Patent Application
20070236553
a) is an upper plan view of a glass substrate pertaining to the exposure apparatus in an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and
Hereinafter, a description is given of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The development stations 2Y through 2K form toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black in the order from upstream side of the recording sheet conveyance path 5, wherein the yellow development station 2Y includes a photosensitive body 8Y, the magenta development station 2M includes a photosensitive body 8M, the cyan development station 2C includes a photosensitive body 8C, and the black development station 2K includes a photosensitive body 8K, and further the respective development stations 2Y through 2K include members for accomplishing a development process in a series of an electro-photographing system such as, for example, a development sleeve, an electrifier, etc., which will be described later.
In addition, exposure apparatuses 13Y, 13M, 13C and 13M to form electrostatic latent images by exposing the surfaces of the photosensitive bodies 8Y through 8M are disposed downward of the respective development stations 2Y through 2K.
Although the colors of development agents filled in the development stations 2Y through 2K are different from each other, the configurations thereof are the same regardless of the development colors. Therefore, excepting the cases where it is necessary to particularly clarify the colors, the following description is based on the development station 2, photosensitive body 8, and exposure apparatus 13 without clarifying the colors.
In embodiment 1, as will be described later, it is constructed that the development station 2 is able to move in the horizontal direction at a predetermined timing on which the light emitting quantity of a light-emitting element (organic electroluminescent element) is corrected.
Reference numeral 13 denotes an exposure apparatus. The exposure apparatus 13 includes a light-emitting element row in which organic electroluminescent elements acting as a light source for exposure are disposed at a resolution of 600 dpi (dot/inch) in a row, and the organic electroluminescent elements are selectively turned on and off in response to image data with regard to the photosensitive body 8 that is electrified to a predetermined potential by the electrifier 9, whereby an electrostatic latent image of a maximum A4 size is formed. If a predetermined potential (development bias) is applied to the development sleeve 10, potential inclination is produced between the electrostatic latent image and the development sleeve 10. And, a coulomb force is operated on toner in the development agent 6 supplied to the surface of the development sleeve 10 and electrified to a predetermined potential, and only toner of the development agent 6 is adhered to the photosensitive body 8, wherein the electrostatic latent image is made into an actual image.
As described in detail later, the exposure apparatus 13 is provided with a light quantity sensor as means for measuring the light quantity of the organic electroluminescent element.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a transfer roller. The transfer roller 16 is provided at a position opposed to the recording sheet conveyance path 5 with respect to the photosensitive body 8, and is turned in the direction D5 by a drive source (not illustrated). A predetermined transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 16, wherein a toner image formed on the photosensitive body 8 is transferred onto the recording sheet 3 conveyed through the recording sheet conveyance path 5.
Subsequently, a description is continued, returning to
Reference numeral 17 denotes a toner bottle, in which toners of yellow, magenta, cyan and black are accommodated. Pipes for conveying toners (not illustrated) are arranged from the toner bottle 17 to the respective development stations 2Y through 2K, and supply toner to the respective development stations 2Y through 2K.
Reference numeral 18 denotes a sheet feeding roller, which is turned in the direction D1 by controlling an electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated), and the sheet feeding roller 18 feeds a recording sheet 3 charged in the sheet feeding tray 4 to the recording sheet conveyance path 5.
A pair of a resist roller 19 and a pinch roller 20, which act as the nip conveyance means at the suction side are provided in the recording sheet conveyance path 5 located between the sheet feeding roller 18 and the transfer portion of the yellow development station 2Y at the extreme upstream side. The pair of resist roller 19 and pinch roller 20 are temporarily stop a recording sheet 3 conveyed by the sheet feeding roller 18, and convey the same in the direction of the yellow development station 2Y at a predetermined timing. The leading end of the recording sheet 3 is regulated to be parallel to the axial direction of the pair of resist roller 19 and pinch roller 20 by the temporary stop, thereby preventing the recording sheet from slewing.
Reference numeral 21 denotes a recording sheet passage detection sensor. The recording sheet passage detection sensor is composed of a reflection type sensor (photo reflector), and detects the leading end and trailing end of the recording sheet 3 based on presence or absence of reflection light.
As the resist roller 19 starts rotating by controlling power transmission by an electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated), the recording sheet 3 is conveyed in the direction of the yellow development station 2Y along the recording sheet conveyance path 5. However, starting from the timing at which rotation of the resist roller 19 is started, writing timing of latent images, turning ON/OFF of the development bias, and turning ON/OFF of the transfer bias, which are carried out by the exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K disposed in the vicinity of the respective development stations 2Y through 2K, are independently controlled.
Hereinafter, referring to
Since the distance from the exposure apparatus 13 to a development region (the vicinity of the portion where the spacing between the photosensitive body 8 and the development sleeve 10 is narrowest) is a design matter, for example, the time at which a latent image formed on the photosensitive body 8 reaches the development region since the exposure apparatus 13 starts exposure is also a design matter.
In Embodiment 1, where, as will be described later, a plurality of pages are continuously printed starting from the timing of starting rotation of the resist roller 19, such control is carried out by which the organic electroluminescent elements that compose the exposure apparatus 13 are lit with the light quantity thereof set between recording sheets (that is, between sheets) conveyed in the recording sheet conveyance path 5, and the development bias is turned off with respect to the position of a latent image formed on the photosensitive body 8.
Hereinafter, returning to
A fixer 23 acting as nip conveying means at the exhaust side is provided in the recording sheet conveyance path 5 located at a further downstream side of the extreme downstream black development station 2K. The fixer 23 is composed of a heating roller 24 and a pressing roller 25.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating roller 24. The temperature sensor 27 is a ceramic semiconductor obtained by sintering at a high temperature using a metal oxide as its main material, and can measure the temperature of an object, with which the temperature sensor is brought into contact, by utilizing a change in the load resistance in response to temperature. Output of the temperature sensor 24 is inputted into the engine control portion 42 described later, and the engine control portion 42 controls power supplied to a heating source (not illustrated) incorporated in the heating roller 24 based on the output of the temperature sensor 27. That is, the engine control portion 42 controls the surface temperature of the heating roller 24 so that it becomes approximately 170° C.
As a recording sheet 3 on which a toner image is formed is passed through the nip portion formed by the heating roller 24, whose temperature is controlled, and the pressing roller 25, the toner image on the recording sheet 3 is heated and pressed by the heating roller 24 and the pressing roller 25, wherein the toner image is fixed on the recording sheet 3.
Reference numeral 28 denotes a recording sheet trailing end detection sensor, which monitors ejection of the recording sheet 3. Reference numeral 32 denotes a toner image detection sensor. The toner image detection sensor 32 is a reflection type sensor unit in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (each emitting visible light) whose light emission spectra differs from each other and a single light-receiving element. The sensor 32 detects the image density, utilizing the absorption spectra that differs from each other in response to image colors at the skin of the recording sheet 3 and an image-formed portion thereof. In addition, since the toner image detection sensor 32 can detect not only the image density but also image-formed portions, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, the toner image detection sensor 32 is provided at two points in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 1, and image formation timing is controlled based on detection positions of an image position error amount detection pattern formed on the recording sheet 3.
Reference numeral 33 denotes a recording sheet conveyance drum. The recording sheet conveyance drum 33 is a metallic roller whose surface is coated with rubber approximately 200 μm thick. A recording sheet on which an image is fixed is conveyed in the direction D2 along the recording sheet conveyance drum 33. At this time, the recording sheet 3 is cooled down by the recording sheet conveyance drum 33, and at the same time, is conveyed while being bent in the reverse direction of the image-formed surface and conveyed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce curl to a large extent, which occurs where a high density image is formed on the entire surface of the recording sheet. After that, the recording sheet 3 is conveyed in the direction D6 by a kick-out roller 35 and is ejected to an ejection tray 39.
Reference numeral 34 denotes a facedown ejection portion. The facedown ejection portion 34 is constructed to be rotatable centering around a supporting member 36. If the facedown ejection portion 34 is made open, the recording sheet 3 is ejected in the direction D7. With the facedown ejection portion 34 closed, a rib 37 is formed along the conveyance path at the back so that conveyance of the recording sheet 3 is guided along with the recording sheet conveyance drum 33.
Reference numeral 38 is a drive source. In Embodiment 1, a stepping motor is employed. The drive source 38 drives the peripheries of the respective development stations 2Y through 2K including the sheet feeding roller 18, resist roller 19, pinch roller 20, photosensitive bodies 8Y through 8K and transfer roller 16 (Refer to
Reference numeral 41 denotes a controller, which receives image data from a computer (not illustrated), etc., via an external network, develops printable image data and generates the same. As described in detail later, the controller CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the controller 41 is light quantity correcting means that receives measurement data of light quantity of organic electroluminescent elements being light-emitting elements from the exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K and generates light quantity correction data, and at the same time, is also light quantity setting means for setting the light quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements based on the light quantity correction data.
Reference numeral 42 denotes an engine control portion. The engine control portion 42 controls the hardware and the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1, forms a color image on the recording sheet 3 based on image data and light quantity correction data, which are transmitted from the controller 41, and at the same time carries out entire control of the image forming apparatus 1, including temperature control of the heating roller 24 of the fixer 23 described above.
Reference numeral 43 denotes a power source portion. The power source portion 43 supplies power of predetermined voltage to the exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K, drive source 38, controller 41 and engine control portion 42, and further supplies power to the heating roller 24 of the fixer 23. A so-called high voltage system such as electrification potential to electrify the surface of the photosensitive body 8, development bias applied to the development sleeve (Refer to
A power source monitoring portion 44 is included in the power source portion 43, which is devised so as be able to monitor at least the power source voltage supplied to the engine control portion 42 and the output voltage of the power source portion 43. The monitoring signal is detected by the engine control portion 42, by which turning-off of the power source switch, a lowering in power source voltage, which may occur during electrical failure, and in particular, output abnormality of the high voltage power source are detected.
With respect to the image forming apparatus constructed as described above, a description is given of the operations thereof with reference to
In the following description,
First, a description is given of an initialization operation when the power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.
When the power source is turned on, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the engine control portion 42 executes error check of electrical resources, which constitute the image forming apparatus 1, that is, writable and readable registers and memories. As the error check is completed, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) starts rotation of the drive source 38. As described above, the peripheries of the respective development stations 2Y through 2K including the sheet feeding roller 18, resist roller 19, pinch roller 20, photosensitive bodies 8Y through 8K and transfer roller 16, and the fixer 23, recording sheet conveyance drum 33, and kick-out roller 35 are driven by the drive source 38. However, immediately after the power source is turned on, the electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated) for transmitting a drive force to the sheet feeding roller 18 and the resist roller 19 related to conveyance of the recording sheet 3 is immediately turned off and is controlled so that the recording sheet 3 is not conveyed.
Hereinafter, a description is given mainly based on
The stirring paddles 7a and 7b and development sleeve 10 of the development station 2 begin rotating in line with rotation of the drive source 38 (Refer to
The engine control CPU (not illustrated) turns on the electrifier 9 by controlling the power source portion 43 (Refer to
As has been already described, the power source portion 43 (Refer to
At the end of the series of initialization operations or at other predetermined timings as will be described later, an engine control CPU 91 (Refer to
As will be described later, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes the exposure apparatus 13 in which a light-emitting element row having a plurality of light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements) formed in a row is provided and forms an image by exposing the photosensitive body 8 being an image carrier by means of the exposure apparatus 13, wherein the image forming apparatus 1 includes means (the controller CPU incorporated in the above-described controller 41) for setting the light quantity of the light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements) and means (the light quantity sensor incorporated in the above-described exposure apparatus 13) for measuring the light quantity of the light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements).
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes: an exposure apparatus 13 in which a light-emitting element row having a plurality of light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements) formed in a row is provided; a photosensitive body 8 on which a latent image is formed by the exposure apparatus 13; and means (the development sleeve 10 that composes the development station 2) for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive body 8 and making the same into an actually visible image. And, as will be described in detail later, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes: means (the controller CPU incorporated in the controller 41) for setting the light quantity of the light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements) and means (the light quantity sensor incorporated in the above-described exposure apparatus 13) for measuring the light quantity of the light-emitting elements (organic electroluminescent elements).
The organic electroluminescent elements, which act as an exposure light source and compose the exposure apparatus 13, are caused to be lit at a predetermined timing described later, and the light quantity is measured, wherein even if the light quantity, that is, the exposure light quantity to the photosensitive body 8 is corrected, no toner is adhered to the photosensitive body 8, and there is no case where the toner is wasted. Further, there is no case where toner is adhered to the transfer roller 16 brought into contact with the photosensitive body 8 and rotating along therewith, and the toner adhered to the transfer roller 16 is further adhered to the rear side of the recording sheet 3 in image formation that is carried out, following the initialization operation, wherein the recording sheet 3 is not contaminated.
In the light quantity correction, it is preferable that the development bias applied to the development sleeve 10 is turned off with respect to the region of the photosensitive body 8 exposed when a region, of the photosensitive body 8, exposed by lighting the organic electroluminescent elements approaches the development sleeve 10, and passes through a so-called development region, that is, in the period of measurement for measuring the light quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively prevent toner from being adhered to the photosensitive body 8.
Next, subsequently referring to
As image information is transmitted externally to the controller 41, the controller 41 develops the image information in an image memory (not illustrated) as, for example, binary image data that can be used for printing. As development of the image data is completed, the controller CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the controller 41 issues a start request to the engine control portion 42. The start request is received by the engine control CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the engine control portion 42. The engine control CPU (not illustrated) that has received the start request immediately drives the drive source 38 and starts preparation of image formation.
As the preparation of image formation has been completed through the above-described process, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the engine control portion 42 causes the sheet feeding roller 18 to rotate by controlling the electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated) and starts conveyance of the recording sheet 3. The sheet feeding roller 18 is, for example, a semi-circular roller in which the entire periphery is partially notched.
The sheet feeding roller 18 conveys the recording sheet 3 in the direction of the resist roller 19, and at the same time, stops its rotation after it turns one time. When the leading end of the conveyed recording sheet 3 is detected by the recording sheet passage detection sensor 21, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) controls the electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated) with a predetermined delay term provided, and causes the resist roller 19 to turn. In line with rotation of the resist roller, the recording sheet 3 is supplied to the recording sheet conveyance path 5.
The engine control CPU (not illustrated) independently controls the writing timing of electrostatic latent images by means of the respective exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K, respectively, starting from the rotation start timing of the resist roller 19. Since the writing timing of electrostatic latent images directly influences color shifts in the image forming apparatus 1, the writing timing is not issued directly by the engine control CPU (not illustrated). In detail, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) presets the writing timings of electrostatic latent images by respective exposure apparatuses 13 in a timer which is hardware (not illustrated), and simultaneously starts a timer operation corresponding to the respective exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K, starting from the rotation of the above-described resist roller 19. As the preset time elapses, the timer outputs an image data transmission request to the controller 41.
The controller CPU (not illustrated) of the controller 41 that has received an image data transmission request independently transmits binary image data to the respective exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K in synchronization with the timing signals (clock signal, line synchronization signal, etc.) generated by the timing generation portion (not illustrated) of the controller 41. Thus, the binary image data are transmitted to the exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K, and turning-on and turning-off of the organic electroluminescent elements, which constitute the exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K are controlled based on the binary image data, wherein the photosensitive bodies 8Y through 8K corresponding to respective colors are exposed.
A latent image formed by exposure is made into an actual visible image by toner included in the development agent 6 supplied onto the development sleeve 10 as shown in
Where images to be formed are over a plurality of pages, after the engine control CPU (not illustrated) detects the trailing end of the recording sheet 3 of the first page by the recording sheet passage detection sensor 21, the engine control CPU (not illustrated) temporarily stops rotation of the resist roller 19 and starts conveyance of the next recording sheet 3 by rotating the sheet feeding roller 18 after a predetermined period of time elapses, and feeds the recording sheet 3 of the next page to the recording sheet conveyance path 5 by further starting rotation of the resist roller 19 again after a predetermined period of time further elapses. Thus, where images are formed over a plurality of pages based on the timing control of turning-on and turning-off of rotation of the resist roller 19, it is possible to set the time between recording sheets 3. The time between sheets differs depending on the specification of the image forming apparatus 1. However, there are many cases where the time is generally set to approximately 500 ms. As a matter of course, a normal image formation operation is not carried out for the period of time between sheets (that is, exposure operation is not carried out on the photosensitive body 8 by the exposure apparatus 3).
Organic electroluminescent elements acting as light-emitting elements are formed on the plane A of the glass substrate 50 at the resolution of 600 dpi (dot/inch) in the perpendicular direction of the drawing (in the main scanning direction). Reference numeral 51 denotes a lens array in which a bar lens (not illustrated) composed of plastic or glass is disposed in a row, and the lens array 51 guides emission light of the organic electroluminescent elements formed on the plane A of the glass substrate 50 to the surface of the photosensitive body 8 as an erect image of equal magnification. The positional relationship between the glass substrate 50, lens array 51 and photosensitive body 8 is adjusted so that one focus of the lens array 51 is located on the plane A of the glass substrate 50, and the other focus thereof is located on the surface of the photosensitive body 8. That is, where it is assumed that the distance from the plane A to the side of the lens array 51 nearer to the plane A is L1, and the distance from the other side of the lens array 51 to the surface of the photosensitive body 8 is L2, these components are set so as to ensure L1=L2.
