CN100510996C - Image forming apparatus and output image density correction method - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus and output image density correction method Download PDFInfo
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- CN100510996C CN100510996C CNB2006100885710A CN200610088571A CN100510996C CN 100510996 C CN100510996 C CN 100510996C CN B2006100885710 A CNB2006100885710 A CN B2006100885710A CN 200610088571 A CN200610088571 A CN 200610088571A CN 100510996 C CN100510996 C CN 100510996C
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Abstract
An image forming apparatus including: an outputted image density control portion that forms a patch image and determines an outputted image density control condition based on a comparison result of the density of the patch image with a preliminarily set target value; a pixel count portion capable of counting the amount of image pixel at the time of image formation; a pixel count value accumulating memory portion that accumulates and stores the pixel count value; a toner supply portion; a toner supply amount measuring portion capable of measuring the amount of toner supplied to the developing device; a toner supply amount accumulating memory portion that accumulates and stores the toner supply amount; and a target value correcting portion that corrects the target value of the density of the patch image from the relation between a pixel count accumulating value and a toner supply amount accumulation value, is provided.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of image processing system and output image density correction method thereof, this image processing system has image and forms engine (engine), this image form engine by will with the corresponding light beam irradiates of view data to is formed on the surface of the image carrier of uniform charging electrostatic latent image, by toner to this image develop, direct or this toner image is carried out transfer printing and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing forming image by the intermediate transfer body.
Background technology
Traditionally, the image processing system that adopts such electronic image pickup method (for example, duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder or its multi-purpose machine) comprise live part, beam flying part, develop part, transfer section etc., they are arranged on photoconductor drum as image carrier on every side with relative with the peripheral surface of this photoconductor drum.
Promptly, by apply the surperficial uniform charging that predetermined voltage makes photoconductor drum to live part, form electrostatic latent image by light beam from the beam flying part, by in the part of developing, providing toner to come this image is developed, by transfer section toner image is transferred on intermediate transfer body etc., then this image is transferred on the paper at last.
In the transport process of exit slot, there is the paper of image to carry out photographic fixing by the photographic fixing part to transfer printing and handles.
In this traditional image processing system,, invented and a kind ofly regulated the toner concentration in the part of developing and the method for output image density by single beam sensor (concentration sensor) in order to reduce manufacturing cost and to reduce plant bulk.Concrete example comprises: form toner concentration regulating block (patch) and image color regulating block with predetermined space; Determine toner concentration and image color by the concentration of using beam sensor to measure these pieces; And determine that with this result regulates toner concentration and image color accordingly.
In order to make stable image quality, described technology has been proposed.
First kind of prior art is intended to obtain uniform image concentration and photographic fixing characteristic by simple structure, thereby when printing, to keep picture quality to make stable image quality with the hi-vision ratio.
That is, the structure of the prior art comprises the part that the amount of point is counted, the storer of memory point count value and the control section of control toner development bias voltage, and this bias voltage that raises when the some count value surpasses predetermined value.
The result, the device of the prior art is counted the amount of point of the image of output each time, and count value is increased progressively in the memory section office, during value when this value surpasses picture quality and begins to descend, then this device its development bias voltage that raises descends with the quality of inhibition concentration aspect.
Second prior art proposed for entity density loss or character picture quality descend (this be because when output almost is a plurality of low-density images of paper blank the toner quantity not sufficient of institute's discharge (developments) and developer is charged cause) improvement, and under the situation of high image density (because of minimizing of toner charge) cause the improvement of operating cost increase owing to the acceleration of toner wear rate in developing machine.
That is, when discharge capacity is not enough, the toning dosage (by the adjusting control of developing machine) that calculates under discharge mode is discharged, with the toner that the paper consumption of specific quantity is Duoed than scheduled volume.If discharge capacity is bigger, then by the developing machine operation schedule time is charged to toner.
The 3rd prior art has proposed to keep specific print performance by proofreading and correct the development bias voltage to guarantee concentration, and this method is used for the field of electro-photographic type high-speed printer (HSP), because low concentration can occur after printing of hanging down print over or intermittent printing operation.
That is, progressively carry out this correction accordingly, to prevent causing tone to jump owing to proofreading and correct with the testing result of developer exhaustion speed.
Yet, in above-mentioned image processing system, though the value of measuring by above-mentioned beam sensor near target toner concentration or image color, actual toner concentration or image color also often depart from objectives greatly.Its reason is the dispersion of the dispersion level of the dispersion of developer level (MOS) on developer roll, piece image or developer, optical conductor, intermediate transfer member etc., and under any situation, if these values depart from its desired value greatly, then aspect picture quality variety of issue can appear.
Particularly, if image color is higher than desired value, then not only exist with such as the relevant problem of picture quality that produces mirage phantom or transfer printing failure, but also exist because consumption of toner can not satisfy the problem in the life-span of toner Cartridge greatly.
Disclosed correction is inadequate in first prior art, because do not carry out this correction when quantity when beginning to descend less than quality of the quantity of point.In addition, the prior art does not have the means that proposition is proofreaied and correct when image color is high.
In addition, second prior art is invalid for keep constant image color during normal running, because its influence when being intended to suppress the toner charging or hanging down electric charge.
In addition, the 3rd prior art is invalid for keep constant image color during normal running, because its influence when being intended to suppress the toner charging or hanging down electric charge.
Summary of the invention
In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of image processing system, when carrying out timing based on the concentration of the piece image that is used for the output image density adjusting and the comparative result of desired value, even there is the dispersion of dispersion that the piece image scatters or developer, optical conductor, intermediate transfer member etc., this image processing system also can make the concentration stabilize of output image for a long time exactly.
Except above-mentioned purpose, another object of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system and a kind of method of proofreading and correct output image density is provided, this image processing system can be during the whole operation of this device, promptly, make the concentration stabilize of output image no matter during being transition period or routine operation.
[a first aspect of the present invention]
A first aspect of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, it has image and forms engine, this image forms engine by making the surperficial uniform charging of image carrier, by with view data accordingly to being formed electrostatic latent image by the image carrier illumination beam of uniform charging, use toner that this image is developed by developing apparatus, directly or by the intermediate transfer body this toner image is transferred on the recording medium, and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing form image, this image processing system comprises: outputted image density control portion, it is formed for the piece image that output image density is proofreaied and correct, and determines output image density controlled condition based on the concentration of this piece image and the comparative result of predefined desired value; The pixel counts part, it can be counted the image pixel amount when image forms; Pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion, its pixel counts value that obtains partly being counted by described pixel counts adds up and stores; The toner supply section, it can be quantitatively to the developing apparatus supplying toner; Toner supply measure portion, it can measure the toning dosage that is supplied to developing apparatus by described toner supply section; Toner supply accumulative total memory portion, it adds up the toner supply of being measured by described toner supply measure portion and stores; And the desired value correction portion, its according to be stored in the described pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion the pixel counts aggregate-value be stored in described toner supply totally the relation between the toner supply aggregate-value in the memory portion come the desired value of the concentration of correcting block image.
According to a first aspect of the invention, even when (below this variation being called " slope " by the variation that calculates according to pixel counts aggregate-value and toner supply aggregate-value, because it can be expressed as the ratio of toner supply aggregate-value with respect to the pixel counts aggregate-value), change the desired value of output image density, the difference that causes the physical characteristics of the change of toner (comprising carrier) characteristic or optical conductor, thereby when having influenced developing property, also image color can be controlled to be specific concentrations.In addition, because described variation (slope) is in improved in the certain limit image color, i.e. consumption of toner is so can suppress the generation of following problems, that is, make owing to output image density is too high and can not reach target serviceable life in serviceable life of toner Cartridge.
(principle of first aspect present invention)
The principle of first aspect present invention will be described below.
Fig. 7 represents when the pixel counts aggregate-value being arranged on the abscissa axis and when being arranged on toner supply aggregate-value on the axis of ordinates, the relation between pixel counts aggregate-value and the toner supply aggregate-value.Dotted line is represented the higher limit of toner supply aggregate-value,, if actual toner supply aggregate-value surpasses this line, shows that then the toner supply is too much that is, and the development amount is big and output image density is higher.
Fig. 7 represents following situation, and wherein the actual toner supply of being represented by solid line is lower than this dotted line slightly, thereby shows and guaranteed similar desired toner consumption, promptly desired output image density.
Fig. 8 represents that actual toner supply has surpassed this dotted line, this means that toner consumption is bigger, that is, output image density is too high.Be higher than desired value if be used for the concentration of the piece image of output image density control, then described device is controlled to reduce output image density, and the result has suppressed toner consumption, and along the correction for direction toner supply towards this dotted line.
Yet, if owing to the variation of the physical characteristics of the characteristic of toner (comprising carrier) developer or optical conductor and intermediate transfer body makes developing property change, even then Shi Ji output image density is higher, the piece image color that is used for output image density control also is confirmed as consistent with desired value sometimes.Because can not proofread and correct output image density in this case,, thereby produce the image quality issues of failing or can not satisfy the problem in the serviceable life of toner Cartridge such as transfer printing mirage phantom, transfer printing so image continues to be displaced to high concentration.
Fig. 9 represents the operation of the device of this first aspect, although wherein be higher than this dotted line in the actual toner supply of initial period, but output image density is proofreaied and correct to change toner consumption, therefore, can under the situation of the slope that is no more than higher limit, change of the variation (slope) of toner supply aggregate-value with respect to actual pixels counting aggregate-value.
Figure 10 shows the enlarged drawing of Fig. 9, its expression is when reaching preassigned pixel counts aggregate-value, supplying aggregate-value with toner compares with respect to the variation (slope) of the actual pixels counting aggregate-value slope with toner supply higher limit, and the desired value by according to this condition changing output image density changes the variation (slope) of toner supply aggregate-value with respect to the pixel counts aggregate-value.
[a second aspect of the present invention]
A second aspect of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, it has image and forms engine, this image forms engine by making the surperficial uniform charging of image carrier, by with view data accordingly to being formed electrostatic latent image by the image carrier illumination beam of uniform charging, use toner that this image is developed by developing apparatus, directly or by the intermediate transfer body this toner image is transferred on the recording medium, and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing form image, this image processing system comprises: standard output image density controlled condition data-carrier store part, and it is stored in environmental baseline under the situation of known toner concentration and the relation between the output image density controlled condition; Outputted image density control portion, it is formed for the piece image that output image density is proofreaied and correct, and based on the concentration of this piece image and the comparative result of predefined desired value are determined output image density controlled condition; Environmental sensor, it detects at least and has constituted the humidity that described image forms the environment of engine therein; Standard output image density condition reading section, it partly reads out in the standard output image density controlled condition under the environmental baseline that comprises humidity that is detected by described environmental sensor based on described standard output image density controlled condition data-carrier store, wherein known at least toner concentration and wherein carry out described reading in predetermined device operation transition period; And the desired value correction portion, the difference between its output image density controlled condition of determining based on the standard output image density controlled condition of being read by described standard output image density condition reading section and by described outputted image density control portion is come the desired value of the concentration of correcting block image.
(summary of second aspect present invention)
A second aspect of the present invention is specifically being installed operation execution in transition period, and a first aspect of the present invention is in device lasting and execution termly of operating period.As a result, can make the desired value of being undertaken proofread and correct fast and stable by first aspect present invention.
Promptly, operate transition period at device, for example, when described image processing system has just been controlled by the user after it dispatches from the factory, toner consumption very little (do not comprise use) and treatment capacity very little (do not comprise and handling), thereby also do not obtain relation between image and the consumption of toner.In other words, aspect treatment capacity, need the image of several louvers to form operation to obtain this relation.
If execution a first aspect of the present invention then needs to spend very a large amount of time to make desired value converge to stationary value from this device operation transition period.This is not to negate first aspect, is lower than conventional period but illustrate the efficient in device operation transition period.
(operation of second aspect present invention)
According to a second aspect of the invention, will be stored in the relation between environmental baseline under the situation of known toner concentration and the output image density controlled condition in the standard output image density controlled condition data storage part.
Here, in predefined device operation transition period of known at least therein toner concentration, after having determined output image density controlled condition by outputted image density control portion, standard output image density condition reading section is partly read by the detected standard output image density controlled condition that comprises the environmental baseline of humidity of environmental sensor from standard output image density controlled condition data storage.
Difference between the output image density controlled condition that the desired value correction portion is determined based on the standard output image density controlled condition of being read by standard output image density condition reading section and by outputted image density control portion is come the desired value of the concentration of correcting block image.
Operate transition period at device, because because known toner concentration (owing to toner Cartridge is new) causes according to the difference of environmental baseline appearance with respect to standard output image density condition, so can make desired value near optimum value by specific estimator.
[a third aspect of the present invention]
A third aspect of the present invention provides a kind of output image density correction method, in image processing system, carry out this method in whole predetermined timing of installing operating period, to be formed for the piece image that output image density is proofreaied and correct, and according to the concentration of this piece image and the comparative result of predefined desired value are determined output image density controlled condition, described image processing system has image and forms engine, this image forms engine by making the surperficial uniform charging of image carrier, by with view data accordingly to being formed electrostatic latent image by the image carrier illumination beam of uniform charging, use toner that this image is developed by developing apparatus, directly or by the intermediate transfer body this toner image is transferred on the recording medium, and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing form image, this method comprises: obtain when determining described output image density controlled condition environmental baseline with wherein operate difference between the standard output image density controlled condition of known toner concentration in transition period at predefined device, and proofread and correct described desired value based on this difference; And the image pixel amount when being accumulated at time interim image except described device operation transition period and forming, accumulative total is supplied to the toner supply of described developing apparatus, and comes the desired value of the concentration of correcting block image according to the relation between the aggregate-value of the aggregate-value of amount of pixels and toner supply.
A third aspect of the present invention makes it possible to keep stable desired value by combination a first aspect of the present invention and second aspect during the whole operation of device.
More specifically, operate transition period, therefore carry out a second aspect of the present invention transition period, carry out first aspect then in this device operation because device at first occurs.
Description of drawings
Below will be based on accompanying drawing the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the side view of expression according to the image processing system of first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is the control block diagram according to the engine part of first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 is illustrated in the block diagram that the output image density of realizing in the master controller according to first embodiment of the invention is proofreaied and correct control and realistic objective value correction control;
Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram of expression according to the flow process of the correction control of the realistic objective value of first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is according to the pixel counts aggregate-value of the first embodiment of the invention performance plot with respect to toner supply aggregate-value;
Fig. 6 is according to the pixel counts aggregate-value of the modification of the first embodiment of the invention performance plot with respect to toner supply aggregate-value;
Fig. 7 is used to illustrate that the pixel counts aggregate-value of principle of first aspect present invention is with respect to the performance plot of toner supply aggregate-value;
Fig. 8 is used to illustrate that the pixel counts aggregate-value of principle of first aspect present invention is with respect to the performance plot of toner supply aggregate-value;
Fig. 9 is used to illustrate that the pixel counts aggregate-value of desired value correction principle of first aspect present invention is with respect to the performance plot of toner supply aggregate-value;
Figure 10 is the enlarged drawing of Fig. 9;
Figure 11 is illustrated in the block diagram (transition period) that the output image density of realizing in the master controller according to second embodiment of the invention is proofreaied and correct control and realistic objective value correction control;
Figure 12 is according to the humidity of the second embodiment of the invention performance plot with respect to standard output image density controlled condition (development bias voltage);
Figure 13 is the process flow diagram of expression according to the flow process of the correction control of the realistic objective value of second embodiment of the invention; And
Figure 14 is that expression is according to the device operation transition period of third embodiment of the invention and the realistic objective value in conventional period proofreading and correct the process flow diagram of the flow process of control.
Embodiment
[first embodiment]
(schematic construction of image processing system)
Fig. 1 represents the profile according to the image processing system 10 of first embodiment of first aspect present invention.Image processing system 10 comprises engine part 12, and is provided with paper feed unit 14 in the bottom of engine part 12.
This paper feed unit 14 comprises wherein piling up to be had the paper of paper pallet 22 and is used for from the intake roller 24 of paper pallet 22 paper feeds.Transport roller 26,28 from the paper of intake roller 24 feedings by paper and pass through paper feed channel 30, and be transported to transfer roll 74.
By this transfer roll 74 toner image is transferred on the paper, and carries out photographic fixing by the fixing roller 32A of photographic fixing part 32.After this, based on the choice of location of switching pawl 34, paper is outputed to the first paper delivery pallet 16 or the second paper delivery pallet 18 on the top that is arranged on engine part 12 by exit roller 36 or exit roller 38.
Under the situation of duplex printing, in above-mentioned steps, finish after the positive printing, before paper is outputed to the first paper delivery pallet 16 fully, make exit roller 36 reverse, and paper is supplied to backward channel 40.Then, paper is turned back to paper feed channel 30 by transporting roller 42,44,46,48, and the back side of printer paper.Under the situation that manual paper feeding is printed, when paper being placed on the manual paper feeding pallet 20, paper being transported to paper feed channel 30 and printing from manual paper feeding roller 49 by transporting roller 48.
In photographic fixing part 32, (for example, Halogen lamp LED etc.) illumination is heated to predetermined temperature with fixing roller 32A, to pass through heating by the fixing roller 32A through heating and to pressurize toner image on paper by lamp.
The right side of the image processing system 10 in Fig. 1 is provided with four toner Cartridges 64 that are filled with versicolor developer (comprising toner and magnetic carrier).Developing apparatus 60Y, the 60M, 60K, the 60C (will be described in the back) that are provided with in order from the top among these toner Cartridges 64 and Fig. 1 be connected, and the developer in the toner Cartridge 64 are offered developing apparatus 60Y, 60M, 60K, 60C.
The left side of the toner Cartridge 64 in Fig. 1 is provided with exposing unit 62, and, thereby on photoconductor drum 52, form sub-image from photoconductor drum 52Y, the 52M of the formation optical guide unit 50 in exposing unit 62 left sides of exposing unit 62 to being arranged on Fig. 1,52K, 52C (following only be commonly referred to as 52) emission and corresponding four the laser beam L of picture signal (Y), L (M), L (K), L (C).
Exposing unit 62 comprises: the Lights section, laser beam L (Y), the L (M) of its output shades of colour Y, M, K, C, L (K), L (C) (below be commonly referred to as laser beam L); Modulation processing section, it is modulated laser beam L and launches to scan; And optical system, it comprise be used for f θ lens that the sweep velocity on exposed is proofreaied and correct and have lens power along the direction of scanning be used for the tangle cylindrical lens etc. of (tangle) error correction of face.
In exposing unit 62, to incide on the modulation processing section from the versicolor laser beam L of the Lights section emission, and based on versicolor image information it is modulated, make it scan (main sweep) then by the facetted mirrors mirror 67 that rotates by polyhedron motor 63.Versicolor laser beam L by 67 scannings of facetted mirrors mirror is reflected mirror group 69 towards reflecting with the corresponding photoconductor drum 52 of shades of colour and focusing on each photoconductor drum 52.
Optical guide unit 50 has with each photoconductor drum 52 corresponding charging rollers 56 and recovers roller 54 (in Fig. 1, only use Reference numeral to represent corresponding assembly with optical guide unit 50Y), they are provided so that in them each all contacts with photoconductor drum 52 rotation.Charging roller 56 makes photoconductor drum 52 uniform charging, so that on the surface of toner attached to photoconductor drum 52 that the magnetic roll 80 from be arranged on developing apparatus 58 scatters.On the other hand, recover roller 54 and make photoconductor drum 52 discharges stick to the lip-deep residual toner of photoconductor drum 52, thereby prevent owing to photoconductor drum 52 lip-deep residual toners produce mirage phantom etc. with removal.
Developing apparatus 58 is arranged on the right bottom of each optical guide unit 50 among Fig. 1, and four developing apparatus 60Y, 60M, 60K, 60C vertically is set with corresponding with each photoconductor drum 52 (52Y, 52M, 52K, 52C).
On the other hand, the left side of the optical guide unit 50 in Fig. 1 is provided with intermediate transfer unit 66, and it comprises three drum type intermediate transfer bodies 68,70,72.Two first intermediate transfer bodies 68,70 vertically are provided with along straight line, and the first intermediate transfer body, 68 maintenances on top are rotated with two photoconductor drum 52Y, the 52M being arranged on upper position in the middle of the photoconductor drum 52 and are contacted, and the first intermediate transfer body 70 of bottom keeps contacting with two photoconductor drum 52K, 52C rotations that are arranged on lower position.The second intermediate transfer drum 72 keeps contacting with 68,70 the two rotation of the first intermediate transfer body, and aforementioned transfer roll 74 keeps contacting with 72 rotations of this second intermediate transfer drum.
Like this, corresponding toner image is transferred on the first intermediate transfer body 68 from photoconductor drum 52Y, 52M, and is transferred on the first intermediate transfer body 70 from photoconductor drum 52K, 52C.Each toner image that will have two kinds of colors to be transferred to the first intermediate transfer body 68,70 respectively is transferred on the second intermediate transfer drum 72 gathering four kinds of colors, and is transferred on the paper by the toner image that transfer roll 74 will have four kinds of colors.
Be provided with clearer 76 and cleaning brush 78 near in these in the transfer article 68,70,72 each, to strike off the lip-deep residual toner of intermediate transfer body 68,70,72.
(entire image forms the schematic construction of the control system of device)
Fig. 2 is the block diagram that is used for the control system of image formation in the engine part 12.
Commercialization power supply (not shown) is connected with primary power control section 200 with generation low-tension supply (LVPS) and high-voltage power supply (HVPS), and these power supplys are powered to various piece by power lead.
Netting twine to the external host (not shown) is connected with input image data with this master controller 202.
For example, when input image data, print command information and this view data that 202 pairs of master controllers are included in this view data are analyzed, and with they convert to be fit to engine 12 form (for example, data bitmap), and with this image data transmission form processing controls part 206 for the image of a part that constitutes MCU.
Image forms processing controls part 206 and synchronously controls optical scanning system control section 208, drive system control section 210, charging device control section 212, developing apparatus control section 214 and the photographic fixing control section 216 that constitutes this MCU based on institute's input image data, forms to carry out image.
For testing environment, temperature sensor 221 is connected with master controller 202 with humidity sensor 222.Environment temperature and humidity that temperature sensor 221 and humidity sensor 222 detect in the engine part 12.
In addition, output image density correction and toner concentration being proofreaied and correct required concentration sensor 224 is connected with master controller 202.This concentration sensor 224 is set to make its detection faces relative with the outer peripheral face of the second intermediate transfer drum 72.That is, this concentration sensor 224 is reflection type, and it is to transfer roll 74 emission light beams and detect its reflected light with output and the corresponding electric signal of its concentration value.
Output image density described here is proofreaied and correct the concentration that is used to determine to be printed on the image on the paper and whether is finally carried out record with the concentration identical with view data.In this is handled, at first, under the state that does not transport paper, be formed for the piece image (middle toner image) that output image density detects, and it is transferred on the transfer roll 74.Then, detect the concentration of the piece image on this transfer roll 74 by concentration sensor 224.The concentration data and the output image density desired value that are detected are compared to proofread and correct light quantity, development bias voltage etc.
On the other hand, whether toner concentration described here to proofread and correct the unit supply of the toner that is used for determining developing apparatus 58 suitable.In this is handled, at first, under the state that does not transport paper, be formed for the piece image (solid images) that toner concentration detects, and it is transferred to transfer roll 74.Then, detect the concentration of the piece image on this transfer roll 74 by concentration sensor 224.The concentration data and the toner concentration desired value that are detected are compared to proofread and correct the toner supply of every pixel.
This first embodiment focuses on the output image density correction in above-mentioned two kinds of correction forms, and is best to attempt that output image density is proofreaied and correct.
That is, traditionally, proofread and correct by concentration sensor 224 detected concentration datas according to this concentration and the difference between the fixed target value of output image.Yet, if the described difference of accumulative total, with fixing output image density desired value relatively can seriously influence picture quality.
Then, according to the toner supply with respect to proofreading and correct this fixing output image density desired value, to eliminate cumulative errors with the aggregate-value of the corresponding accumulated pixel of view data counting.
(output image density desired value corrective control)
Fig. 3 is the block diagram that is illustrated in the output image density desired value corrective control of realizing in the master controller 202.This block diagram is proofreaied and correct the required processing of control from view of function to the output image density desired value and is divided, but does not limit hardware configuration.
Divide 100 input image datas to the print control section of master controller 202.This print control section divides 100 to be connected with user interface 204.If provide print command from user interface 204, then print control section divides 100 indicating images to form the 206 execution printings of processing controls part.
Image forms processing controls part 206 control photographic fixing control sections 216, charging device control section 212, drive system control section 210, developing apparatus control section 214 and optical scanning system control section 208, to carry out foregoing print processing (referring to Fig. 2).Toner supply device 102 is connected with developing apparatus control section 214 with control from the toning dosage of toner Cartridge 64 to developing apparatus 58 (developing apparatus 60Y, 60M, 60K, 60C) supply.
Output image density is proofreaied and correct execution control section 104 and is connected with image formation processing controls part 206.To input to this output image density by concentration sensor 224 detected concentration datas and proofread and correct execution control section 104.If form output image density correcting block image at predetermined instant, then will detect the concentration (hereinafter referred to as piece concentration) of this output image density correcting block image by concentration sensor 224.
Carrying out output image density desired value storer 106 is connected with output image density correction execution control section 104.Under original state (for example, when changing toner Cartridge 64), benchmark output image density desired value is stored into this execution output image density desired value storer 106 from benchmark output image density desired value storer 110 by the execution output image density desired value correction portion 108 that will describe after a while.
Output image density proofread and correct to carry out 104 pairs of control sections by 224 detected concentration of above-mentioned concentration sensor with compare from carrying out the execution output image density desired value (hereinafter referred to as the realistic objective value) that output image density desired value storer 106 reads, and form processing controls part 206 feedback compensation command signals based on its comparative result to image, to proofread and correct light quantity, development bias voltage etc. based on its comparative result.As a result, can make output image density stable.
Incidentally, proofread and correct, then cumulative errors can occur if carry out output image density for a long time repeatedly.These cumulative errors can little by little make image color depart from respect to appropriate value, thereby make the concentration instability of output image.
It is fixed value eliminating cumulative errors that this first embodiment needn't make the realistic objective value, but can proofread and correct cumulative errors changeably.
Like this, to be supplied to the toner supply (toner supply data) of developing apparatus to count by toner feeding unit 102 by 112 pairs of toner supply segment counts, and by toner supply accumulative total part 114 these count values of accumulative total.Simultaneously, carry out the view data (pixel data) of image when forming and count forming processing controls part 206 by image by 116 pairs of pixel counts parts, and by pixel counts accumulative total part 118 these count values of accumulative total.Simultaneously, pixel data is considered as be used for determining the least unit data of toning dosage.
To input to change calculations part 120 by the toner supply cumulative data of toner supply accumulative total part 114 accumulative totals and the pixel cumulative data that adds up by pixel counts value accumulative total part 118.
Measured value temporary storage 122 is connected with this change calculations part 120.Except transition period, this measured value temporary storage 122 is also stored the toner supply data and the pixel cumulative data of first three time.
Designated value storer 126 is connected with rating unit 124.126 storages of this designated value storer are used for the designated value (higher limit, lower limit) of the variation that comparison calculates.Designated value storer 126 is based on sending higher limit and lower limit with the corresponding designated value of current pixel counting cumulative data from the information of pixel counts value accumulative total part 118 to rating unit 124, and the variation of being calculated and the higher limit of designated value and each in the lower limit are compared.As a result, send three kinds of comparative results to output image density desired value calculating section 128, whether whether these three kinds of comparative results be lower than lower limit and this variation whether between higher limit and lower limit (referring to Fig. 5) above higher limit, this variation for this variation.
If result relatively surpasses higher limit for this changes, then output image density desired value calculating section 128 generates the realistic objective value correction data that is used to reduce image color, and on the other hand, if this variation is lower than lower limit, then output image density desired value calculating section 128 generates the realistic objective value correction data that is used to strengthen image color, and they are sent to output image density desired value correction portion 108.
This output image density desired value correction portion 108 is connected with this execution output image density desired value storer 106.When input realistic objective correction data, 108 pairs of output image density desired value correction portion are stored in the actual output image density desired value of carrying out in the output image density desired value storer 106 and proofread and correct.
The part that resets 130 forms processing controls part 206 with image and is connected.Changed toner Cartridge 64 if image formation processing controls part 206 recognizes, then it sends toner Cartridges to this part 130 that resets and changes signals.
Change signal if imported toner Cartridge, the part that then resets 130 sends reset signals to pixel counts value accumulative total part 118, toner supply accumulative total part 114 and measured value temporary storage 122, and the data that will be stored in in these parts each reset.In addition, reset part 130 to output image density desired value correction portion 108 transmission reset signals.When receiving this reset signal, output image density desired value correction portion 108 is read the benchmark output image density desired value that is stored in the benchmark output image density desired value storer 110, and is stored in the execution output image density desired value storer 106.
That is, when changing toner Cartridge 64, remove (resetting) all data relevant, so that state turns back to original state with the correction of realistic objective value.
The operation of first embodiment will be described below.
(image forms the flow process of handling)
The following execution around each photoconductor drum 52 by what known electronic image pickup method carried out forms (printing) processing to versicolor image.
At first, drive each photoconductor drum 52 with desired speed.
Then, (for example, direct current approximately-800V) arrives predetermined level with the surperficial uniform charging of photoconductor drum 52 to have predetermined charging level by applying to charging roller 56.Although according to first embodiment, only apply direct current to charging roller 56, this embodiment also can be configured to the AC compounent that superposes on DC component.
Next, by surface irradiation and the shades of colour corresponding laser beam L of exposing unit 62, to form and the corresponding electrostatic latent image of versicolor image information to each photoconductor drum 52 with uniform outer surface electromotive force.As a result, will be removed to predetermined level at the surface potential that is exposed to the part place under the laser beam L of photoconductor drum 52.
The lip-deep electrostatic latent image that is formed on each photoconductor drum 52 by 58 pairs of each corresponding developing apparatuss develops so that versicolor toner image on each photoconductor drum 52 as seen.
Next, be formed on each photoconductor drum 52 versicolor toner image statically primary transfer to the first intermediate transfer drum 68,70 of correspondence.As a result, be formed on the Y color on photoconductor drum 52Y, the 52M and the toner image of M color and be transferred on the first intermediate transfer drum 68, and be formed on K color on photoconductor drum 52K, the 52C and the toner image of C color is transferred on the first intermediate transfer drum 70.
After this, be formed on the first intermediate transfer drum 68,70 toner image statically secondary transfer printing to the second intermediate transfer drum 72.As a result, on the second intermediate transfer drum 72, form the toner image that comprises monochrome image and be superimposed with the image of four kinds of color Y, M, K, C.
At last, will be formed on the paper that the toner image on the second intermediate transfer drum 72 is transferred to by paper-delivering path for three times by transfer roll 74.After three transfer printings, heat and photographic fixing by 32 pairs of toner images that are formed on the paper of fixation unit, finish image then and form processing.
(output image density is proofreaied and correct control)
Although in theory, because under situation, the image that is recorded on the paper is developed based on view data to the appointment toner supply of developing apparatus 58 and predetermined visualization bias voltage, so can keep suitable output image density all the time, but in fact, the output image density deterioration that can pass in time according to environment temperature, each assembly, the error of toner supply, variation of development bias voltage etc. change.
Like this, in order to proofread and correct output image density termly, form output image density correcting block image, it is transferred to transfer roll 74 and detects by concentration sensor 224.Testing result and predetermined target value (realistic objective value) are compared to proofread and correct light quantity and development bias voltage.
Basically, can proofread and correct control by this output image density and obtain stable output image density.
(correction of output image density desired value)
Yet, proofread and correct if continue to carry out output image density for a long time, cumulative errors can be occurred, thereby proper image concentration can not be obtained.Like this, according to this first embodiment, when the pixel counts cumulative data reaches predetermined value each time, determine all whether toner supply aggregate-value keeps its designated value (in the scope from the higher limit to the lower limit), if it departs from this designated value, then the realistic objective value is proofreaied and correct.
The flow process of the correction control of above-mentioned realistic objective value is described with reference to the process flow diagram shown in Fig. 4 below.Incidentally, when each task termination, begin the process flow diagram of Fig. 4.
Determine that in step 150 whether the pixel counts cumulative data surpasses predetermined value, and under the situation of negative evaluation, finish this process.If make affirmative determination in step 150, then the current time is confirmed as the realistic objective value and proofreaies and correct timing, and process proceeds to step 152 then.
In step 152, read current (through what upgrade) toner supply cumulative data and pixel cumulative data, and, read the toner supply cumulative data and the pixel cumulative data of first three time (before three times, before twice and the last) in step 154, after this process proceeds to step 156.
In step 156, calculate variation (slope) according to the toner supply cumulative data of the current toner supply cumulative data of being read, the current pixel cumulative data of being read and first three time, the pixel cumulative data of first three time.
At next step 158, variation (hereinafter referred to as the change calculations value) and the designated value of being calculated (higher limit) compared.If determine the change calculations value greater than higher limit, determine that then output image density is higher than expectation concentration, and process proceeds to step 160 in this step 158.Generate realistic objective value correction data then to reduce image color, subsequent process proceeds to step 166.
If determine that in step 158 the change calculations value is less than or equal to higher limit, then process proceeds to step 162, in this step change calculations value and designated value (lower limit) is compared.
If determine that in step 162 the change calculations value is less than lower limit, determine that then output image density is lower than expectation concentration, and process proceeds to step 164, generate the realistic objective value correction data that is used to improve image color in this step, and subsequent process proceeds to step 166.
If determine the change calculations value more than or equal to lower limit, determine that then output image density keeps expectation concentration, and process proceeds to step 168 in step 162.
In step 166, based on the realistic objective value correction data that is generated the realistic objective value is proofreaied and correct, and process proceeds to step 168.By this realistic objective value is proofreaied and correct, can under the situation of not carrying out any physics adjusting (for example, regulating development bias voltage or adjusting light quantity), obtain best output image density.
In step 168, upgrade the toner supply cumulative data and the pixel cumulative data of first three time.That is, delete the data before three times, adopt data before twice as the data before new three times; Adopt the last data as twice preceding data, adopt, finish this process then through the data of data updated as the last time.
Fig. 5 is used to illustrate the example that the realistic objective value of first embodiment is proofreaied and correct.
When after changing toner Cartridge, surpassing the specified amount of accumulative total picture point, the accumulative total picture point amount 1 of storage this moment and the toner supply 1 that adds up (referring to (1) ").
When surpassing next specified amount of accumulative total picture point, store nearest accumulative total picture point amount 1 and nearest accumulative total toner supply 1 conduct accumulative total picture point amount 2 and accumulative total toner supply 2, store accumulative total picture point amount at this moment and accumulative total toner supply (referring to (2)) then respectively as adding up picture point amount 1 and accumulative total toner supply 1.
In addition, when surpassing next specified amount of accumulative total picture point, store the accumulative total picture point amount 2 before twice and add up toner supply 2 as accumulative total picture point amount 3 and accumulative total toner supply 3.Similarly, accumulative total picture point amount 1 that storage is the last and accumulative total toner supply 1 be as accumulative total picture point amount 2 and accumulative total toner supply 2, and the accumulative total picture point amount of storage this moment and accumulative total toner supply (referring to (3)) are as accumulative total picture point amount 1 and accumulative total toner supply 1.
Because three times or data (referring to (1) and (3)) more frequently, so use these three values to calculate the approximate expression of the slope of accumulative total picture point amount and accumulative total toner supply according to least square method.To compare based on the slope A of this approximate expression and slope k 1 (it is the higher limit of the slope of predefined accumulative total picture point amount and accumulative total toner supply) and slope k 2 (it is accumulative total picture point amount and the lower limit that adds up the toner supply), if and slope A is greater than slope k 1, then the desired value of output image density is proofreaied and correct to lower, if and slope A then proofreaies and correct the desired value of output image density for higher less than slope k 2.
When the desired value of output image density being proofreaied and correct when low, suppress the consumption of toner so that excessively increase with respect to the accumulative total toner supply of accumulative total picture point amount.As a result, the toner concentration of device increases.Because this device has suppressed the toner supply to proofread and correct toner concentration, so suppressed accumulative total toner supply.
On the contrary, because if desired value is proofreaied and correct to higher, then quickened the consumption of toner and excessively reduced, so reduced the toner concentration of device with respect to the accumulative total toner supply of accumulative total picture point amount.For this is proofreaied and correct, this device quickens so that accumulative total toner supply increases the supply of toner.
In addition, when having surpassed next specified amount of accumulative total picture point, store accumulative total picture point amount 3 before three times and accumulative total toner supply 3 as accumulative total picture point amounts 4 and accumulative total toner supply 4 (referring to＜1 〉), store accumulative total picture point amount 2 before twice and accumulative total toner supply 2 as accumulative total picture point amounts 3 and accumulative total toner supply 3 (referring to＜2 〉), accumulative total picture point amount 1 that storage is the last and accumulative total toner supply 1 be as accumulative total picture point amount 2 and accumulative total toner supply 2 (referring to＜3 〉), and the storage update value is as accumulative total picture point amount 1 and accumulative total toner supply 1 (referring to＜4 〉).
Use these four values (referring to＜1 〉-＜4 〉) to calculate the approximate expression of the slope of accumulative total picture point amount and accumulative total toner supply according to least square method.If the result who compares as the slope A of this approximate expression and above-mentioned k1 and k2, slope A is greater than slope k 1, then the desired value of output image density is proofreaied and correct to lower, and if slope A less than slope k 2, it is higher then the desired value of output image density being proofreaied and correct.
Make slope A become by using next specified amount that adds up picture point to upgrade this value and use four points that upgrade in this way that output image density is proofreaied and correct, slope A being changed into less than slope k 1 and greater than slope k 2.As a result, image color can be controlled in the specified scope.
According to above-mentioned first embodiment, be used for output image density correction that light quantity and development bias voltage are proofreaied and correct by regularly being formed for piece image that output image density proofreaies and correct and the concentration that detects these piece images by concentration sensor 224 its detected value and predefined desired value are compared, carry out.Under this prerequisite, calculate of the variation of toner supply aggregate-value, and determine whether this variation keeps its predetermined value (in the scope from the higher limit to the lower limit) with respect to the pixel cumulative data.If should change surpass higher limit, then proofread and correct the realistic objective value reducing output image density, and if this variation is lower than lower limit, then proofread and correct the realistic objective value to improve output image density.As a result, can keep suitable output image density for a long time.
(modification)
Although store therein under the toner supply cumulative data of first three time and the state of pixel cumulative data and described first embodiment, naturally, have less former data (twice or still less inferior data) transition period sometimes.In this case, proofread and correct, for example also allow to calculate this variation according to preceding twice data although allow before the data that collect first three time, not carry out desired value.
In addition, in first embodiment, although generate the correction data that is used for desired value based on this variation, but can be by itself and designated value (higher limit and lower limit) are compared, and only toner supply cumulative data (absolute magnitude) is proofreaied and correct (being similar to ON/OFF control), as shown in Figure 6.
Fig. 6 has represented first embodiment, and wherein abscissa axis is represented accumulative total picture point amount, and axis of ordinates is represented accumulative total toner supply.Article two, dotted line is illustrated in the higher limit and the lower limit of the accumulative total toner supply at accumulative total picture point amount place at this moment.If actual accumulative total toner supply surpasses higher limit, show that then output image density is too high, on the contrary,, show that then output image density is too low if actual accumulative total toner supply is lower than lower limit.
According to first embodiment, regularly will compare predetermined in the accumulative total toner supply at reality accumulative total picture point amount place and its higher limit and lower limit, if actual accumulative total toner supply is higher than higher limit, then the output image density desired value is proofreaied and correct along the direction that reduces output image density, on the contrary, if actual accumulative total toner supply is lower than lower limit, then the output image density desired value is proofreaied and correct along the direction that increases output image density.
Because the predetermined timing in Fig. 6 (referring to " 1 " that has circle among Fig. 6) accumulative total toner supply is higher than higher limit, so carry out correction along the direction that reduces the output image density desired value.Next, because add up toner supply between higher limit and lower limit, so the output image density desired value is not proofreaied and correct in predetermined regularly (" 2 " that have circle in referring to Fig. 6).Then, because be lower than lower limit, proofread and correct along the direction execution that increases the output image density desired value in predetermined regularly (" 3 " that have circle in referring to Fig. 6) accumulative total toner supply.In addition, because be positioned at target zone once more, so the output image density desired value is not proofreaied and correct in predetermined regularly (" 4 " that have circle in referring to Fig. 6) accumulative total toner supply.
Like this, regularly all will add up toner supply and higher limit and lower limit and compare predetermined each time, with the necessity of the correction of definite output image density desired value.
In this case, although reduced the accuracy of the correction of realistic objective value, simplified control system, thereby for proofreading and correct the realistic objective value simply, this condition is best (for example, cheap and wherein do not need under the situation of Machine Type etc. of accurate picture quality).
[example]
For example, the scheduled volume with pixel is assumed to be 1 as accumulative total picture point amount.More specifically, be used on the paper of A4 size, providing the value of five picture point with about 1% gradation of drop-out colour.
Therefore, if use the toner Cartridge that can print 8000 paper (gradation of drop-out colour with 5% is print image on the paper of A4 size), then adding up the picture point amount is 5 * 5 * 8000=200000 point.
For example, if specify accumulative total picture point amount to be set to 12500, then add up picture point amount increase by 12500 to 12500,25000 each time and all upgraded toner supply aggregate-value at 37500 o'clock.Be set at constantly although will add up the interval of picture point amount, this at interval needn't be always constant, but can shorten and then bringing into use toner Cartridge after, and can just in time extend before end use toner Cartridge.
The coil auger (coilauger) (shades of colour wherein is set independently) that toner Cartridge is provided with the branch gas-distributing motor by driving inside is discharged into toner the developing apparatus from the toner floss hole of toner Cartridge.
By measuring the toner supply with above-mentioned assigned frequency.When minute gas-distributing motor rotation in the time of 0.5 second, with the assigned frequency counting for once so that need about 1800 countings to come all toners in the supplying toner box.
With the accumulative total picture point interval of assigned frequency monitoring, and when assigned frequency surpasses 100 times, all upgrade accumulative total picture point amount for accumulative total toner supply rather than 12500.
Although it is constant to add up being set to of toner supply, this at interval needn't be always constant, but can for example shorten after and then bringing into use toner Cartridge, and can just in time extend before finishing use.
According to first example, all the accumulative total printer paper tensor that is arranged in the storer is counted when printing a piece of paper each time.In addition, according to first example, whenever accumulative total printer paper tensor surpasses at 500 o'clock, rather than 12500 accumulative total picture point is all upgraded accumulative total picture point amount and is added up the toner supply at interval in the example 2.
Although it is constant to add up being set to of printer paper tensor, this at interval needn't be always constant, but can shorten after and then bringing into use toner Cartridge, and can just in time extend before finishing use.
This device has following mechanism, and this mechanism resets to the correction of the desired value of output image density when changing toner Cartridge.
In this image processing system, the address A storing value 1.3 on storer is as the initial value of the desired value that is used for yellow output image density.According to example 4, if surpass at 1500 o'clock based on the relation between accumulative total picture point amount and the accumulative total toner supply at accumulative total printer paper tensor, reduced by 0.05 by the desired value of proofreading and correct output image density, then the storage-0.05 of the address B on storer is as corrected value.Make the desired value of the output image density after 1500 become 1.25 by value summation to address A and address B place.
Per 500 are all upgraded the value at the B place, address on the storer, if the corrected value of the address B on the storer is-0.15 during the toner-out of hypothesis in toner Cartridge, then the desired value of output image density is 1.15.
If toner Cartridge is replaced by new toner Cartridge, then to detect this toner Cartridge according to the information in the storer that is arranged in the toner Cartridge be new for this image processing system.Changed toner Cartridge if detect, then this image processing system is reset to 0 with the value at the B place, address on the storer.Like this, when toner Cartridge is replaced by new toner Cartridge, the desired value of output image density is returned as initial value 1.3.
Although address B is arranged on the storer of image processing system, address B also can be arranged on the storer of toner Cartridge.Because set corrected value in conjunction with toner Cartridge, so even reuse the used toner Cartridge of part, because the corrected value when having write down this toner Cartridge of last use, so also can continue to use this toner Cartridge according to this corrected value.
When in the accumulative total toner supply value of being above standard at predetermined accumulative total picture point amount place or be reduced to continuously when being lower than standard value three times, the image color desired value is proofreaied and correct.
If surpass predefined standard value continuous three times in predetermined regularly accumulative total toner supply, then proofread and correct to reduce the image color desired value.On the contrary, be lower than standard value, then proofread and correct to increase the image color desired value if it is reduced to continuous three times.Not having continuous three values of being above standard or being reduced under any state that is lower than standard value, under the situation that for example is being higher than-be lower than-is being higher than, do not proofread and correct.
[second embodiment]
Second embodiment of second aspect present invention will be described below.
In a second embodiment, identical Reference numeral is used for representing the component part identical with first embodiment, and omits the description to its structure.
Second embodiment is characterised in that, operates desired value special-purpose in transition period at the device that is shipped to the image formation processing of hundreds of being opened paper from factory and proofread and correct in the image processing system 10 of first embodiment.That is, during this correction be do not proofread and correct with the desired value of first embodiment during overlapping period.
Figure 11 is illustrated in device to proofread and correct the block diagram of control by the realistic objective value that master controller 202 is realized transition period.Incidentally, proofread and correct control although master controller 202 is carried out the realistic objective value in the conventional period of representing in first embodiment, Figure 11 has omitted this part.In addition, with Fig. 3 similarly, this block diagram is not specified any hardware yet.
Determine that the current time is conventional period if this desired value is proofreaied and correct execution pattern determining section 300, then carry out normal mode control (first embodiment).In this case, transition period control program of memory storage operation in advance and routine control program in period, and optionally read and carry out.Alternatively, each control system can be constituted and can be started any control system by hardware.
Image color controlled condition reading section 302 is proofreaied and correct execution pattern determining section 300 with desired value and is connected.If proofread and correct the signal of execution pattern determining section 300 to these image color controlled condition reading section 302 input expression patterns in transition period from desired value, then image color controlled condition reading section 302 is read determined image color controlled condition and is sent it to rating unit 304 from output image density correction execution control section 104.
Standard picture concentration controlled condition reading section 306 is connected with image color controlled condition reading section 302.When reading determined image color controlled condition by image color controlled condition reading section 302, synchronously import to standard picture concentration controlled condition reading section 306 from image color controlled condition reading section 302 and to read synchronizing signal.
Standard picture concentration controlled condition reading section 306 reads synchronizing signal based on this and reads humidity data from humidity sensor 222, and according to the humidity data of being read, 308 (referring to Figure 12) read and the corresponding standard output image density of this humidity controlled condition from the mapping of humidity standard output image density controlled condition characteristic, and send it to rating unit 304.
If the difference between determined image color controlled condition and the standard output image density controlled condition is greater than predetermined value (be positioned at independently be arranged on plus side (α) and subtract outside the scope of side (β)), then rating unit 304 sends to output image density desired value correction portion (transition period) 310 with different information, so that the output image density desired value is proofreaied and correct.
Because this output image density desired value correction portion (transition period) 310 has output image density desired value correction portion 108 (referring to Fig. 3) identical functions with first embodiment, can share this output image density desired value correction portion (transition period) 310.
Output image density desired value correction portion (transition period) 310 is set and the corresponding output image density desired value of this different information, and the control information through upgrading is stored in the execution output image density desired value storer 106.
As a result, carrying out the output image density that is undertaken by output image density correction execution control section 104 based on the desired value through upgrading proofreaies and correct.
The operation of second embodiment is described with reference to the flow process among Figure 13 below.
Determine to form by the image that this device carries out whether the output quantity of handling is lower than predetermined value and whether the pixel counts aggregate-value is lower than predetermined value in step 350,, determine that then the current time is the conventional time, and finish this process if make negative evaluation.
If make affirmative determination, determine that then the current time is device operation transition period, and process proceeds to step 352 in step 350.
Read the definite image color controlled condition DTMN that determines by output image density correction execution control section 104 in step 352.More specifically, it is to have carried out the development bias voltage of proofreading and correct by detecting the piece image by feedback.
At next step 354, reception is by humidity sensor 222 detected humidity datas, and process proceeds to step 356, read and the corresponding development bias voltage of humidity data that is received from humidity-development bias characteristic mapping (humidity-standard output image density controlled condition characteristic mapping) in this step, process proceeds to step 358 then.
In step 358, determined image color controlled condition DTMN and standard output image density controlled condition STND are compared mutually.If DTMN〉STND+ α, then because the possibility that image color strengthens is higher, so process proceeds to step 360, upgrade carrying out the output image density desired value along the direction that reduces image color (reducing the development bias voltage) in this step.
On the other hand, if determine DTMN≤STND+ α in step 358, then process proceeds to step 362, once more determined image color controlled condition DTMN and standard output image density controlled condition STND is compared mutually in this step.If in this step 362, determine DTMN＜STND+ β,,, in this step, upgrade carrying out the output image density desired value along the direction of strengthening image color so process proceeds to step 364 then because the possibility that image color reduces is higher.
If determine DTMN 〉=STND+ β, then, do not upgrade desired value so stop this process because image color is suitable in step 362.
According to second embodiment, as mentioned above, can't obtain the device operation transition period of the relation between image and the consumption of toner therein, toner Cartridge be new and the prerequisite of known toner concentration under storage based on the standard output image density condition (being the development bias voltage here) of environmental baseline (here for humidity), and read the piece image and difference between the definite image color output condition (development bias voltage) is upgraded desired value based on this standard output image density condition and by actual.
As a result, desired value can converge to stationary value in the short relatively time, thereby after and then beginning conventional period, can carry out high-precision image color and proofread and correct.
All desired value is proofreaied and correct whenever carrying out the output image density timing transition period in the operation of this device, this has prevented that the dispersion that the piece image (especially is being installed after this device) is easy to generate influence when the toner charged state is unstable, and makes that image color can be near desired value.
In addition, the influence of using humidity to make it possible to toner that its charged state is changed according to humidity as environmental baseline compensates.
Although automatically carry out desired value and proofread and correct whenever carry out output image density timing second embodiment transition period in device operation, this also can manually carry out according to the instruction from the operator of user interface 204.As a result, if insufficient, then can carry out desired value apace and proofread and correct according to operator's judgement from normal moveout correction.
In addition, although automatically carry out desired value and proofread and correct whenever carry out output image density timing second embodiment transition period in device operation, if but desired value is updated, then also can change the execution interval that output image density is proofreaied and correct, perhaps change the execution interval that output image density is proofreaied and correct according to the degree of upgrading.
[the 3rd embodiment]
Various details the 3rd embodiment.The 3rd embodiment is the combination of first aspect present invention and second aspect, wherein in single assembly, as shown in figure 14, proofread and correct control (step 402) (affirmative determination in the step 400) in device operation actuating unit in transition period operation desired value in transition period, and when finishing in a period of transition and beginning conventional period (affirmative determination of step 404), carry out conventional desired value correction control in period (step 406).
As a result, make and under all situations in conventional period, can both carry out stable output image density correction, thereby cause the improvement of picture quality in the transition period after the shipment that forms device from single image and then.
Although in first embodiment to the, three embodiment, do not explain toner Cartridge 64, but the structure that toner Cartridge 64 not only can be by only being filled with developer but also can form the structure of building blocks of function (for example, photoconductor drum) and be applied to the present invention by being integrated with other image.
The foregoing description only is some examples, and is construed as and can makes amendment to the present invention in every way within the scope of the invention.
In a first aspect of the present invention, carry out the desired value of being undertaken in the time of can surpassing predetermined value whenever the pixel counts aggregate-value in being stored in pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion and proofread and correct by the desired value correction portion.
Because can proofread and correct the output image density desired value at interval according to predetermined pixel counts, thus can proofread and correct the consumption of toner according to the interval that equates, thus can expect effectively and accurately to proofread and correct.
In a first aspect of the present invention, carry out the desired value of being undertaken in the time of can surpassing predetermined value whenever the toner supply aggregate-value in being stored in toner supply accumulative total memory portion and proofread and correct by the desired value correction portion.
Because can proofread and correct the output image density desired value at interval, so can realize by easier method proofreading and correct at interval according to predetermined toner supply.
In a first aspect of the present invention, may further include the accumulative total printer paper tensor memory portion of storage accumulative total printer paper tensor, carry out the desired value of being undertaken in the time of wherein can surpassing predetermined value and proofread and correct by the desired value correction portion whenever the accumulative total printer paper tensor in being stored in accumulative total printer paper tensor memory portion.
Because can proofread and correct the output image density desired value at interval according to predetermined printer paper tensor, proofread and correct at interval so can the most easily set.In addition, be clearly because will carry out the printer paper tensor of timing, so can easily verify calibration result.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention, toner Cartridge can be carried on developing apparatus or the image processing system main body, and can reset to the data of having been undertaken by the desired value correction portion proofreading and correct by changing toner Cartridge.
Because can the correction of up to the present carrying out be resetted, so, also can carry out best the correction at toner Cartridge even the developing property difference between the toner Cartridge is very big by changing toner Cartridge.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention, can calculate variation according to the toner supply that is stored in the pixel counts aggregate-value in the pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion and be stored in the toner supply accumulative total memory portion; This variation and variation at the toner supply aggregate-value at predefined pixel counts aggregate-value place can be compared; And when comparative result departed from greater than a particular value, the desired value correction portion was proofreaied and correct desired value along suppressing this direction that departs from state.
Because toner supply aggregate-value can be adjusted into predefined variation with respect to the variation (slope) of pixel counts aggregate-value, so output image density can be adjusted into desired value, simultaneously, can suppress the generation of following problems, that is, owing to high output image density makes the serviceable life that can not reach toner Cartridge.Another feature is, easily the system of the dispersion of the anti-toner supply of structure height aggregate-value.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention, can preestablish higher limit and lower limit for toner supply aggregate-value at pixel counts aggregate-value place; And when when the toner supply aggregate-value at pixel counts aggregate-value place is outside higher limit and lower limit, the desired value correction portion is proofreaied and correct desired value along making toner supply aggregate-value be positioned at by the direction of the scope of higher limit and lower limit appointment.
Because compare output image density is proofreaied and correct, become unnecessary so be used to calculate the complicated calculations and the too much memory consumption of this variation (slope) by counting the toner supply aggregate-value at aggregate-value place and its higher limit and lower limit at intended pixel.Another feature is, because can carry out correction from first pixel, so can easily construct the system that comes into force.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention, can preestablish designated value for toner supply aggregate-value at pixel counts aggregate-value place; And when the number of times that departs from this designated value continuously when the toner supply aggregate-value at pixel counts aggregate-value place surpassed pre-determined number, the desired value correction portion was along toner supply aggregate-value is proofreaied and correct desired value near the direction of this designated value.
Because intended pixel being counted toner supply aggregate-value and its standard value at aggregate-value place compares, and when actual toner supply aggregate-value surpasses continuously or is lower than the predetermined value pre-determined number, output image density is proofreaied and correct, so can prevent to cause correction to depart from owing to the dispersion of toner supply aggregate-value.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention,, can forbid that carrying out desired value by the desired value correction portion proofreaies and correct when the deviation of concentration desired value of the piece image that is detected during greater than a particular value.
In addition, in a first aspect of the present invention, can also comprise the driving moment measure portion, its measurement is used for the driving moment to the toner supply section of developing apparatus supplying toner, wherein when the driving moment of the toner supply section of being measured by this driving moment measure portion departs from predefined benchmark moment greater than a particular value, can forbid that carrying out desired value by the desired value correction portion proofreaies and correct.
Because depart under the situation of its benchmark moment greater than a particular value in the driving moment of measured piece deviation of concentration desired value greater than a particular value or toner supply device, not carrying out aimed concn proofreaies and correct, so under the situation that actual toner delivery rate changed owing to departing from of error, toner in the device etc., do not carry out the aimed concn correction, thereby even even prevent the defective that causes than the low correction of yet carrying out the correction of reduction concentration or the increase of the higher yet execution of actual concentrations on the contrary concentration owing to actual concentrations.
In a second aspect of the present invention, can when in device operation transition period, determining output image density controlled condition, carry out the desired value of being undertaken and proofread and correct by the desired value correction portion by outputted image density control portion.
Because very big, proofread and correct so preferably when having determined output image density controlled condition, carry out desired value by outputted image density control portion in device operation changes in environmental conditions in transition period.
In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the operation of this device can be transition period wherein when image forms the aggregate-value of image pixel amount be lower than period of predetermined value.
This device is operated be designated as transition period in period that the aggregate-value that wherein obtains by accumulative total image pixel amount when image forms is lower than this predetermined value.
In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the operation of this device can be wherein to be supplied to the aggregate-value of the toner of developing apparatus to be lower than the period of predetermined value quantitatively transition period.
The operation of this device is designated as wherein by accumulative total and is supplied to aggregate-value that the toning dosage of developing apparatus obtains period less than this predetermined value quantitatively transition period.
In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention,, can shorten the running time of determining output image density controlled condition by outputted image density control portion when desired value is carried out timing.
The existence that desired value is proofreaied and correct means that environmental change is bigger, and along with the variation of environment, has shortened the running time of being determined output image density controlled condition by outputted image density control portion.
As mentioned above, a first aspect of the present invention has following excellent effect, promptly, especially by comparing when proofreading and correct the concentration that is used for the piece image that output image density regulates with desired value, although the dispersion of the distribution of piece image and developer, optical conductor, intermediate transfer member etc. also can make output image density stable for a long time exactly.
The operation of a second aspect of the present invention device that a first aspect of the present invention is invalid especially therein can come correction target value according to environmental baseline in transition period, thereby makes output image density stable.
A third aspect of the present invention makes it possible in whole device operating process correction target value stably, and the initial period from the device operation makes output image density stable thus.
Claims (11)
1, a kind of image processing system, it has image and forms engine, this image form the surperficial uniform charging of engine by making image carrier, by with view data accordingly to being formed electrostatic latent image by the image carrier illumination beam of uniform charging, using toner that this electrostatic latent image is developed, toner image is transferred on the recording medium and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing directly or by the intermediate transfer body and form image by developing apparatus, this image processing system comprises:
Outputted image density control portion, it is formed for the piece image that output image density is proofreaied and correct, and determines output image density controlled condition based on the concentration of described block of image and the comparative result of predefined desired value;
The pixel counts part, it can be counted the image pixel amount when image forms;
Pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion, its pixel counts value that obtains partly being counted by described pixel counts adds up and stores;
The toner supply section, it can be quantitatively to the developing apparatus supplying toner;
Toner supply measure portion, it can measure the toning dosage that is supplied to described developing apparatus by described toner supply section;
Toner supply accumulative total memory portion, it adds up the toner supply of being measured by described toner supply measure portion and stores; And
The desired value correction portion, its according to be stored in the described pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion the pixel counts aggregate-value be stored in described toner supply totally the relation between the toner supply aggregate-value in the memory portion desired value of the concentration of described block of image is proofreaied and correct.
2, image processing system according to claim 1 wherein, is carried out the desired value of being undertaken by described desired value correction portion when the pixel counts aggregate-value in being stored in described pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion surpasses predetermined value and is proofreaied and correct.
3, image processing system according to claim 1 wherein, is carried out the desired value of being undertaken by described desired value correction portion when the toner supply aggregate-value in being stored in described toner supply accumulative total memory portion surpasses predetermined value and is proofreaied and correct.
4, image processing system according to claim 1, also comprise the accumulative total printer paper tensor memory portion that is used to store accumulative total printer paper tensor, carry out the desired value of being undertaken when wherein the accumulative total printer paper tensor in being stored in described accumulative total printer paper tensor memory portion surpasses predetermined value and proofread and correct by described desired value correction portion.
5, image processing system according to claim 1, also comprise toner Cartridge, this toner Cartridge is loaded on described developing apparatus or the image processing system main body, wherein by changing this toner Cartridge the data of having been undertaken proofreading and correct by described desired value correction portion is resetted.
6, image processing system according to claim 1, wherein, calculate variation according to the toner supply that is stored in the pixel counts aggregate-value in the described pixel counts value accumulative total memory portion and be stored in the described toner supply accumulative total memory portion; The variation of the toner supply aggregate-value at this variation and predefined pixel counts aggregate-value place is compared; And when comparative result departed from above a particular value, described desired value correction portion was proofreaied and correct described desired value along suppressing this direction that departs from state.
7, image processing system according to claim 1 wherein, preestablishes higher limit and lower limit to the toner supply aggregate-value at described pixel counts aggregate-value place; And when the toner supply aggregate-value at described pixel counts aggregate-value place was outside this higher limit and lower limit, described desired value correction portion was proofreaied and correct described desired value along described toner supply aggregate-value is positioned at by the direction of the scope of described higher limit and lower limit appointment.
8, image processing system according to claim 1 wherein, preestablishes designated value to the toner supply aggregate-value at described pixel counts aggregate-value place; And when the number of times that departs from this designated value continuously when the toner supply aggregate-value at described pixel counts aggregate-value place surpassed pre-determined number, described desired value correction portion was along described toner supply aggregate-value is proofreaied and correct described desired value near the direction of described designated value.
9, image processing system according to claim 1 wherein, when the described desired value of deviation of concentration of the piece image that is detected during greater than a particular value, forbids that described desired value correction portion carries out desired value and proofread and correct.
10, image processing system according to claim 1, also comprise the driving moment measure portion, its measurement is used for the driving moment to the toner supply section of described developing apparatus supplying toner, wherein when the driving moment of the toner supply section of being measured by this driving moment measure portion departs from predefined benchmark moment greater than a particular value, forbid that described desired value correction portion carries out desired value and proofread and correct.
11, a kind of output image density correction method, in image processing system, whole device operating period in predetermined this method of regularly carrying out, to be formed for the piece image that output image density is proofreaied and correct, and determine output image density controlled condition according to the concentration of this piece image and the comparative result of predefined desired value, described image processing system has image and forms engine, this image forms engine by making the surperficial uniform charging of image carrier, by with view data accordingly to being formed electrostatic latent image by the image carrier illumination beam of uniform charging, use toner that this electrostatic latent image is developed by developing apparatus, directly or by the intermediate transfer body toner image is transferred on the recording medium, and the toner image of institute's transfer printing is carried out photographic fixing form image, this method comprises:
Difference between the standard output image density controlled condition under the environmental baseline of acquisition when determining described output image density controlled condition and the situation of operating known toner concentration in transition period at predefined device, and based on this difference described desired value is proofreaied and correct; And
Be accumulated at except described device operation transition period the time interim, image pixel amount when image forms, accumulative total is supplied to the toner supply of described developing apparatus, and according to the relation between the aggregate-value of the aggregate-value of amount of pixels and toner supply the desired value of the concentration of described block of image is proofreaied and correct.
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| JP2005293506 | 2005-10-06 | ||
| JP2005293506 | 2005-10-06 | ||
| JP2005327275 | 2005-11-11 |
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| CN1945454A CN1945454A (en) | 2007-04-11 |
| CN100510996C true CN100510996C (en) | 2009-07-08 |
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| JP5644597B2 (en) * | 2011-03-11 | 2014-12-24 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP6246069B2 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2017-12-13 | 株式会社東芝 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP6798213B2 (en) * | 2016-09-23 | 2020-12-09 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, toner supply method and toner supply program |
| JP6880838B2 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2021-06-02 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Image forming device and control program of image forming device |
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