comprising a second light emitter and a second light receiver including a second electric output responsive to a received light quantity of the second light emitter; and a first light-source driver electrically connected to the first light source and the second light source. The first light-source driver includes: a first output terminal electrically connected to the first light emitter; a second output terminal electrically connected to the second light emitter; and an input terminal electrically connected to both the first electric output and the second electric output.