Adaptive Toner Concentration Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner saving methods in image forming apparatuses often degrade the quality of output images by directly restricting toner amounts, necessitating a method that can save toner without compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that adaptively saves toner by sensing toner concentration, determining coring and total area coverage levels, and adjusting print data rendering to reduce toner usage while maintaining image quality, using a sensor and processor to insert coring patterns and adjust gamma levels based on detected toner concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If toner amount is directly restricted to save toner, then toner consumption is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of toner concentration dynamically based on detected image characteristics. By adjusting toner concentration parameters according to local image requirements (text vs. graphic areas), the system reduces overall toner consumption while maintaining image quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different toner concentration levels to different regions of the image. Text areas receive higher toner concentration for clarity, while graphic areas use lower concentration. This local differentiation allows toner saving without compromising overall image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If toner concentration is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but toner consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes toner concentration parameters based on real-time detection of image characteristics. By identifying text versus graphic areas and applying appropriate concentration levels, the system achieves high image quality only where necessary, reducing overall toner consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies excessive toner concentration only to specific areas (text regions) where it is truly needed, rather than uniformly across the entire image. This partial application of excessive action maintains quality where required while avoiding waste in other areas.
3Loss of substance
If adaptive toner saving method is implemented, then toner consumption is reduced without significant quality loss, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting image characteristics and adjusting toner concentration without user intervention. The automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms enable the system to optimize toner usage based on content type, reducing complexity burden on the user while maintaining toner savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system detects image characteristics and uses this information to adjust toner concentration in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables adaptive toner saving without requiring complex manual configuration or user input.
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
Effectively reduces toner consumption while minimizing image quality degradation, ensuring that the output image quality is maintained or improved compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense a toner concentration
Data Source
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Figure 4~5(b)
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to sense a toner concentration, a processor configured to determine at least one of a coring level and a total area coverage (TAC) level according to the detected toner concentration, and an image former configured to print the rendered print data.