Intermediate Transfer Color Charting for Toner Density Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with multiple image forming units of the same color cannot accurately compare and adjust the densities of intermediate gradation toner images due to differences between these units, leading to inconsistent output quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a processor that executes a mode to secondarily transfer color charts of the same color from each image forming unit to a recording medium, allowing for direct comparison and adjustment of intermediate gradation densities through a lookup table (LUT) based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple image forming units with the same color are used, then productivity is improved, but the densities of intermediate gradation toner images cannot be compared between different units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer body as a mediator that receives toner images from multiple image forming sections and transfers them to a single recording medium. This intermediary structure enables the densities of toner images from different image forming units to be compared on the same recording medium, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining productivity benefits of multiple units
2Adaptability or versatility
If different image forming units are used, then adaptability is improved, but the densities of intermediate gradation toner images differ and cannot be compared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output of multiple image forming units by transferring all toner images onto a single recording medium through the intermediate transfer body. This combining approach allows density comparison and correction across different units, improving manufacturing precision while preserving the adaptability of using multiple diverse image forming units
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
Enables accurate comparison and adjustment of toner image densities across different image forming units, ensuring consistent output quality by aligning densities to a reference standard.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate transfer body on which toner images formed by the plurality of image forming sections are primarily transferred; a plurality of secondary transfer units that are provided corresponding to the plurality of image forming units, and secondarily transfer the toner images of the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plural image forming units each having a plural image forming sections, and an intermediate transfer body on which toner images formed by the plural image forming sections are primarily transferred, a plural secondary transfer units that are provided corresponding to the plural image forming units, and secondarily transfer the toner images of the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, and a processor, in which each image forming unit has the image forming section of the same color, and the processor is configured to: in response to an instruction to output a color chart of the same color, execute a mode in which the color chart of the toner image having a density of intermediate gradation, formed by the image forming section of the same color for each image forming unit, is secondarily transferred to the recording medium and output.