CN100504633C - Image-forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents
Image-forming apparatus and control method thereof Download PDFInfo
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- CN100504633C CN100504633C CNB200610127625XA CN200610127625A CN100504633C CN 100504633 C CN100504633 C CN 100504633C CN B200610127625X A CNB200610127625X A CN B200610127625XA CN 200610127625 A CN200610127625 A CN 200610127625A CN 100504633 C CN100504633 C CN 100504633C
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Abstract
An image density in a predetermined section (S) of an image represented by an image signal is calculated on the basis of the image signal, and the calculated image density is compared with the result of detection of a density in the predetermined section of a toner image formed on the basis of the image signal. Then, it is determined whether or not to perform a density-adjusting process in which an image-density adjustment is performed on the basis of correction pattern data. Thus, the density adjustment is performed at a suitable timing while monitoring the density of images formed in a normal image-forming operation.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind ofly be transferred to the image forming apparatus that forms image on the recording medium, and be used to control method of controlling image forming apparatus by the toner image that will be formed on the image-carrier.
Background technology
In the printer that uses Electronic Photographing Technology, duplicating machine etc., input image data is converted into electric signal, and comes drive laser according to the electric signal that is obtained, to form the electrostatic latent image corresponding to view data on photosensitive-member.The electrostatic latent image that will so form by developing apparatus is revealed as toner image, and then it is transferred on the record sheet.
Using black reagent (toner) to form on the monochrome printers of image, the concentration of image is very big to the influence of print quality.Similarly, using yellow (Y), pinkish red (M), cyan (C) and black (K) toner to form on the color printer of coloured image, the concentration of the image that is formed by the toner of each color is very big to the influence of print quality.Therefore, Japanese kokai publication hei 6-11965 communique discloses a kind of structure, and whenever the record sheet of having printed predetermined quantity, the correcting pattern that just will be used for corrected concentrations is formed on record sheet.So the correcting pattern that forms is by optically read, and according to the concentration of coming image correcting data by the signal that optically read this correcting pattern obtained, thereby kept high picture quality.
According to Japanese kokai publication hei 6-11965 communique, in order to keep high picture quality, even when carrying out printing continuously,, also carry out the concentration correction sequence whenever the record sheet of having printed predetermined quantity.Yet because the timing that the concentration correction sequence is carried out depends on the quantity of the record sheet of printing, this regularly always is not complementary with the timing of actual needs concentration correction.More specifically, even need concentration correction, do not carry out the concentration correction sequence, up to the record sheet of having printed predetermined quantity yet.Therefore, in the process of printing, there is the risk of the quality that reduces the image of being printed.In addition, even do not need concentration correction,, also unnecessarily carry out the concentration correction sequence if printed the record sheet of predetermined quantity.In this case, toner and record sheet all are wasted, and the result has increased operating cost.In addition, because when carrying out the concentration correction sequence, can not carry out printing, so when unnecessarily carrying out the concentration correction sequence, greatly reduce throughput rate.
Summary of the invention
In order to reduce the problems referred to above at least, features more of the present invention provide the method for a kind of image forming apparatus and control image forming apparatus, and it carries out the concentration adjustment by observing the concentration that forms the image that forms in the operation at normal picture in suitable timing.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a kind of image forming apparatus is provided, it is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, and image forming apparatus comprises: concentration detector, the concentration of the toner image on its detected image carrier; The concentration adjuster, it forms correcting pattern and the concentration of the toner image that detects based on correcting pattern and concentration detector is come the adjustment of carries out image concentration; The image color counter, it calculates the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from correcting pattern, and image color is based on that picture signal calculates; Comparer, it is compared as follows both: the image color that the image color counter calculates, and the result of the detection carried out for the concentration of the toner image of the presumptive area that obtains to form based on picture signal of concentration detector; And resolver, its comparative result according to comparer determines whether making the adjustment of concentration adjuster carries out image concentration.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a kind of method of controlling image forming apparatus is provided, image forming apparatus is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, method comprises: concentration detects step, is used for the concentration of the toner image on the detected image carrier; The concentration set-up procedure, the concentration that is used for detecting based on correcting pattern and concentration the toner image that step detects is come the adjustment of carries out image concentration; The image color calculation procedure is used to calculate the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from correcting pattern, and image color is based on that picture signal calculates; Comparison step is used to be compared as follows both: the image color that the image color calculation procedure is calculated, and concentration detects the result of the detection that step carries out for the concentration of the toner image of the presumptive area that obtains to form based on picture signal; And deciding step, be used for determining whether adjusting the concentration set-up procedure of image color according to the comparative result of comparison step.