Reference numeral 52 denotes a relay substrate having electronic circuits formed on, for example, glass epoxy substrate. Reference numeral 53a denotes a connector A, and 53b denotes a connector B. At least the connectors B 53a and B 53b are mounted in the relay substrate 52. The relay substrate 52 once relays, via the connector B 53b, image data, light quantity correction data and other control signals supplied externally to the exposure apparatus 13 by a cable 56 such as, for example, a flexible flat cable, and transmits these signals to the glass substrate 50.
Since it is difficult to directly mount connectors on the surface of the glass substrate 50 if the bonding strength and the reliability in various environments are taken into consideration, in Embodiment 1, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) is employed as means for connecting the connector A 53a of the relay substrate 52 to the glass substrate 50, wherein bonding of the glass substrate 50 and the FPC is carried out by, for example, ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film), and the connector A 53a is directly connected to, for example, an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide: Tin-doped indium oxide) formed on the glass substrate 50 in advance.
On the other hand, the connector B 53b connects the exposure apparatus 13 to an external unit. Generally, although there are many cases where connection based on ACF brings about a problem in the bonding strength, it is possible to secure sufficient strength in the interface to which a user directly accesses, by providing the connector B 53b, by which the user connects the exposure apparatus 13, on the relay substrate 52.
Reference numeral 54a denotes a casing A, which is molded by bending or folding, for example, a metallic plate. An L-shaped portion 55 is formed at the side, of the casing A 54a, opposed to the photosensitive body 8, and the glass substrate 50 and the lens array 51 are disposed along the L-shaped portion 55. By employing such a structure in which the end face at the photosensitive body 8 side of the casing A 54a and the end face of the lens array 51 are made flush with each other, and furthermore, one end portion of the glass substrate 50 is supported by the casing A 54a, it becomes possible to accurately match the positional relationship established by the glass substrate 50 and the lens array 51 if the molding accuracy of the L-shaped portion 55 is secured. It is preferable that the casing A 54a is composed of metal because the dimensional accuracy is thus required for the casing A 54a. Also, if the casing A 54a is made of metal, it is possible to inhibit influence of noise upon electronic components such as a control circuit formed on the glass substrate 50 and IC chips mounted on the surface of the glass substrate 50.
Reference numeral 54b is a casing B obtained by molding resin. A notched portion (not illustrated) is provided in the vicinity of the connector B 53b of the casing B 54b, wherein a user can access the connector B 53b through the notched portion. Image data, light quantity correction data, control signals such as a clock signal and line synchronization signal, drive power of the control circuit, and drive power of organic electroluminescent elements being the light-emitting element are given from the controller 41 (Refer to
a) is an upper plan view of the glass substrate 50 pertaining to the exposure apparatus 13 in the image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention, and
In
Reference numeral 58 denotes a drive control portion that receives binary image data, light quantity correction data, and control signals such as a clock signal and a line synchronization signal, which are supplied externally of the glass substrate 50, and controls drive of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 based on these signals. The drive control portion includes interface means for receiving these signals externally of the glass substrate 50 and an IC chip (source driver 61) for controlling drive of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 based on the control signals received by the interface means.
Reference numeral 60 denotes an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) acting as interface means for connecting the connector A 53a of the relay substrate 52 to the glass substrate 50, and is directly connected to a circuit pattern (not illustrated) secured on the glass substrate 50 without any connector interposed therebetween. As has already been described, binary image data, light quantity correction data and control signals such as a clock signal, a line synchronization signal, etc., drive power of the control circuits, and drive power of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 being the light-emitting elements, which are supplied externally to the exposure apparatus 13, are supplied to the glass substrate 50 via the FPC 60 after once passing through the relay substrate 52 shown in
Reference numeral 63 denotes an organic electroluminescent element, and becomes the exposure light source in the exposure apparatus 13. In Embodiment 1, 5120 organic electroluminescent elements 63 are formed to be row-shaped at a resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction, and individual organic electroluminescent elements are independently controlled for turning-on and turning-off by the TFT circuit described later.
Reference numeral 61 denotes a source driver supplied as an IC chip to control drive of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, and is mounted on the glass substrate by a flip chip. By taking into consideration that the source driver 61 is mounted on the glass surface, a bare chip article of the source driver 61 is employed. Power, control-related signals such as a clock signal, a line synchronization signal, and light quantity correction data of 8 bits are supplied externally of the exposure apparatus 13 to the source driver 61 via the FPC 60. The source driver 61 is means for setting drive current for the organic electroluminescent elements 63. In further detail, it is means for correcting the light quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 and means for setting the light quantity. Based on the light quantity correction data generated by the controller CPU (not illustrated) incorporated in the controller 41 (Refer to
In the glass substrate 50, the bonded portion of the FPC 60 and the source driver 61 are connected to each other via a circuit pattern (not illustrated) of, for example, ITO having metal formed on the surface thereof, and light quantity correction data and control signals such as a clock signal, a line synchronization signal, etc., are inputted into the source driver 61 being the drive current setting means via the FPC 60. Thus, the FCP 60 that operates as the interface means and the source driver 61 that operates as the drive parameter setting means compose the drive control portion 58.
Reference numeral 62 denotes a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) circuit formed on the glass substrate 50. The TFT circuit 62 includes a gate controller (not illustrated) for controlling the timing of turning-on and turning-off of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 such as a shift register and a data latch portion, etc., and a drive circuit (not illustrated and hereinafter called a pixel circuit) for supplying a drive current to the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63, and at the same time, includes a switching circuit (selection signal generation circuit 140) for turning on and off a light quantity sensor 57 described later. The pixel circuits are provided one by one for the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63, and are arranged parallel to the light-emitting element row formed by the organic electroluminescent elements 63. A drive current value to drive individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 is set in the pixel circuits.
Power, control signals such as a clock signal, a line synchronization signal, etc., and binary image data are supplied externally of the exposure apparatus 13 to the gate controller (not illustrated), which constitutes the TFT circuit 62, via the FPC 60, and the gate controller (not illustrated) controls the timing to turn on and off the individual light-emitting elements based on the power and these signals. A detailed description is given later of operations of the gate controller and the pixel circuit (neither being illustrated), using the drawings. In addition, a description is given later of the configuration at the sensor side of the TFT circuit 62.
Reference numeral 64 denotes sealing glass. If influence due to moisture is given to the organic electroluminescent elements 63, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are subjected to chronological shrinkage of the light-emitting region, and non-light-emitting region (dark spots) occurs in the light-emitting region, wherein the light-emitting characteristics thereof remarkably deteriorate. Therefore, sealing is required to shut out moisture. In Embodiment 1, a solid sealing method by which the sealing glass 64 is adhered to the glass substrate 50 by an adhesive agent is employed. Generally, it is necessary that a sealing region of approximately 2000 cm is secured in the sub-scanning direction from the light-emitting element row composed by the organic electroluminescent elements 63. Therefore, 2000 μm is secured as sealing allowance in Embodiment 1.
Reference numeral 57 denotes a light quantity sensor formed on the upper surface (in
In Embodiment 1, the organic electroluminescent elements 63, TFT circuit 62, and light quantity sensors 57 are integrated and formed as a poly-silicon monolithic device. That is, since the light transmittance of low-temperature polysilicon, which constitutes the TFT circuit 62, is comparatively high, light quantity sensors 57 corresponding to the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 can be located adjacent to the TFT circuit 62 and can be buried even if a so-called bottom emission configuration that picks up exposure light from the glass substrate 50 side is employed. In this case, the light quantity sensors are formed on the entire surface right below the light-emitting plane with respect to the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63, or may be formed so as to correspond to a part thereof.
Output of a plurality of light quantity sensors 57 is inputted into the source driver 61 already described, by wiring (not illustrated). The output, described later, of the light quantity sensors (that is, the light quantity sensor output) is subjected to voltage conversion by a charge accumulation method in the source driver 61, and is analog-digitally converted after it is amplified at a predetermined amplification ratio. The digitally converted data (hereinafter called light quantity measurement data) are outputted externally of the exposure apparatus 3 via the FPC 60, relay substrate 52 and cable 56 (For both, refer to
In
Reference numeral 83 denotes a controller CPU that controls operations of the controller 41 based on programs stored in a ROM 84. Reference numeral 85 denotes a RAM that is used as a work area of the controller CPU 83, and temporarily stores image information and print job information, which are received via the network interface 82.
Reference numeral 86 denotes an image processing portion that carries out image processes (for example, an image development process, a color correction process, an edge correction process, a screen generation process, etc.) page by page based on the image information and print job information, which are transmitted from the computer 80, generates printable binary image data, and further stores the binary image data in the image memory 65 page by page.
Reference numeral 66 denotes a light quantity correction data memory composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory such as, for example, EEPROM.
