Image Forming Apparatus Toner Density Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in correcting uneven densities in toner images due to measurement errors in density detection, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a writing device, a detection device, and a controller that corrects the writing intensity by using detection values from pass positions to adjust for fail positions, rather than relying solely on the failing detection value, thereby mitigating the impact of measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the writing intensity is corrected based on a detection value that is determined to be fail, then the correction can be applied to all detection positions, but the measurement error in the fail detection value causes inaccurate correction and deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic fail detection value from the correction calculation. By identifying which detection values are unreliable (fail) and excluding them from the writing intensity correction, the system prevents measurement errors from degrading image quality while still utilizing reliable detection values for accurate correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different handling to different detection values based on their quality. Pass detection values are used for correction calculation, while fail detection values are excluded. This local differentiation ensures that only reliable measurements influence the correction, maintaining high image quality without being compromised by erroneous data.
2Manufacturing precision
If the writing intensity is corrected based on reliable detection values only, then image quality is maintained, but the correction may not be comprehensive enough when multiple detection values are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection values are first evaluated for reliability (pass/fail determination). Based on this feedback, the system selectively uses pass detection values in the correction calculation. This feedback loop ensures that only quality-assured measurements drive the correction process, balancing comprehensive correction with data reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer; a writing device configured to write a latent image onto the latent image bearer; a detection device configured to detect, at a plurality of positions, a density of a toner image obtained through development of the latent image; and a controller configured to correct a writing intensity of the writing device to correct an uneven density based on detection values of the detection device. The controller determines whether each of the detection values is pass or fail. In response to a determination that a detection value is fail, the controller corrects the wiring intensity based on another detection value determined to be pass at a position different from a position at which the detection value is determined to be fail, instead of correcting the writing intensity based on the detection value determined to be fail.