Tone Correction Table Update for Image Density Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining output image density stability due to variations in developer charge, leading to issues like jaggies in line portions and tone characteristics loss, as existing density control methods fail to accurately adjust image forming conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a correction unit, image forming unit, measurement unit, update unit, and control unit that form and measure test patterns to generate and correct tone correction tables, adjusting image forming conditions based on measurement results to maintain target density and tone characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the output image data value is increased to compensate for developer charge decrease, then the image density is improved, but the tone characteristics are lost and jaggies appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tone correction table adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically updates the tone correction table based on real-time measurements of image density and developer charge conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational parameters while maintaining both density accuracy and tone characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a measurement unit that continuously monitors image density and compares it against target values. The control unit uses this feedback information to adjust the tone correction table, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both density precision and tone quality by responding to actual performance data.
2Manufacturing precision
If the output image data value is decreased to compensate for developer charge increase, then the image density is improved, but the tone characteristics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tone correction table based on real-time conditions rather than using a static correction approach. When developer charge increases causing density deviations, the measurement unit detects this and the control unit updates the correction table to apply appropriate adjustments that maintain both density accuracy and tone characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism measures actual image density and compares it with target values, allowing the control unit to identify when developer charge conditions require correction table updates. This feedback loop ensures that corrections are applied only when necessary, preserving tone characteristics while achieving density control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If density control is performed continuously to maintain image density, then the output image density stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated measurement and correction table updates. The measurement unit automatically measures image density, and the control unit automatically updates the tone correction table without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains density stability while managing complexity through integrated, self-managing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by changing parameters within the tone correction table rather than adding complex hardware components. The control unit adjusts correction values and table parameters based on measurement data, achieving density stability through software-based parameter optimization rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a correction unit configured to correct image data based on a correction condition; an image forming unit configured to form an image based on the image data corrected by the correction unit; a measurement unit configured to measure a measurement image formed by the image forming unit; an update unit configured to control the correction unit to correct measurement image data based on the correction condition, control the image forming unit to form the measurement image based on the corrected measurement image data, and update the correction condition based on a measurement result and reference data corresponding to the measurement image; and a control unit configured to control whether or not to convert a measuring result of a target measurement image by the measurement unit to target reference data corresponding to the target measurement image.