Hereinafter, using
As shown in
First, a description is given of data DD[0] through DD[5119] stored in the first area, using
The exposure apparatus 13 already described (Refer to
Furthermore, a two-dimensional exposure amount distribution of the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 on the image plane position of the photosensitive body 8 (Refer to
Where the light-emitting regions of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are equal to each other, and the light emitting quantity distributions in the light-emitting planes are equal to each other, and normal development conditions are assumed, the above-described sectional area of the latent image is almost proportional to the exposure amount. Further, [the light quantity (of emitting light) when the exposure time is fixed] and [the exposure amount] have the same meaning. Also, since generally the light emitting quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is proportional to the drive current value (that is, the setting value to the pixel circuit), it is possible to calculate and obtain the setting value to the pixel circuit (that is, (the setting data to the source driver 61 as described above), by which the areas of the latent images by the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 are fixed, by once measuring the light emitting quantity of the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 with the drive current setting made into the same in all the pixel circuits.
The setting data, thus obtained, to the source driver 61 are stored in the first area of the light quantity correction data memory 66. The quantity thereof is equal to the quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 that constitutes the exposure apparatus 13 as described above. (That is, the quantity is 5120 data which are equal to the quantity of the pixel circuits). Thus, the first area of the light quantity correction data memory 66 stores [the setting value of the source driver 61 by which the sectional area of latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status are made equal.
Next, a description is given of data ID[0] through ID[5119], which are stored in the second area, using
The fixture acquires the light quantity measurement data of 8 bits based on the output of the light quantity sensor 57 (Refer to
It is necessary that the drive conditions of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when acquiring the ID[n] by means of the fixture are equal to those when measuring the light quantity. As will be described later, in Embodiment 1, a lighting period of 300 ms in total is given by applying 350 μs of one-line period (raster period) of the image forming apparatus 1 a plurality of times.
Data stored in the first area and the second area are thus acquired in the production process of the exposure apparatus 13, and these data are written in the light quantity correction data memory by electric communications means (not illustrated).
Next, a description is given of data ND[0] through ND[5119] stored in the third area, using
The image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes light quantity correcting means (light quantity correction portion) {controller CPU 83 (Refer to FIG. 5)} for roughly equally correcting respective light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 based on the measurement results by the light quantity sensor 57 operating as the light quantity measuring means, and the light quantity setting means (similarly, the controller CPU 83) sets the light quantities of the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 for forming an image, based on the output of the light quantity correcting means. The light quantity setting values, that is, the light quantity correction data, of the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 for forming an image by the controller CPU 83 that is the light quantity correcting means, are written in the third area.
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, it has already been described that the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 which constitute the exposure apparatus 13 are measured at a predetermined timing described later when starting the initialization operation of the image forming apparatus 1, starting image formation therein, between sheets, and when completing the image formation. The controller CPU 83 generates light quantity correction data based on the light quantity measurement data measured at these points of time, [the set data of the source driver 61 to make equal the sectional areas of the latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status] stored in the first area in the production process of the exposure apparatus 13, and [the light quantity measurement data when the sectional areas of the latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status are made equal to each other] stored in the second area of the production process of the exposure apparatus 13 as well. That is, the controller CPU 83 functions as a light quantity correction portion for correcting the light quantity of the corresponding element with reference to the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, which are detected by the light quantity sensors 57.
Hereinafter, although a description is given of the contents of calculation of the light quantity correction data by the controller CPU 83, the description is based on the assumption that the light quantity in measuring the light quantity is made equal to the light in forming an image in order to make the point of the present invention clear.
Where it is assumed that [the set data of the source driver 61 to make equal the sectional areas of the latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status] stored in the first area is DD[n], [the light quantity measurement data when the sectional areas of the latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status are made equal to each other] stored in the second area is ID[n], and the light quantity measurement data newly measured in the initialization operation, etc., is PD[n], new light quantity measurement data ND[n] written in the third area is generated by the controller CPU 83 based on (Expression 1). Also, although the light quantity measurement data ID[n] corresponds to the light quantity of the measured organic electroluminescent element, the light quantity correction data ND[n] corresponds to the current value flowing into individual elements established in the source driver 61.
ND[n]=DD[n]×ID[n]/PD[n] (where n means the number of individual organic electroluminescent elements in the main scanning direction). [Expression 1]
The light quantity correction data ND[n] thus generated are once written in the third area of the light quantity correction data memory 66 (Refer to
The light quantity measurement data are subjected to potential conversion by a charge accumulation method in the source driver 61. The charge accumulation method is effective to increase the SN ratio. However, since the output (current value) of the light quantity sensor 57 (Refer to
Subsequently, returning to
Reference numeral 88 denotes a buffer memory. The binary image data stored in the image memory 65 and the above-described light quantity correction data are once stored in the buffer memory 88 when being transmitted to the engine control portion 42. The buffer memory 88 is composed of a so-called dual port RAM in order to absorb a difference between the data transmission rate from the image memory 65 to the buffer memory 88 and the data transmission rate from the buffer memory 88 to the engine control portion 42.
Reference numeral 87 denotes a printer interface. The page-by-page binary image data stored in the image memory 65 and the light quantity correction data are transmitted to the engine control portion 42 via the printer interface 87 in synchronization with a clock signal and a line synchronization signal, which are generated by the timing generation portion 67.
In
Reference numeral 91 denotes an engine control CPU, which controls an operation for image formation in the image forming apparatus 1 based on programs stored in a ROM 92. Reference numeral 93 denotes a RAM that is used as a work area when the engine control CPU 91 operates. Reference numeral 94 denotes a so-called rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 94 stores, for example, information regarding the life of components such as rotation hours (time) of the photosensitive body 8 of the image forming apparatus 1 and operation hours (time) of the fixer 23 thereof, etc.
Reference numeral 95 denotes a serial interface. Information from sensor groups such as the recording sheet passage detection sensor 21 (Refer to
On the other hand, control signals for the actuator group 96 such as an electromagnetic clutch (not illustrated) to control start and stop of the sheet feeding roller 18 and the drive source 38 (for both, refer to
Reference numeral 98 denotes an operation panel connected to the serial interface 95. Instructions that a user carries out in the operation panel 98 are recognized by the engine control CPU 98 via the serial interface 95. Also, Embodiment 1 has an operation panel operating as instruction inputting means used for inputting instructions of a user. Based on inputs into the operation panel 98, the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 that constitute the exposure apparatus 13 may be measured to correct the light quantity. It is, as a matter of course, possible for the instructions to be given externally of computer via the controller 41. As a detailed use case, a case may be assumed where image quality is at attempted to be secured by a user forcibly executing correction of the light quantity when the user finds unevenness in density on printed surfaces, for example, when a large amount of prints are carried out. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state, a user can give an instruction for forced light quantity correction at any time, and if image formation is temporarily held by shifting the image forming apparatus 1 to an off-line status even during forming images, it is possible for the user to give an instruction for correction of light quantity.
In any case, if a request for correction of light quantity is inputted from the operation panel 98 operating as instruction means, the engine control CPU 91 starts drive of components of the image forming apparatus 1 and outputs a request of preparation of dummy image information for correction of light quantity to the controller 41 as described in [Initialization operation]. Based on the request, the controller CPU 83 incorporated in the controller 41 prepares dummy image information for correction of light quantity, and based thereon, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 that constitute the exposure apparatus 13 is controlled for lighting. At this time, the light quantities of the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 are detected by the light quantity sensors 57 secured in the exposure apparatus 13 described above, and the light quantities are corrected based on the detection results of the light quantities so that the light quantities of the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 are made roughly equal to each other.
Next, a detailed description is given of operations for measuring the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, using
Correction of the light quantities is carried out at the time of initialization operation immediately after starting the image forming apparatus 1, before starting printing, between sheets, after starting printing, and at the timing instructed by a user as will be described later. However, a description is given, for simplification, of a case where measurement of light quantity is executed at the time of initialization operation of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 is constructed so as to enable formation of full-color images. As has already been described, the image forming apparatus 1 has exposure apparatuses 13Y through 13K (Refer to
Since the engine control portion 42 manages an image formation operation in the image forming apparatus 1, the sequence of correcting the light quantities is started by the engine control CPU 91 of the engine control portion 42. First, the engine control CPU 91 outputs a request for preparing dummy image information different from the regular binary image data pertaining to image formation.
The engine control portion 42 is connected to the controller 41 by a bi-directional serial interface (not illustrated), wherein it is possible to transmit and receive a request command and acknowledgement (response information) therebetween. The request of preparing dummy image information issued by the engine control CPU 91 is outputted from the controller interface 90 to the controller 41 via the bus 99 using the bi-directional serial interface (not illustrated).
Based on the request, the controller CPU 83 incorporated in the controller 41 directly prepares dummy image information, that is, binary image data used for measurement of the light quantities in the image memory 65. Further, the controller CPU 83 reads [the setting value of the source driver 61 by which the sectional area of latent images formed by the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the default status are made equal] DD[n] (n: 0 through 5119), which is stored in the first area (Refer to
Here, the engine control CPU 91 of the engine control portion 42 that has received the above-described response information immediately sets a writing timing to the exposure apparatus 13. That is, the engine control CPU 91 sets a writing timing of electrostatic latent images by the exposure apparatus 13 in a timer being hardware (not illustrated), and starts the operation of the timer upon receiving the response information (The function originally determines starting timing for each of the colors of a plurality of exposure apparatuses 13. Such strict setting of timing is not required for measurement of light quantities, wherein the timer may be set to 0). The timer outputs a request of transmitting image data to the controller 41 when a preset time elapses. The controller 41 that has received the request of transmitting image data transmits the binary image data to the exposure apparatus 13 in synchronization with the timing signal (clock signal, line synchronization signal, etc.) generated in the timing generation portion 67 via the controller interface 90. Simultaneously therewith, the setting value of the light quantities, which has already been written in the image memory 62, is transmitted to the exposure apparatus 13 in synchronization with the above-described timing signal.
Thus, the binary image data transmitted in synchronization with the timing are inputted into the TFT circuit 62 of the exposure apparatus 13, and simultaneously the setting value of light quantities are inputted into the source driver 61 of the exposure apparatus 13. In the exposure apparatus 13, lighting and light-out of the corresponding organic electroluminescent element 63 are controlled based on the inputted binary image data, that is, the ON/OFF information. And, at this time, the light quantities of the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 are measured by the light quantity sensor 57.
As described above, the lighting of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is controlled, and the light quantities thereof are measured by the light quantity sensor 57. Output (analog current value) of the light quantity sensor 57 is converted to voltage by a charge accumulation method in the source driver 61 and is amplified at a predetermined amplification ratio. After that, the output is subjected to analog-digital conversion, and is outputted from the source driver 61 as the light quantity measurement data (digital data) of 8 bits.
The light quantity measurement data outputted from the source driver 61 are transmitted from the engine control portion 42 to the controller 41 via the controller interface 90, and are received by the controller CPU 83 of the controller 41.
The TFT circuit 62 is broadly divided into the pixel circuit 69 and the gate controller 68. The pixel circuit 69 is provided for the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 one by one, wherein M pixels of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are classified as a group and are provided by N groups on the glass substrate 50.
In Embodiment 1, one group consists of 8 pixels (that is, M=8), wherein the number of groups is 640. Therefore, all the pixels are made into 8×640=5120 pixels. The respective pixel circuits 69 have a driver portion 70 that supplies a current to the organic electroluminescent element 63 and drives the same, and a so-called current program portion 71 causing a capacitor included therein to store the current value (that is, a drive current value of the organic electroluminescent element 63) supplied by a driver when controlling the lighting of the organic electroluminescent element 63, wherein it is possible to drive the organic electroluminescent element 63 at a fixed current in response to the programmed drive current value at a predetermined timing.
The gate controller 68 includes a shift register that shifts the inputted binary image data one after another, a latching portion that is provided parallel to the shift register and collectively holds a predetermined number of pixels after they are inputted into the shift register, and a control portion for controlling the operation timing thereof (all thereof not illustrated). The binary image data (image information converted by the controller 41 when forming an image and dummy image information converted by the controller 41 when measuring the light quantity) are passed from the controller 41 to the gate controller 68, and the gate controller 68 outputs SCAN_A and SCAN_B signals based on the binary image data, that is, ON/OFF information, and thereby controls the period of turning on and turning off the organic electroluminescent element 63 connected to the pixel circuit 69 and the timing of the current program period by which the drive current is set.
On the other hand, the source driver 61 internally includes D/A converters of the quantity (640 converters in Embodiment 1) corresponding to the group number N of the organic electroluminescent elements 63. The source driver 61 sets the drive currents corresponding to the individual organic electroluminescent elements 63 based on the light quantity correction data of 8 bits supplied via the FPC 60.
In Embodiment 1, one line period (raster period) of the exposure apparatus 13 is set to 350 μs, and ⅛ (43.77 μs) of one line period is shared as a program period for setting a drive current value for a capacitor formed in the current program portion 71.
First, the gate controller 68 (Refer to
When the program period is completed, the gate controller 68 (Refer to
On the other hand, when the program period with regard to the pixel circuit having a pixel number=1 shown in
Thus, the gate controller 68 (Refer to
Next, in order to obtain light quantity measurement data, a detailed description is given of a configuration of the light quantity sensor 57 and its periphery member, and of an operation for acquiring light quantity measurement data.
In Embodiment 1, as described above, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are disposed by 5120 pieces in a row in the main scanning direction at a resolution of 600 dpi. And, 5120 light quantity sensors 57 that are of the same quantity as that of the corresponding organic electroluminescent elements are formed. The respective light quantity sensors 57 (Sensor pixel circuits 130 including a light quantity sensor: Refer to
The selection signal generation circuit 140 receives an instruction to drive the sensor from the controller 41 at predetermining timing, and outputs a sensor drive signal to a selection transistor 132 of the respective sensor pixel circuits 130. The selection signal generation circuit 140 outputs a sensor drive signal to the respective sensor pixel circuits 130 in response to time series. However, for example, the generation circuit 140 is generally composed by allotting an output circuit consisting of two series of shift registers (D type flip flop connection) and one three-input ΔND circuit to each of the sensor pixel circuits. Such a configuration is similar to a normal selection signal generation circuit.
And, in Embodiment 1, one sensor group 120 is composed of 16 light quantity sensors 57. As illustrated, the respective light quantity sensors 57 in the respective groups are given sensor element numbers 1 through 16 in the same group. Further, in Embodiment 1, the sensor group sets disposed in the main scanning direction are categorized by 16 sensor groups of groups 1a through group 1p in the main scanning direction. And, the groups to which the same alphabetic letters are given in the respective categories are connected to the same driver line RoX. For example, groups 1a, 2a, . . . 20a (20 groups in total) are connected to the driver line Ro1, and the groups 1p, 2p, . . . 20p are connected to the driver line Ro16.
The respective driver lines RoX are connected to charge amplifiers 150 secured in the source driver 61 as shown in
Using the configuration shown in
(1) First, the light quantity measurement data from all the light quantity sensors connected to the driver line Ro1 are read. That is, the light quantity measurement data are read in the order of groups 1a, 2a, . . . and 20a. In terms of the selection lines, the sequence will be Sel1, Sel2, . . . . Sel6, Sel257, Sel258 . . . . Sel4864, Sel4865 . . . . Sel4879, Sel4880. Based on the sequence, the sensor drive signal from the selection signal generation circuit 140 is turned on.
(2) The above-described reading (1) is carried out in all the driver lines RoX at the same time. That is, the above-described reading is carried out in parallel at the same time via all the driver lines Ro1 through Ro16. The light quantity measurement data corresponding to all the sensor elements, that is, for all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are thereby read.
In
The respective selection line SelX is connected to the light quantity sensor 57, the capacitor 131 is connected to the corresponding light quantity sensor 57 in parallel and composing a capacitance element, and the sensor pixel circuit 130 composed of the selection transistor 132 for switching, is connected to the light quantity sensor 57 and the capacitor 131 in series. The selection transistor 132 composes a switching circuit of the light quantity sensor along with the selection signal generation circuit 140. The selection SelX is connected to the selection transistor 132, the sensor drive signals composed of ON and OFF signals outputted from the selection signal generation circuit 140 is inputted into the selection transistor 132, and the selection transistor 132 carries out ON and OFF operations in response to the corresponding drive signals.
And, 20 sensor groups of 120 in total (group number 1 through 20), in other words, 320 sensor pixel circuits in total (16×20) are connected to one driver line RoX, and the respective driver lines RoX are connected to a charge amplifier 150 provided in the source driver 61. The charge amplifier 150 is composed of an amplifier 151, a capacitor 152 to compose a capacitance element, and a charge/discharge selection transistor 153. Further, the amplifier 151 of the charge amplifier 150 is connected to an analog/digital converter (AC) 160 provided in the source driver 61. The charge amplifier 150 constitutes a sensor drive circuit in cooperation with the capacitor 131 of the sensor pixel circuit 130.
That is, in the above-described sequence (1), the timing chart corresponds to a timing chart of a reading operation of the light quantity measurement data carried out in each of the respective light quantity sensors 57. As described above, the light quantity output that will be the foundation of the light quantity measurement data is subjected to potential conversion by a charge accumulation method in the source driver 61, and furthermore, is generated by being analog-digitally converted after having been amplified at a predetermined amplification ratio. The following timing chart corresponds to the corresponding process.
With regard to the light quantity measurement data based on the outputs of the light quantity sensors 57, charge accumulated in the capacitor 131 in advance is extracted by irradiation of light of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 onto the light quantity sensors to the switching of the selection transistors 132 as shown in the timing chart of
Herein,
First, by receiving an ON signal from the selection signal generation circuit 140 via the selection line SelX at a predetermined timing, the selection transistor 132 is turned on (Refer to
And, when the selection transistor 132 is turned off (Refer to
And, after a preset time elapses in this state, the charge/discharge selection transistor 153 of the charge amplifier 150 is turned off (Refer to
Further, with the turning-off of the charge/discharge selection transistor 153, the selection transistor 132 is turned on (Refer to
After that, the selection transistor 132 is again turned off, where Vro is confirmed. Since the confirmed voltage is read by the analog/digital converter (ADC) 160 in interlock with the reading signal (Refer to
Also, with respect to the time (accumulation time) in which the above steps S2 and S3 are added together, that is, setting of the timing for which the selection transistor 130 is turned on immediately after the charge/discharge selection transistor 153 of the charge amplifier 150 is turned off, it is preferable in view of shortening the standby time of the image printing apparatus that the time is made as short as possible. However, in view of securing a predetermined SN and voltage detection resolution, it is preferable that Vro is made as large as possible. In this case, it is requested that as long an accumulation time as possible is secured. Therefore, the accumulation time is established in view of both of these points. The lighting time and number of times of lighting (Refer to
The initializing process is a process for the image forming apparatus to prepare printing after the power source is turned on. In the initializing process, usually (e) the heating roller begins heating as soon as (a) the power source is turned on. After that, (f) electrification of the surface of the photosensitive body is started by the electrifier as soon as (d) the drive motor (not illustrated) of the photosensitive body is started. Further thereafter, (g) development bias potential VB is applied to the development agent by the development station.
If the organic electroluminescent elements 63 emit light when the steps of (d), (f) and (g) are carried out (turned on), the surface of the photosensitive body exposed by the corresponding light emission will be set to the exposure potential VL, whereby the development agent will be made transmittable onto the photosensitive body. In order to prevent sheets from being contaminated due to the phenomenon, light quantity measurement of the organic electroluminescent elements is not carried out when executing the steps (d), (f) and (g). In the present example, (c) the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are caused to emit light before the steps (d) and (f), and (l) light quantity measurement is carried out. Light quantity measurement in (2) and (5) are executable based on similar reasons.
Light quantity measurement of (3) and (4) is executable during the continuous printing process. In particular, although the steps (d), (f) and (g) are carried out during the period, it is considered that since no recording sheet is fed, light quantity measurement is possible as a rule.
Herein, for example, if the interval between the timings for operations of light quantity measurement is lengthened, a case can be considered where the temperature characteristics at the peripheries of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 greatly differ before and after an operation for measuring light quantities. Since the brightness of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 differs based on the ambient temperature, the light quantities measured may change in response to such a change in the environment. Therefore, if changes in the temperature characteristics increase, changes in the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 also increase. And, the amplitude of fluctuation in the light quantity correction value is increased, wherein a fluctuation in the image density is increased before and immediately after the light quantity correction.
Therefore, an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is provided with a control portion that determines exposure conditions based on the measurement results and the results measured before the measurement by means of a light quantity measurement portion, and controls the image density. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected. Herein, in Embodiment 1, the pixel sensor circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 operate as one example of the light quantity measurement portion, and the controller CPU 83 operates as one example of the control portion, respectively. Hereinafter, a description is given of a detailed example of a method for controlling the image density, that is, a method for adjusting the light quantity correction value in Embodiment 1.
As shown in
Herein, the controller CPU 83 controls the image density by determining the exposure conditions based on determination of the light quantity correction value ND, wherein setting the light quantity correction value ND to the light quantity correction value NDnew means setting to the exposure conditions in which the image density is brought into a predetermined range. However, if the light quantity correction value NDold is greatly deviated from the light quantity correction value NDnew (that is, in a state where the image density is greatly deviated from the predetermined range when the photosensitive body is exposed according to the conditions determined by the light quantity correction value NDold), the image densities before and after the time t1 greatly fluctuate, that is, the image density of the mth image greatly fluctuates from that of the (m+1)th image. Therefore, the controller CPU 83 stepwise varies, from the light quantity correction value NDold, the light quantity correction value ND (the third light quantity correction value) by a predetermined variation value α a plurality of times in the direction of approaching the light quantity correction value NDnew once every printing sheet after the light quantity correction value NDnew is calculated. That is, the controller CPU 83 stepwise varies in the direction, along which the image density approaches the predetermined range, a plurality of times, whereby the light quantity correction can be carried out in response to the light quantity measurement value while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
In addition, it is, as a matter of course, possible that the predetermined variation value α is made into one step of the setting value of the source driver 61 (Refer to
As shown in
And, the controller CPU 83 judges whether the absolute figure |NDnew−NDold| of a difference between the light quantity correction value NDnew and the light quantity correction value NDold is greater than a predetermined threshold value TH (Step S102). Herein, for example, the same value as the variation value α may be used as the threshold value TH.
The absolute figure |NDnew−NDold| is the threshold value TH or less (NO in Step S102), the controller CPU 83 sets the light quantity correction value ND for correcting the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 to the light quantity correction value NDnew (Step S103). Therefore, where it is judged that the fluctuation in image density before and after correction of the light quantities is slight, the light quantity correction value ND is set to the light quantity correction value NDnew calculated based on the latest light quantity measurement value.
On the other hand, where the absolute figure |NDnew−NDold| is greater than the threshold value TH (YES in Step S102), the controller CPU 83 sets the counter of the number k of sheets to be printed after the light quantity correction is calculated, to 1 (Step S104), and the light quantity correction value ND is adjusted based on the following expression (Expression 2).
ND=NDold+α·k [Expression 2]
Also, constant α in (Expression 2) is a variation value (adjustment value) per sheet to be printed of the light correction value ND, and the absolute figure thereof is a predetermined value. Further, if NDnew>NDold, the variation value α is positive, and if NDnew<NDold, the variation value α is negative.
After that, when one sheet is printed (Step S106), the controller CPU 83 judges whether the absolute figure |NDnew−ND| of a difference between the light quantity correction value ND used for the printing and the light quantity correction value NDnew is greater than the threshold value TH (Step S107).
Where the absolute figure |NDnew−ND| is the threshold value TH or less (NO in Step S107), the controller CPU 83 causes the process to advance to Step S103, and sets the light quantity correction value ND to the light quantity correction value NDnew.
On the other hand, where the absolute figure |NDnew−ND| is greater than the threshold value TH (YES in Step S107), the controller CPU 83 adds one to the counter of the number k of sheets to be printed after the light quantity correction is calculated (Step S108). And, the process advances to Step S105, wherein the light quantity correction value ND is updated according to the above-described (Expression 2).
Thus, since the light quantity correction value ND is stepwise varied so as to approach the light quantity correction value NDnew obtained based on the light quantity measurement a plurality of times in response to advancement of a printing operation, it is possible to carry out light quantity correction in response to the light quantity measurement values while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected. In addition, by carrying out the above-described variation once every printed sheet, the correction can be carried out little by little, wherein fluctuations in the image density due to variation of the light quantity correction values can be made inconspicuous.
Further, in the description of
Still further, the absolute value of the variation value α (α in
Still further, in
Herein, even if the image densities are changed more or less where a plurality of pages are continuously printed based on different image data, it is hard for a user to recognize the change and to regard it as a problem. Also, even if the exposure conditions are changed more or less at the time of start of printing, it is also hard for a user to recognize the change in image density. That is, the time when a change in image density is most sensitively recognized is a case where there exists any object for comparison, and excepting a case where an original document exists as in duplication, the results of individual prints in a case where images based on the same image data are continuously printed correspond to such a case.
Therefore, as described with regard to
Furthermore, the controller CPU 83 may set conditions by which the image density is brought into a predetermined range after formation of images based on the same image data is terminated. For example, when, during continuous printing, the printing is changed over from image formation based on the same image data to image formation based on different image data, and when the first page of a next job is printed after a job (that is, a series of printing operation) of forming an image based on the same image data is completed, the conditions by which the exposure conditions are brought into a predetermined range, that is, the light quantity correction value ND may be set to NDnew. Therefore, since the image density is set so as to be brought into a predetermined range when a fluctuation in image density is not conspicuous, for example, after formation of a image based on the same image data is completed, it is possible to quickly obtain a predetermined image density without making a fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
On the contrary, the controller CPU 83 may use the same exposure conditions while forming images based on the same image data over a plurality of pages. In other words, the exposure conditions will be varied page by page during continuously printing based different image data. Therefore, since variation in image density is reserved where a fluctuation in image density is conspicuous, for example, where an image based on the same image data is formed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to carry out image quantity correction without making the fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
Further, both during continuously printing based on the same image data and during continuously printing based on different image data, a variation amplitude in image density, that is, a variation value α of the light quantity correction value, which is different time by time according to a variation in the exposure conditions, may be used. For example, it is assumed that the variation value of the light quantity correction value during continuous printing based on the same image data is α1, and the variation value of the light quantity correction value during continuous printing based on different image data is α2, and α1 is smaller than α2 (that is, α1<α2). That is, the controller CPU 83 will employ, as the variation amplitude of the image density per time, a variation amplitude that is smaller where images based on the same image data are formed over a plurality of pages than where images based on different image data are formed over a plurality of pages. Therefore, since the image density is stepwise varied a plurality of times at a small variation amplitude where a fluctuation in image density is conspicuous, for example, where images based on the same image data are formed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to carry out image quantity correction without making the fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
In addition, since, when carrying out continuous printing, whether printing is based on the same image data is equivalent to whether the same page is printed, the controller CPU 83 that controls print jobs is able to easily judge the same.
However, it has been known that, in organic electroluminescent elements, the light emitting quantity is lowered due to deterioration of the light-emitting layer in line with elapse of the lighting time. It is difficult to consider that such deterioration advances to such a degree, by which the image density is varied, on the way of normal continuous printing operation (a job of printing a plurality of pages). On the other hand, it has also been known that, in the organic electroluminescent elements, the light emitting quantity changes by the environmental temperature thereof. Based thereon, where a change in the light emitting quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is measured by the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150, which are one example of the light quantity measurement portion, while an image forming apparatus is carrying out a printing job, it may be considered that the temperature of the spot where the organic electroluminescent elements 63 (or the exposure apparatus 13) are placed has changed. That is, it is possible that measurement of the light emitting quantity of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 as an exposure light source is almost equivalent to measurement of a change in the ambient temperature. Therefore, it can be considered that the controller CPU 83, which is as one example of the control portion in Embodiment 1, varies the exposure conditions at least page by page (or a plurality of times page by page) based on the results of temperature detection of the organic electroluminescent elements and the results detected before the detection (that is, a change in temperature), and controls the image density.
As has already been described, Embodiment 1 includes the following inventions.
An image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 1 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a control portion for controlling the image density by determining the exposure conditions based on the measurement results and the results measured before the measurement by means of the light quantity measurement portion.
With the construction, since the exposure conditions are determined based on the measurement results of the measured light quantity and the results of the prior measurement when controlling the image density by carrying out light quantity measurement, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
In addition, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 1 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a control portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
Further, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 controls the image density by varying the exposure conditions page by page with regard to one or more pages based on the measurement results and the results of the prior measurement. With the construction, light quantity correction responsive to the results of light quantity measurement can be carried out while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
Also, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 varies the exposure conditions stepwise in the direction along which the image density approaches a predetermined range. With the construction, light quantity correction can be carried out so that a desired image density can be obtained, while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
Further, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 determines amplitude of fluctuation of the image density per time based on a change in the exposure conditions in response to the remaining number of pages to be printed. With the construction, it is possible to set amplitude of fluctuation so that a predetermined image density can be obtained after the remaining number of pages is printed, and to set the period until becoming a predetermined image density while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantity is corrected.
Still further, the control portion varies the exposure condition in the period for which images based on the same image data are formed over a plurality of pages. With the construction, since the image density is stepwise varied toward a predetermined range where a fluctuation in image density is remarkable, that is, where an image based on the same image data is formed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to carry out light quantity correction without making the fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
In addition, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 sets the exposure conditions, after formation of an image based on the same image data is completed, to conditions by which the image density is brought into the predetermined range. With the construction, since the image density is set so as to be brought into a predetermined range when a fluctuation in image density is not conspicuous, for example, after formation of a image based on the same image data is completed, it is possible to quickly obtain a predetermined image density without making a fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
Furthermore, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 uses, with respect to the amplitude of variation of the image density per time based on a variation in the exposure conditions, a smaller amplitude of variation in a case where images based on the same image data are formed over a plurality of pages than in a case where images based on different image data are formed over a plurality of pages. Therefore, since the image density is stepwise varied at a small amplitude of variation a plurality of times where a fluctuation in image density is remarkable, that is, where an image based on the same image data is formed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to carry out light quantity correction without making the fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
Also, the control portion uses the same exposure conditions while images based on the same image data are formed over a plurality of pages. Thereby, since variation in image density is reserved where a fluctuation in image density is conspicuous, for example, where an image based on the same image data is formed over a plurality of pages, it is possible to carry out image quantity correction without making the fluctuation in image density conspicuous.
Further, the control portion according to Embodiment 1 includes a light quantity correction portion for determining the exposure conditions by correcting the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting element with reference to the light quantity measurement value measured by the light quantity measurement portion, wherein the light quantity correction portion includes: a portion for calculating a light quantity correction value based on the light quantity measurement value; and a portion for adjusting the light quantity correction value, which outputs a third light quantity correction value to correct the light quantity of the light-emitting element, based on a first light quantity correction value calculated by the light quantity correction value calculation portion and a second light quantity correction value previously calculated. With the construction, since the light quantity correction values for correcting the light quantity of light-emitting elements are adjusted based on the light quantity correction value calculated based on the light quantity measurement value and the light quantity correction value calculated previously when carrying out light quantity correction, it becomes possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected.
Still further, the light-emitting element is composed of an organic electroluminescent element. By using organic electroluminescent elements, both downsizing and a reduction in costs are enabled, and at the same time, an operation for correcting the light quantities, which becomes important where the organic electroluminescent elements are used as light-emitting elements, can be carried out while preventing the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected.
Also, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is a method having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes the steps of: measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and controlling the image density by determining exposure conditions based on the measurement results of the measured light quantity and the results of the prior measurement. According to this method, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected.
In addition, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is a method having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier. The method includes the steps of: measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results of the measured light quantity. According to this method, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected.
The methods for controlling an image forming apparatus described above can be proposed as control programs of the image forming apparatus, which execute respective steps. With the programs, since, when controlling the image density by carrying out light quantity measurement, the exposure conditions are determined based on the measurement results of the measured light quantity and the results of the prior measurement, it is possible to prevent the image density from fluctuating immediately after the light quantities are corrected.
Hereinafter, a description is given of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in particular, of the process of light quantity measurement.
In the following description, the constructions of the image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus, and the control portion for controlling image densities, and operations for correcting light quantities are common to those of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.
As has already been described using
Therefore, when a print start instruction is inputted during light quantity measurement operation, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention carries out light quantity measurement, while preventing influence on the printing operation timing, by the control portion varying a procedure of an operation for measuring light quantities made by the light quantity measurement portion. Herein, in Embodiment 2, the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 (both thereof are described in Embodiment 1, and refer to
As shown in
After that, if a print signal that is a print start instruction is inputted externally from time t11 to time t12 before elapse of the period Ta necessary to complete an operation for measuring light quantities, the engine control CPU 91 interrupts the operation for measuring light quantities (
Herein, an external device such as a computer 80 (Refer to
According to Embodiment 2 like this, since the operation for measuring light quantities is interrupted in response to a print start instruction, a printing operation can be immediately started when a print start instruction is inputted, wherein it is possible to measure the light quantities without influencing the timing of the printing operation.
Also in the modified version 1 as in Embodiment 2, when power is inputted at time t10 (
After that, as shown in
According to such a modified version 1 of Embodiment 2, since the operation for measuring light quantities is re-started from the interrupted part thereof after a printing operation is completed, the time required for light quantity measurement is not increased, and it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement without influencing the timing of the printing operation.
As in Embodiment 2 and in the modified version 2 of Embodiment 2, if the power is inputted at time t10 (
After that, as shown in
Where the period during which a printing operation of time t12 to time t21 is carried out is long, it is considered that a change in the environment such as a temperature occurs around the organic electroluminescent elements 63 before interruption of the operation for measuring light quantities and after re-starting thereof. Since the organic electroluminescent elements 63 will have different brightness in response to the ambient temperature, the light quantities measured in response to such a change in the environment are changed. Therefore, by executing the re-started operation for measuring light quantities from the beginning procedure, the accuracy of light quantity measurement can be improved.
According to such a modified version 2 of Embodiment 2, since the operation for measuring light quantities is started from the beginning procedure after the printing operation is completed, it is possible to accurately carry out light quantity measurement without influencing the printing operation timing.
First, a description is given of a detailed example of the operation for measuring light quantities. A minute current (dark current) flows to the light quantity sensors 57 in the light quantity measurement portion when the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are turned off. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the light quantities, it is preferable that a lighting measurement procedure by which the light quantities are measured with the organic electroluminescent elements 63 turned on, and a light-out measurement procedure by which the light quantities are measured with the organic electroluminescent elements 63 turned off are carried out.
Further, although correction of the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is carried out based on the results of light quantity measurement, in view of accuracy in correction of the light quantities, it is preferable that the procedures of light quantity measurement and light quantity correction are carried out several times.
