Switching Laser Driver Frequency Control for Image Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses with switching laser drivers face issues with ripple noise, which causes image noise and reduces image quality, especially when power or speed changes occur during image recording.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a switching drive circuit that controls the switching frequency of a switching element based on light emission timing and relative moving speed, using a controller to manage the light emission timing and moving speed according to image information, thereby minimizing dot size variation and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a switching laser driver is used to improve power efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but ripple noise is generated causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter of the laser driver dynamically. By adjusting the switching frequency based on the conveyance speed and recording conditions, the system maintains power efficiency while minimizing ripple noise that degrades image quality. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize both energy consumption and image quality under different operating conditions.
2Speed
If the power of laser beam is changed to record images at different speeds, then recording speed is improved, but image quality is reduced due to ripple noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the switching frequency based on the conveyance speed. As the recording speed changes, the switching frequency is adapted accordingly to maintain optimal image quality. This dynamic control ensures that ripple noise does not degrade image quality even when recording speed varies, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If switching frequency is increased to reduce ripple noise, then image quality is improved, but power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than simply increasing the switching frequency, the patent optimizes it dynamically based on actual recording conditions. The switching frequency is adjusted to the minimum necessary value that still maintains acceptable image quality, thereby preserving power efficiency. This adaptive parameter change resolves the trade-off between image quality and energy consumption.
4Device complexity
If a switching circuit is used to control laser driver, then device complexity is reduced, but ripple noise is generated affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple switching circuit structure but compensates for its ripple noise by dynamically adjusting the switching frequency. This approach preserves the low complexity advantage of switching circuits while mitigating their harmful effects on image quality through parameter optimization, rather than replacing the circuit with a more complex alternative.
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 suppresses the reduction in image quality due to switching noise, ensuring consistent and high-quality image recording without stopping the conveyance of recording targets, even when large amounts of information are recorded.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, a switching drive circuit configured to control an electric current for causing the light source to emit a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a moving part configured to move one of a recording target on which an image is to be recorded by the light beam and a light emitting position at which the light beam is emitted relative to another one of the recording target and the light emitting position
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a light source, a switching drive circuit configured to control an electric current for causing the light source to emit a light beam, a moving part configured to move one of a recording target on which an image is to be recorded by the light beam and a light emitting position at which the light beam is emitted relative to another one of the recording target and the light emitting position, and a controller configured to control a light emission timing of the light source and a relative moving speed of the moving part based on image information. The drive circuit includes a switching circuit configured to turn on and off a switching element. The controller is configured to change a switching frequency of the switching element according to at least one of the light emission timing and the relative moving speed.