According to a further aspect in the invention, a kind of image forming apparatus is provided, it is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, image forming apparatus comprises: control module, whether its thin slice whenever predetermined quantity has carried out determining based on the adjustment of correcting pattern data carries out image concentration when image forms operation, control module comprises: concentration detector, the concentration of the toner image on its detected image carrier; The image color counter, it calculates the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from correcting pattern, and image color is based on that picture signal calculates; Comparer, it is compared as follows both: the image color that the image color counter calculates, and the result of the detection carried out for the concentration of the toner image of the presumptive area that obtains to form based on picture signal of concentration detector; And resolver, its based on the comparison the comparative result of device determine whether based on the adjustment of correcting pattern carries out image concentration.
From below in conjunction with the description of the drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent, and in whole accompanying drawings, similar Reference numeral is represented same or analogous part.
Description of drawings
The accompanying drawing that is included in the instructions and constitutes an instructions part shows embodiments of the invention, and is used from instructions one and explains principle of the present invention.
Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the major part of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the principle of work of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 A to 3C be the image of presumptive area S is shown and in presumptive area S as the figure of the example of the picture number (video count) of concentration information.
Fig. 4 A and 4B are illustrated in the figure that the concentration in the image that has the identical image number among the presumptive area S is disperseed.
Fig. 5 is the characteristic that illustrates based on concentration sensor, as the figure of the conversion method of the picture number of concentration information.
Fig. 6 illustrates according to embodiment, is included in the functional-block diagram of the functional structure of the image processor in the control module.
Fig. 7 illustrates the process flow diagram that is used for determining concentration correction processing regularly according to embodiment in image forming apparatus.
Embodiment
Below with reference to accompanying drawing, describe embodiments of the invention in detail.The present invention is not limited to following examples, and is not that combination of features described in whole following examples all is important concerning carrying out the present invention.
Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram according to the major part of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, image forming apparatus is multi-function printer (MFP), and it comprises the electrophotographic printer part, the function that scanner, facsimile recorder, duplicating machine is provided and for example prints the printer of the data that receive from personal computer (PC).Printing portion uses photosensitive-member and intermediate transfer element that the colour print function is provided.According to present embodiment, use single photosensitive-member to form coloured image.Yet, can obtain the effect similar by following equipment: the equipment of a plurality of photosensitive-members corresponding to different colours is provided, or does not use intermediate transfer element and equipment that image directly is transferred on the record sheet obtains to the present invention.In addition, the effect of present embodiment is not limited to colour print, also can obtain similar effect by being used for the monochromatic printing portion of printing.
What be provided for an auto-feed original copy 44 on the top of the main body 40 of multi-function printer advances original text device (ADF) 41 automatically, and is used for from the original reader 42 by original copy 44 reading images of advancing 41 feedings of original text device automatically.In original reader 42, the rayed that original copy 44 is placed on the sheet glass 43 and is sent by light source 45, the reflected light image that will obtain from original copy 44 by comprise light reflection mirror 46,47 and 48 and imaging len 49 dwindle (reducing) optical system guiding reading device 50, for example charge-coupled device (CCD) (CCD).Image read element 50 reads the reflected light image that the color material from the original copy 44 obtains with predetermined point density, is electric signal with this image transitions, and exports this electric signal.
Like this, read the reflected light image of original copy 44, and its data as three colors promptly red (R), green (G) and blueness (B) are sent to image processor 51 by original reader 42.RGB data by 51 pairs of these original copys 44 of image processor comprise the Flame Image Process that shading correction, Gamma correction and the color space are handled, and with its view data output as yellow (Y), pinkish red (M), cyan (C) and black (K).This multi-function printer also has the printer function of printing from the data of receptions such as exterior PC (not shown).To be sent to image processor 51 from the data of receptions such as PC, and comprise the Flame Image Process that image transitions, shading (shading) correction, Gamma correction and the color space are handled.
