Tandem Image Forming System Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem-type image forming systems experience density differences between images formed on the front and back sides of a sheet due to changes in developer states, leading to variations that exceed acceptable ranges despite initial density corrections.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a control section that performs density correction control based on density information from pattern images formed on each image carrier, determining the timing for correction based on the density difference between multiple image forming apparatuses, and utilizing a density detecting section to acquire information for stabilizing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If density correction control is performed at system startup or on a regular basis to adjust maximum densities and halftone densities, then initial density uniformity is improved, but density difference increases over time due to developer state changes from output coverage deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The control section continuously monitors the density difference between images formed by multiple image forming apparatuses and dynamically adjusts the timing of density correction control based on this feedback. When the density difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system triggers density correction control to restore uniformity, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that adapts to changing developer states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary density correction control before the density difference becomes problematic. By monitoring density differences and triggering correction in advance when thresholds are approached, the system prevents density uniformity degradation rather than reacting after problems occur, maintaining stable image quality throughout operation.
2Productivity
If multiple image forming apparatuses are connected in series to form images on front and back sides of sheets, then productivity is improved, but density difference between front and back images is generated due to independent developer state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control section integrates the density monitoring and correction control of multiple image forming apparatuses into a unified system. By centrally managing density difference information from all apparatuses and coordinating their operation, the system maintains density consistency across front and back images while preserving the productivity benefits of the tandem configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism that monitors density differences between images from different apparatuses and adjusts their operation accordingly. When density inconsistency is detected, the control section coordinates correction actions across multiple apparatuses to restore density uniformity while maintaining efficient throughput.
3Stability of the object's composition
If density correction control is performed frequently to maintain density uniformity, then image quality stability is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control section uses feedback from density difference monitoring to intelligently determine when density correction control is necessary. By triggering correction only when the density difference exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system maintains image quality stability while avoiding unnecessary frequent corrections that would waste processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts correction parameters based on the magnitude of density differences observed. When density differences are small, the system may use lighter correction measures or extend intervals between corrections. When thresholds are exceeded, more intensive correction is applied, optimizing the balance between quality stability and processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A image forming system of the present inventation includes a control section that causes a pattern image for image density control to be formed on an image carrier, and performs density correction control for correcting a density of a formed image on the basis of density information on the formed pattern image for image density control, whereinthe control section determines a timing for performing the density correction control, on the basis of information corresponding to a density difference generated between images formed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses.