Toner Density Adjustment Skipping for Faster Image Forming Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent image density during printing, particularly after power-on or recovery from energy-saving mode, leading to prolonged waiting times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a detector to measure toner adhesion, adjusts image formation conditions based on job information, and selectively excludes certain operations in the adjustment process when specific conditions are met, thereby reducing the time required for image stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image density adjustment operations are performed to maintain constant image density, then image quality stability is improved, but waiting time before printing is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by selectively omitting certain image density adjustment operations based on job information characteristics. When job information indicates low sensitivity to image density variations (e.g., draft printing, low-resolution output), the system skips the toner adhesion detection and adjustment operations, thereby reducing waiting time while maintaining acceptable image quality for those specific job types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image forming apparatus based on job information analysis. By evaluating job characteristics (print resolution, paper type, color mode, copy count), the system dynamically adjusts whether to perform full image density calibration or skip to faster printing modes, effectively changing the operational state parameters to balance quality and speed.
2Reliability
If complete adjustment operations are performed for all printing jobs, then image quality is maintained, but printing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by performing only the necessary subset of adjustment operations based on job requirements. For jobs where full image density calibration is not critical (identified through job information analysis), the system performs reduced adjustment procedures or skips them entirely, executing only partial adjustment actions sufficient for the specific printing task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its adjustment operation execution based on real-time analysis of job information. The decision to perform or skip adjustment operations is not static but dynamically determined by evaluating job characteristics, allowing the system to optimize between image quality maintenance and printing speed for each individual printing task.
3Reliability
If image density adjustment is performed at power-on and after energy-saving mode, then consistent image density is achieved, but the time to resume printing is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies skipping by conditionally omitting image density adjustment operations that occur after power-on or energy-saving mode recovery. When job information indicates that full adjustment is unnecessary, the system skips these post-poweron adjustment operations, allowing the apparatus to resume printing much faster while still delivering acceptable image quality for the specific job type.
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 allows for rapid initiation of printing by skipping unnecessary operations, thus reducing waiting times while ensuring stable image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image bearer to adhere toner on a surface of the image bearer to form a toner image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearer to adhere toner on a surface of the image bearer to form a toner image of the image bearer according to image data in printing job data; a detector to detect an amount of the toner adhered on the surface of the image bearer; circuitry configured to: determine an adjustment operation to adjust an image formation condition to form the toner image on the image bearer based on job information in the printing job data; perform the adjustment operation to adjust the image formation condition based on the amount of toner detected by the detector; and exclude a predetermined operation from the adjustment operation when the job information satisfies a predetermined condition.