Like this, carry out Flame Image Process, and its form with Y, M, C and K (deceiving) view data is sent to exposure device 5 by 51 pairs of view data of image processor.Exposure device 5 drives semiconductor laser, to modulate the laser that sends from semiconductor laser according to view data, and by the laser of rotating multisurface mirror reflection from semiconductor laser, the photoscanning so that photosensitive-member 1 is reflected.This photosensitive-member 1 is driven by the motor (not shown) and rotates along the direction shown in the arrow A.One-level charging device 4, exposure device 5, colour development unit 7, monochromatic developing cell 8, transfer printing charging device 9 and cleaning device 6 be arranged at photosensitive-member 1 around.
Form in the operation at image, at first, by charging device 4 with the surface of photosensitive-member 1 equably be charged to the predetermined negative current potential.Then, comprise the surface of the charging of the laser scanning photosensitive-member 1 that the exposure device 5 usefulness semiconductor lasers of laser scanner send, this semiconductor laser is to be driven by the signal according to the view data width modulation.Therefore, on photosensitive-member 1, form electrostatic latent image corresponding to view data.Colour development unit 7 comprises three developing apparatus 7Y (Yellow toner), 7M (pinkish red toner) and 7C (cyan toner) carrying out panchromatic development, and the toner of respective color is provided for each developing apparatus.Colour development unit 7Y, 7M and 7C and monochromatic developing cell 8 can be respectively on photosensitive-member 1 with Y, M, C and K toner development sub-image.When with color toner development sub-image, colour development unit 7 is driven along the rotation of the direction shown in the arrow R by the motor (not shown), contacts with photosensitive-member 1 up to the developing apparatus of this color.Whenever with color toner charge image developing toner image the time, toner image has been transferred on the transfer belt 2 of intermediate transfer element effect.Therefore, can form full-colour image by the image of three colors of stack on transfer belt 2.
By for example comprising the concentration sensor 21 of concentration of image that is used to detect development of photocell and light receiving element, detect the concentration of the toner image of each color of on photosensitive-member 1, developing.Concentration sensor 21 is arranged between the transfer position of the developing location of developing apparatus 7 and transfer device 9 along the periphery of photosensitive-member 1.Concentration sensor 21 uses light receiving elements to detect by photocell and sends and by the reflection of light amount of the surface reflection of photosensitive-member 1, and determines the concentration of the monochromatic toner image that forms on photosensitive-member 1 according to testing result.Concentration sensor 21 is sent to image processor 51 with detection signal.In the present embodiment, concentration sensor 21 detects the concentration of the monochromatic toner image on the photosensitive-member 1.Yet, also can be in other position probing concentration, for example on the intermediate transfer belt that forms monochromatic toner image or on the sensitization band.
The develop toner image of different colours of order on photosensitive-member 1, and by transfer device 9 it is transferred on the transfer belt 2 that plays the intermediate transfer element effect.Thereby, the toner image of four kinds of colors of stack on transfer belt 2.By second transfer device 15, the toner image that is transferred to like this on the transfer belt 2 is transferred on the record sheet.In panchromatic printing, the toner image of four kinds of colors is superimposed upon on the transfer belt 2, then it is transferred on the record sheet.Because the rotation of pickup roller 17 is fed into transport path with record sheet from carton 16, and is transported to roll gap portion by conveying roller 18 and 19, just the contact portion between second transfer device 15 and the transfer belt 2.Band clearer 14 is arranged on the position of band clearer 14 in the face of transfer belt driven roller 10, and this transfer belt 2 is arranged between band clearer 14 and the transfer belt driven roller 10.Band clearer 14 usefulness scraper plates remove and remain in the toner that is not transferred on the transfer belt 2 on the record sheet.
The charge volume that reduces toner by precleaner is with after the processing easy to clean, and cleaning device 6 removes and collect the toner that remains in photosensitive-member 1 surface.Then, equably photosensitive-member 1 is discharged into about 0V by the electric discharge device (not shown), the next one circulation that forms operation for image is prepared.
With transfer printing the record sheet of toner image be transported to the fixing device 3 of fusing toner image, and will discharge in its slave unit.Fixing device 3 comprises the pair of rolls with halogen heater, and this halogen heater plays the effect of heating element.This roller is rotatable, simultaneously by the crimping each other of pressure exerting arrangement (not shown).
