Toner Adhesion Detection via Dynamic Wavelength Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately calculating toner adhesion amounts on intermediate transfer belts due to variations in belt color over time and production lots, leading to reduced detection accuracy, especially for black toner, as the reflectance difference between toner and belt changes, affecting the sensitivity of detection methods.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a sensor that emits light across multiple visible wavelength regions and an adhesion amount calculator that determines the optimal wavelength for calculation based on the detected color information of the belt, ensuring accurate toner adhesion amount measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a uniform reading wavelength is determined for toner adhesion detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to belt color variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reading wavelength adjustable rather than fixed. The wavelength determination unit dynamically selects the optimal reading wavelength based on the detected color information of the intermediate transfer belt, allowing the system to adapt to belt color variations while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reading wavelength based on the color information of the intermediate transfer belt. By adjusting the wavelength parameter according to belt color variations, the system maintains optimal reflectance difference for toner detection without requiring complex hardware modifications
2Measurement precision
If light with large reflectance difference is used for black toner detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when belt color changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the detected color information of the intermediate transfer belt to determine the optimal reading wavelength. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system continuously adapts to belt color changes, maintaining reliable detection accuracy throughout the belt's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by detecting the color information of the intermediate transfer belt before conducting toner adhesion measurement. This preliminary detection allows the system to pre-determine the optimal reading wavelength, ensuring accurate measurement from the outset
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 approach enables high-accuracy calculation of toner adhesion amounts, maintaining consistent image density and reducing errors caused by belt color changes over time, even when black toner has low sensitivity, by selecting the appropriate wavelength for detection.
Implementation Method 1
In most cases, arrangement of a light source and a density sensor causes diffuse reflection. Thus, when the density sensor detects a black toner on a black intermediate transfer belt, a difference in reflectance is small and therefore sensitivity is low.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an image bearer (51) that bears a toner image, a sensor (40), an adhesion amount calculator (73), and a wavelength determiner (72). The sensor includes a light source (100) that emits light onto the bearer, and an image element (102) that detects reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected from the image bearer. The adhesion amount calculator calculates a toner adhesion amount of the toner image on the image bearer based on the reflected light having at least one wavelength among wavelengths detected by the sensor. The wavelength determiner determines, based on color information of the image bearer detected by the sensor, a wavelength to be used in calculation of the toner adhesion amount by the adhesion amount calculator.