VCSEL Light Source for High-Resolution Image Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses using edge emitting lasers have limited resolution due to the arrangement of light emitting members, and there is a need for a more efficient method to form high-quality images by optimizing light emission patterns.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light source with multiple light emitting members arranged in a matrix, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, which allows for multiple light emission patterns to be applied to an image bearing member, enabling the formation of multiple latent images and their development onto a medium, with user-selectable light emission patterns for optimal image output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edge emitting lasers are used for image formation, then the device structure is simple, but the image resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple light emitting members (e.g., 192 VCSELs arranged in 8 rows × 24 columns) instead of using a single edge emitting laser. This segmentation enables multiple light emission patterns to be formed simultaneously, achieving four times higher resolution while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement of edge emitting lasers to two-dimensional matrix arrangement of VCSELs. This dimensional change enables simultaneous formation of multiple latent images with different light emission patterns, dramatically improving resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light emitting members are used to improve resolution, then image resolution increases, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically selects and switches between multiple predetermined light emission patterns based on image characteristics and user preferences. The controller can adaptively adjust which light emitting members are activated for each pattern, enabling flexible control over image formation process while managing complexity through automated pattern selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different light emission patterns, each representing a specific configuration of activated light emitting members. This parameter-based control approach simplifies management of multiple light emitting members by organizing their operation into discrete, selectable patterns rather than individual control of each element
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light emission patterns are formed, then image quality improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light emission patterns are predetermined and pre-configured before actual image formation. The controller stores multiple patterns representing different combinations of light emitting members, allowing rapid switching between patterns during image formation without requiring real-time calculation or adjustment, thus maintaining high image quality while minimizing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic scanning of the light beam across the image bearing member for each light emission pattern. This periodic action enables efficient formation of multiple latent images by systematically activating different light emitting members in predetermined sequences, improving image quality without excessive time penalty
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 enhances image resolution by four times that of traditional edge emitting lasers, allowing for precise control of light emission and development conditions, resulting in higher quality images based on user-selected patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a light source including multiple light emitting members... Each light emission pattern indicates which of the multiple light emitting members included in the light source is to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes an image-formation command section and a first reception section. The image-formation command section commands an image forming section to form multiple latent images based on one input image onto an image bearing member in accordance with different light emission patterns by using a light source including multiple light emitting members, develop the latent images, and output the multiple developed images to a medium. The first reception section receives a designation by a user with respect to one of the multiple light emission patterns after the multiple images are output. Each light emission pattern indicates which of the multiple light emitting members included in the light source is to emit light.