In this multi-function printer, form regularly according to the reference position control chart picture on the transfer belt 2.Transfer belt 2 round roller 10,11,12 and 13 around volume.In these rollers, transfer belt driven roller 10 is connected to the drive source (not shown), and as the driven roller that drives transfer belt 2.In addition, transfer belt idler roller 11 and 12 usefulness adjust the idler roller of the tension force that imposes on transfer belt 2.Support roller 13 is as the support roller of transfer roll 15, and transfer roll 15 is used as second transfer device.In addition, the reflection sensor that passes through 20 that detects the reference position on the transfer belt 2 is arranged near idler roller 12.Reflection sensor 20 test example are as the mark of the zone of reflections (tape) on the edge of the outer peripheral face that is arranged on transfer belt 2, and output I
TopSignal.
The girth of photosensitive-member 1 and the ratio of the girth of transfer belt 2 are set to the ratio (n is an integer) of 1:n.Therefore, when transfer belt 2 rotations 1 circle, photosensitive-member 1 rotation n circle (n is an integer).Behind transfer belt 2 rotations 1 circle, the position on the surface of transfer belt 2 and photosensitive-member 1 return initial position.Therefore, when the toner image with four kinds of colors is superimposed upon on the intermediate transfer belt 2 (that is to say transfer belt 2 rotations 4 circles), can avoid because the color that the deviation of the rotation of photosensitive-member 1 causes misplaces.
In the above use in the image forming apparatus of printing transferring method, when detecting above-mentioned I
TopBehind the signal through during predetermined timing, exposure device 5 (comprising laser scanner) beginning exposure-processed.As previously discussed, when transfer belt 2 is rotated 1 circle, photosensitive-member 1 rotation n circle (n is an integer), and return and transfer belt 2 and photosensitive-member 1 rotation identical position, position before.Therefore, always form toner image in the same position of transfer belt 2.Though the size of toner image changes according to the size of record sheet, transfer belt 2 has the zone that never forms toner image.
Next, the principle of operation of present embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram that illustrates according to the principle of work of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment of the invention.In Fig. 2, by identical Reference numeral represent with Fig. 1 in identical assembly.
When with view data S201 when original reader 42 or PC (not shown) are input to control module 30,51 couples of input image data S201 carry out Flame Image Process by image processor.Then, control module 30 (following will the detailed description in detail) judges whether the concentration of the image in its presumptive area S can be measured.Control module 30 comprises CPU, stores the ROM of the program of being carried out by CPU and the RAM that is used as the perform region when the CPU executive routine.Can carry out measurement of concetration if be judged as, then the control module 30 as the image color counter is each color, it just is each in yellow (Y), pinkish red (M), cyan (C) and the black (K), according to the characteristic of picture number and concentration sensor 21, the image color D in the presumptive area S of the image that calculating will be printed
RefThen, the result who obtains is stored in the storer (RAM).Next, measure concentration among the presumptive area S of the toner image that forms in order to use as the concentration detection sensor 21 of concentration monitor device on photosensitive-member 1, control module 30 calculates the I of each color
TopDelay timing between the output of signal and the measurement beginning and measurement are regularly.Thereby concentration sensor 21 detects the concentration of each color in presumptive area S, and output concentration signal S202, and sends it to image processor 51.Image processor 51 as concentration detector uses A/D converter 31 (Fig. 6) that concentration signal S202 is converted to numerical data, and uses pre-prepd concentration conversion table 32 to calculate the gradation of drop-out colour D of the actual image that forms.Then, also be used as the control module 30 movement images concentration D of comparer
RefWith gradation of drop-out colour D, and calculating concentration difference Δ D.
Fig. 3 A to Fig. 3 C is the diagram that the example of image among the presumptive area S and picture number is shown, and described picture number is as the concentration information among the presumptive area S.
Shown in Fig. 3 A and 3B, the picture number in presumptive area S is equal to or greater than N and (for example, in the time of N=1000), is judged as and can measures this concentration by concentration sensor 21.
Yet when picture number during less than N, shown in Fig. 3 C, S/N (noise) is difficult to measure reliably concentration than being reduced.Therefore, being judged as can not be by concentration sensor 21 detectable concentration.
At this, term " picture number " represents when pixel data is expressed as multi-layer data, the pixel data in the presumptive area and.
Fig. 4 A and 4B are illustrated in to have identical image in the presumptive area S and count the figure that the concentration of the image of N is disperseed.
When concentration disperses (dispersion) low, shown in Fig. 4 B, can determine concentration with pin-point accuracy.Yet, disperse when high when concentration, shown in Fig. 4 A, the response speed of concentration sensor 21 and S/N ratio are lowered, and are difficult to the pin-point accuracy detectable concentration.
Fig. 5 illustrates the characteristic according to concentration sensor, as the figure of the conversion method of the picture number of concentration information.
In order to simplify the sensory characteristic of concentration sensor 21, suppose that this sensitivity reduces from neutral line.In the sensitivity of concentration sensor 21 has as Fig. 5 during 500 represented characteristics, can be according to the position relation and the sensitivity of concentration sensor 21, this concentration signal (a) of each point (spot) is converted to the signal (b) that is used for determining image color.
Determine image color by following step.When presumptive area S had both satisfied as the illustrated picture number of Fig. 3 A to 3C is N or more condition, satisfy again as Fig. 4 A and the illustrated concentration of 4B when being dispersed in the interior condition of predetermined value, as shown in Figure 5, according to the installation site and the characteristic of concentration sensor 21, the picture number of conversion presumptive area S.Then, control module 30 calculating total value or mean value are to determine the image color D of presumptive area S
Ref, and with image color D
RefBe stored in the storer (RAM).
In the present embodiment, but the zone of presumptive area S and can vertically cover the total length of photosensitive-member 1 along it corresponding to the sensing range of concentration sensor 21.In this case, can use line sensor as concentration sensor.In addition, sensitivity variations is not limited to shown in Fig. 5, and sensor element can have substantially the same sensitivity.
Presumptive area also can be extended along the circumferencial direction of photosensitive-member 1.
Fig. 6 illustrates the functional-block diagram that is included in the functional structure of the image processor 51 in the control module 30 according to present embodiment.
By the concentration of concentration sensor 21 in the presumptive area S of toner image of each color is measured in above-mentioned timing.With the value measured like this as simulating signal from concentration sensor 21 outputs, and A/D converter 31 with sampling interval Δ t among the control module 30 or outside carry out the A/D conversion of the simulating signal that is obtained.To be converted to concentration data by the pre-prepd concentration conversion table of reference (ROM) 32 by the value that the A/D conversion obtains.Then, use by the gradation of drop-out colour D in the concentration data calculating presumptive area S of conversion acquisition.
Fig. 7 illustrates the process flow diagram of determining concentration correction processing regularly according to present embodiment in image forming apparatus.The procedure stores of this processing and is carried out under the control of C PU in being included in as the ROM in the control module 30 of determining device.
At first, in step S701, in order to begin by the printing of user command on the record sheet (not shown), the data of the original copy 44 that will read by original reader 42 or by the data input of transmission such as PC and be sent to image processor 51.Then, in step S702, the view data that is sent to image processor 51 is carried out Flame Image Process, for example shading correction, Gamma correction, color space processing etc.Then, after having carried out Flame Image Process by image processor 51, view data is divided into the picture signal that is used to print, for example Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black) etc.Next, in step S703, according to view data of carrying out Flame Image Process or picture signal, judge among the presumptive area S that in the scope that can read, is provided with arbitrarily whether be equal to or greater than predetermined number (N) as the picture number of concentration information by concentration sensor 21.Thereby judging whether can be by concentration sensor 21 detectable concentration reliably.When the picture number in the presumptive area S during less than predetermined number (N), handle entering step S706, can not be owing to be judged as by the gradation of drop-out colour in the concentration sensor 21 monitoring preset region S, thereby image color D is not set
Ref
If the picture number that is judged as in the presumptive area S is equal to or greater than predetermined number (N), then handle and enter step S704, calculate the concentration of the image information in the presumptive area S and disperse.Then, judge that determined concentration disperses whether in given scope.If it is in given scope that concentration is disperseed, then be judged as to detect the image color in the presumptive area S reliably, handle entering step S705, determine image color D in the presumptive area S according to the characteristic of concentration sensor 21 and picture number
RefIf the concentration that is judged as in step S704 in the presumptive area S is respectively outside given scope, then can not be by the gradation of drop-out colour in the concentration sensor 21 monitoring preset region S.Therefore, handle and enter step S706, image color D is not set
Ref
After step S705 and S706, handle entering step S707, drive semiconductor laser according to the image information of in step S701, importing, and on photosensitive-member 1, generate toner image by said method.Then, in step S708, whether check is that the toner image that generates is provided with image color D
RefIf be provided with image color D
Ref, then be judged as and can carry out the concentration detection, handle entering step S709, the concentration in above-mentioned timing detects presumptive area S.Then, the concentration signal of such acquisition is carried out the A/D conversion, and working concentration conversion table 32 calculates the gradation of drop-out colour of each color.Then, in step S710, the image color D in the presumptive area S that control module 30 will calculate in step S705
RefCompare with the gradation of drop-out colour D that in step S709, calculates, and calculate difference DELTA D between them.Then,, then handle and enter step S713, carry out concentration correction immediately if difference DELTA D exceeds given scope A.
In difference DELTA D given range between A and B (A〉Δ D〉B), then handle and enter step S714.Forming the required full-colour image of view data, and after in step S715, being transferred to panchromatic toner image on the transfer belt 2, handling entering step S713.In step S713, form correcting patterns as the control module 301 of consistencyregulator, and be that view data is carried out concentration correction according to the signal that obtains by concentration sensor 21 optically read correcting patterns.If difference DELTA D is within given range B in step S711, not need to determine concentration correction, handle and enter step S716, judged whether to form the image of the required whole colors of view data.Do not finish as yet if be judged as the formation of the image of whole colors, then handle and return step S707.After all the toner image of color forms, toner image is transferred on the transfer belt 2, in step S717, be transferred on the record sheet then.
If difference DELTA D is greater than given range B (for example, 5%) and less than A (20%), the quality of the result images on the record sheet can be not low especially.Therefore, be judged as and use this image to be formed on the recording medium, thereby be not wasted in the toner image that forms on photosensitive-member 1 and the transfer belt 2 as normal picture and with it.
Yet, when the difference of in step S710, being calculated during, be judged as and must carry out concentration correction immediately greater than given range A, handle and just enter step S713, and toner image is not transferred on the record sheet.
If in step S708, be judged as image color D is not set
Ref, then be judged as and can not carry out concentration correction, handle entering step S712.In step S712, judge whether the factor that comprises the quantity that is printed the record images thin slice without concentration correction satisfies the predetermined condition of guaranteeing gradation of drop-out colour.Satisfy condition if be judged as, then handle entering step S707, continue image and form operation.
When in step S710 or S712, being judged as when needing concentration correction, suspend image formation operation and handle and enter step S713, in case obtain to carry out the state of correction, just carry out and the disclosed identical concentration correction sequence of Japanese kokai publication hei 6-11965 communique.Then, when having finished the concentration correction sequence, handle and return step S707, restart image and form operation.
Can be as described below come the given range A and the B that use among determining step S710 and the S711.When the diameter of sensor points (spot) was about 1mm, size that can presumptive area S was set to about 3mm * 3mm.In this case, the quantity of the sensor points that comprises in the region S is about 5,000.When the pixel average that each pixel data is expressed as the concentration difference DELTA D in 8 and the presumptive area S (5,000 pixel) is about at 5% o'clock, the difference in each pixel is about 10.Therefore, when the difference of presumptive area S is 5,000 pixels * (10/ pixel)=50,000 o'clock, concentration correction is necessary.For example, surpass 5% and surpass 20% (for example 30%), then can not guarantee the concentration of the image printed if concentration difference DELTA D is significant in step S710.Thereby,, and carry out the concentration adjustment although the waste toner does not transfer images on the record sheet yet.In step S711, whether the concentration of judged result image can guarantee substantially.If difference is in preset range, then the image transfer process is carried out to the end and print image, so can avoid waste of toner.Then, on transferring images to record sheet after, carry out concentration correction.
Though monitor monochromatic toner image by concentration sensor 21 in the present embodiment, concentration sensor can be configured such that its roller of facing transfer belt 2 11, but and the toner image of a plurality of colors of on transfer belt 2, superposeing of working concentration sensor measurement.Under these circumstances, can carry out color separated by the signal that will obtain and carry out similar control operation.
As mentioned above, according to present embodiment, when user's carries out image forms operation, the concentration of the image that real time monitoring is formed by image forming apparatus, thus and determine the timing of adjustment concentration.Therefore, can carry out concentration correction in suitable timing.As a result, can avoid concentration correction by unnecessary execution.In addition, can reduce the shutdown timing of image forming apparatus, thereby increase throughput rate.
In addition, because when not needing concentration correction, be not formed for the pattern of concentration correction, so the toner that can avoid waste.
When having printed the record sheet of predetermined quantity, just carry out the processing that is used for determining the concentration correction timing.In the present embodiment, the predetermined quantity of record sheet is set to 1, and determines whether to carry out concentration correction when having carried out image formation operation at every turn.Yet if can not suppose and can undergo mutation, predetermined quantity that also can record sheet for example is set to 5, and when having printed 5 record sheets, carries out to be used for determining concentration correction processing regularly.In addition, as long as the variation of expection is allowed to, record sheet that can predetermined quantity is set to greater than 5.In this case, the processing that can reduce on the control module 30 is loaded.
According to the present invention, can with the software program of function that is used to carry out the foregoing description direct or long-range offer system or equipment.Thereby, the present invention includes following situation: read and carry out the program code that provides like this by the computing machine that is included in the system or equipment.As long as the function of program can be provided, the form of limiting program code not.Like this, the present invention also can be by realizing at the program code self that is used to allow computing machine to carry out and installs on the computing machine of function of the present invention.In other words, the present invention includes the computer program that is used to realize function of the present invention.In this case, as long as can obtain the function of program, the form of limiting program not can make the program that for example is object code, carried out by translation program, offer the script data of operating system etc.
Be used to provide the storage medium of program to can be for example floppy disk (floppy, registered trademark), hard disk, CD, magneto-optic disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, tape, Nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM and DVD-R) etc.In addition, can also obtain this program by the webpage that uses the browser access the Internet on the client computer.Can be from webpage will download to storage medium for example the hard disk according to computer program of the present invention or the file that comprises the program of compressed format and have an automatic installation function.Perhaps, can will be divided into a plurality of files, and can download these files from different webpages as program code according to program of the present invention.Therefore, the present invention also comprises and can be used to allow computing machine to carry out the www server of functional programs file of the present invention by a plurality of user's download.
Program according to the present invention can be stored in storage medium for example among the CD-ROM with encrypted form, and be distributed to the user.The user can download the key information of the encipheror that is used to decode by the Internet from webpage.Thereby, can use key information to carry out encrypted program and attach it on the computing machine.
Computing machine can be by reading the function that realizes the foregoing description with executive routine.In addition, OS that also can be by making on computers operation etc. carries out the function that all or part of actual treatment realizes the foregoing description according to the instruction of program.
The program of reading from recording medium can be write and be included in the expansion board the computing machine or be connected in the storer that functional expansion unit provided of computing machine.In this case, also can carry out the function that all or part of actual treatment realizes the foregoing description according to the instruction of program by making CPU of being included in expansion board or the functional expansion unit etc.
Although the present invention has been described, should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to disclosed exemplary embodiments with reference to exemplary embodiments.The scope of claims meets the wideest explanation, so that comprise whole modifications, equivalent structure and function.
Claims (11)
1. image forming apparatus, it is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, and described image forming apparatus comprises:
Concentration detector, it detects the concentration of the toner image on the described image-carrier;
The concentration adjuster, it forms correcting pattern and the concentration of the toner image that detects based on described correcting pattern and described concentration detector is come the adjustment of carries out image concentration;
The image color counter, it calculates the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from described correcting pattern, and described image color is based on that described picture signal calculates;
Comparer, it is compared as follows both: the described image color that described image color counter calculates, and the result of the detection carried out for the concentration of the toner image of the described presumptive area that obtains to form based on described picture signal of described concentration detector; And
Resolver, its comparative result according to described comparer determine whether making the adjustment of described concentration adjuster carries out image concentration.
2. image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the concentration that described presumptive area is based on described picture signal is equal to or greater than predetermined value and disperses to be equal to or less than the zone of predetermined value based on the concentration of described picture signal.
3. image forming apparatus according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, if the described image color that calculates according to the described image color counter of the comparative result of described comparer is equal to or greater than first threshold with the difference of the concentration of described concentration detector detection, then described resolver makes the concentration adjustment of described concentration adjuster carries out image and toner image is not transferred on the recording medium, if according to the described difference of the comparative result of described comparer less than described first threshold and be equal to or greater than second threshold value, then after being transferred to toner image on the recording medium, make the adjustment of described concentration adjuster carries out image concentration.
4. image forming apparatus according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described comparer is by determining real image concentration with reference to the concentration conversion table of image color that is used for the concentration that described concentration detector detects is converted to the image of actual formation, and the described image color of described real image concentration and the calculating of described image color counter is compared.
5. image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described resolver is whenever the thin slice of predetermined quantity has carried out determining whether to make the adjustment of described concentration adjuster carries out image concentration when image forms operation.
6. image forming apparatus, it is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, and described image forming apparatus comprises:
Control module, its thin slice whenever predetermined quantity have carried out determining that described control module comprises whether based on the adjustment of correcting pattern data carries out image concentration when image forms operation:
Concentration detector, it detects the concentration of the toner image on the described image-carrier;
The image color counter, it calculates the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from described correcting pattern, and described image color is based on that described picture signal calculates;
Comparer, it is compared as follows both: the described image color that described image color counter calculates, and the result of the detection carried out for the concentration of the toner image of the described presumptive area that obtains to form based on described picture signal of described concentration detector; And
Resolver, its comparative result based on described comparer determine whether based on the adjustment of described correcting pattern carries out image concentration.
7. image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that, the concentration that described presumptive area is based on described picture signal is equal to or greater than predetermined value and disperses to be equal to or less than the zone of predetermined value based on the concentration of described picture signal.
8. method of controlling image forming apparatus, described image forming apparatus is transferred to and forms image on the recording medium by being formed on toner image on the image-carrier, and described method comprises:
Concentration detects step, is used to detect the concentration of the toner image on the described image-carrier;
The concentration set-up procedure, the concentration that is used for detecting based on correcting pattern and described concentration the toner image that step detects is come the adjustment of carries out image concentration;
The image color calculation procedure is used to calculate the image color of the presumptive area of the image of representing with the picture signal that is different from described correcting pattern, and described image color is based on that described picture signal calculates;
Comparison step, be used to be compared as follows both: the described image color that described image color calculation procedure is calculated, and described concentration detects the result of the detection that step carries out for the concentration of the toner image of the described presumptive area that obtains to form based on described picture signal; And
Deciding step is used for determining whether adjusting according to the comparative result of described comparison step the described concentration set-up procedure of image color.
9. the method for control image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is characterized in that, the concentration that described presumptive area is based on described picture signal is equal to or greater than predetermined value and disperses to be equal to or less than the zone of predetermined value based on the concentration of described picture signal.
10. the method for control image forming apparatus according to claim 8, it is characterized in that, if be equal to or greater than first threshold according to the described image color calculation procedure of the comparative result of described comparison step described image color that calculates and the difference that described concentration detects the concentration of step detection, then described deciding step determines carries out image concentration adjustment in described concentration set-up procedure and toner image is not transferred on the recording medium, if according to the described difference of the comparative result of described comparison step less than described first threshold and be equal to or greater than second threshold value, then described deciding step decision is after being transferred to toner image on the recording medium, and carries out image concentration is adjusted in described concentration set-up procedure.
11. the method for control image forming apparatus according to claim 8, it is characterized in that, in described comparison step, by determining real image concentration, and the described image color of described real image concentration and the calculating of described image color calculation procedure is compared with reference to being used for that described concentration is detected the concentration conversion table of image color that concentration that step detects is converted to the image of actual formation.
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| JP2005252467 | 2005-08-31 | ||
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| JP4894887B2 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2012-03-14 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program |
| JP5566167B2 (en) * | 2010-04-02 | 2014-08-06 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| CN102213927A (en) * | 2010-04-05 | 2011-10-12 | 株式会社东芝 | Image processing apparatus and density correction method |
| JP2012056179A (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2012-03-22 | Canon Inc | Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the image processing apparatus and program |
| JP2012103521A (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-31 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc | Image forming apparatus and tone correction method |
| JP2013003313A (en) * | 2011-06-15 | 2013-01-07 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
| JP6700817B2 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2020-05-27 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming apparatus and method of controlling image forming apparatus |
| US10365581B1 (en) * | 2018-01-24 | 2019-07-30 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Developing device and image forming apparatus including same |
| JP7118727B2 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2022-08-16 | キヤノン株式会社 | image forming device |
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| CN1399172A (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-26 | 佳能株式会社 | Image forming unit and displaying unit |
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| CN1399172A (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-26 | 佳能株式会社 | Image forming unit and displaying unit |
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