Therefore, in the examples shown in
As shown in
Next, the engine control CPU 91 (Refer to
Thus, by the nth-time lighting measurement procedure MB(n) being completed, the operation for measuring light quantities is completed at time t44. The period of time t41 through t44 corresponds to the period Ta necessary to complete light quantity measurement. The number n of times of correction may be a predetermined number of times or may be the number of times until a predetermined reference is satisfied (for example, until the light quantity measurement value of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 becomes within a predetermined value or the unevenness in the light quantity measurement value between the organic electroluminescent elements 63 becomes within a predetermined value). Also, the number of times of correction may be variable in response to the timing of light quantity measurement, for example, a plurality of times in the beginning operation shown in
Next, with reference to
If a print signal is inputted while the light-out measurement procedure MD(1) is being carried out at time t42, the engine control CPU 91 carries out an operation for measuring light quantities until the light-out measurement procedure MD(1) is completed, and interrupts the operation for measuring light quantities. That is, the engine control CPU 91 interrupts the operation for measuring light quantities after it continues the operation for measuring light quantities until time t42 without immediately interrupting the operation for measuring light quantities as shown by the arrow E in the drawing. It thereby becomes possible to correct the light quantities using the results of light quantity measurement until interruption.
In addition, the procedure of an operation for measuring light quantities, which is executed after a print signal is inputted, may be executed until the procedure carried out at the timing when a print signal is inputted is completed, or may be determined in advance. For example, it may be determined in advance that the operation for measuring light quantities is carried out without failure until the m(m<n)th time lighting measurement procedure MB or the light-out measurement procedure MD is completed.
Also, as shown by the arrow D in the drawing, the engine control CPU 91 does not start a printing operation at time t42 when a print signal is inputted, and causes a printing operation to stand by until time t43 when the operation for measuring light quantities is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent that the operation for measuring light quantities and the printing operation are actuated at an overlapping timing.
According to such a modified version 3 of Embodiment 2, since the operation for measuring light quantities is interrupted after it is executed to a predetermined procedure, it becomes possible to interrupt the operation for measuring light quantities at a desired timing, for example, in order to secure a desired number of times of light quantity correction. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately carry out the light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the printing operation timing.
First, a description is given of operations when the engine is run in the lighting measurement procedure, with reference to
As shown in
However, since the exposure potential VL is set to −50V with the light, there is a possibility for an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the photosensitive body 8. In this case, a development agent is moved from the development station 2 (in further detail, the development sleeve 10 shown in
This phenomenon is described below using
On the other hand, as shown in
Therefore, where the period Tf of writing operation is shorter than the period Tb of lighting measurement, the lighting operation ELM is carried out during the period between time t51 and time 52 with the engine in operation as shown by diagonal lines in the drawing. That is, since the photosensitive body 8 exposed during the period from time t51 and time t52, a phenomenon occurs resulting from the exposure, by which toner is adhered onto the transfer roller as described above.
Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus according to the modified version 4 of Embodiment 2, as shown in
Further, as shown in
And, the period Tr usually becomes longer than the light-out measurement period Td required for the light-out measurement procedure MD. Therefore, as shown in
According to such a modified version 4 of Embodiment 2, since the engine control CPU 91 starts a printing operation after the lighting measurement procedure MB is terminated, the development agent can be prevented from being adhered to the transfer roller 16, etc. Also, since the light-out measurement procedure MD is carried out until the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are turned on in the printing operation after the printing operation is started, influence on the printing timing can be prevented from occurring, and at the same time, it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement, effectively utilizing the period until lighting of the light-emitting elements in a printing operation since the printing operation is started.
Furthermore, as have already been described using
Also, [light quantity measurement timing] constitutes a part of [light quantity correction timing], which is the timing for measuring the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 before correcting the light quantities. Subsequent preparation of the light quantity correction data may be executable at an optional timing. In addition, in Embodiment 2 and its modified versions, the engine control CPU 91 of the engine control portion 42 (for both, refer to
As described above, Embodiment 2 includes the following inventions.
An image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 2 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a control portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion. The control portion further controls a light quantity measurement operation for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements by means of the light quantity measurement portion, and simultaneously makes the light quantity measurement operation different after a print start instruction is inputted externally. With the construction, since a different light quantity measurement operation is employed in response to a print start instruction, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the printing operation timing.
An image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 2 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes: an instruction inputting portion for receiving an input operation of print start instruction; a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a control portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion. The control portion further controls a light quantity measurement operation for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements by means of the light quantity measurement portion, and simultaneously makes the light quantity measurement operation different after a print start instruction is inputted from the instruction inputting portion. With the construction, since a different light quantity measurement operation is employed in response to a print start instruction inputted from the instruction inputting portion, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the printing operation timing when executing private print, etc.
In addition, in Embodiment 2, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times. The exposure conditions may be varied with a one-time operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the light quantity measurement operation.
Also, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 2 is further provided with a light quantity correction portion for correcting the light quantities of light emitted from the light-emitting elements with reference to the light quantities of light measured by the light quantity measurement portion and emitted from the light-emitting elements. With the construction, it is possible to correct the light quantities of the light-emitting elements based on the results of light quantity measurement carried out while preventing influence on the printing operation timing.
Also, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 interrupts an operation for measuring light quantities when a print start instruction is inputted. With this construction, since the operation for measuring light quantities is interrupted in response to a print start instruction, a printing operation can be started immediately when the print start instruction is inputted, wherein it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement without influencing the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 re-starts the operation for measuring light quantities from the interrupted point after the printing operation is completed. With the construction, since the operation for measuring light quantities can be re-started from the interrupted point after the printing operation is completed, it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement without increasing the time required for light quantity measurement and influencing the timing of the printing operation.
Further, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 starts the operation for measuring light quantities from the beginning operation procedure after the printing operation is completed. With the construction, it is possible to accurately carry out light quantity measurement at all times without influencing the timing of the printing operation.
Still further, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 interrupts an operation for measuring light quantities after the procedure of the operation for measuring light quantities is executed to a predetermined level of the procedure. With the construction, since the operation for measuring light quantities can be interrupted at a predetermined timing, it is possible to appropriately carry out the light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 2 is provided, as operation procedures for an operation for measuring light quantities, a lighting measurement procedure by which the light-emitting elements are lit and the light quantities thereof are measured, and a light-out measurement procedure by which the light-emitting elements are turned off and light quantities thereof are measured. With the construction, since the light quantities with the light-emitting elements lit and lit out are measured, further higher measurement of the light quantities can be carried out.
Also, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 interrupts the operation for measuring light quantities after the light measurement procedure is terminated. With the construction, since the light quantity measurement is carried out at least when the light-emitting elements are lit, it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement with the accuracy maintained to some degree.
Further, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 starts a printing operation after the lighting measurement procedure is terminated. With the construction, it is possible to prevent a development agent from being adhered to the transfer roller, etc., resulting from an image carrier being exposed during the lighting measurement procedure.
Still further, the control portion according to Embodiment 2 starts a light-out measurement procedure until the light-emitting elements are lit in the corresponding printing operation after the printing operation is started. With the construction, it is possible to prevent influence on the printing timing, and at the same time, to carry out light quantity measurements by effectively utilizing the period until the light-emitting elements are lit in a printing operation since start of the printing operation.
Also, the light-emitting elements according to Embodiment 2 are composed of organic electroluminescent elements. With the construction, the production costs are lowered, and it is possible to carry out an operation for correcting light quantity, which will become an important operation where the organic electroluminescent elements are used as the light-emitting elements, with influence given to the timing of the printing operation lowered.
A method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus, for forming an image by exposing an image carrier, having a plurality of light-emitting elements, includes the steps of: measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; making different the action for measuring the light quantities of light emitted from the light-emitting elements after a print start instruction is inputted externally; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results of the measured light quantities. With this method, since different actions for measuring light quantities are employed in response to a print start instruction, light quantity measurement is enabled with influence on the timing of the printing operation prevented.
Also, in Embodiment 2, the step for varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times is not requisite, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the measurement data of light quantities obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
Also, the method for controlling an image forming apparatus described above may be provided as control programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, by which the respective steps are executed. With the programs, since different operations for measuring light quantities are employed in response to the print start instructions, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement with the influence on the timing of the printing operation prevented.
Hereinafter, a description is given of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in particular of the processes of measuring light quantities.
In the following description, the structures of the image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus, and control portion for controlling the image density, and operations for correcting the light quantities are common to those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
As has already been described using
Particularly, as shown at (4) in
Accordingly, an image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 is provide with a light quantity measuring portion for measuring the light quantities of light emitted by light-emitting elements, wherein the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantity of a part of a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined period such as, for example, a non-printing period. Herein, in Embodiment 3, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 operate as one example of the light-emitting elements, the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 (both thereof were described in Embodiment 1, and refer to
As shown in
And, it is necessary that an exposure operation for measuring light quantities is carried out at timing different from the exposure operation for printing. That is, since it is necessary for the exposure operation for measuring light quantities to be carried out in the period excepting at least the printing period T1 (period for exposure to form an image), as shown in
If a print signal is inputted in the period T 11 of print start, the controller 41 (Refer to
Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 carries out operations for measuring light quantities of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63, and can update the light quantity correction value ND used for correction of light quantities in continuous printing whenever printing is started, wherein it is possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity correction when continuous printing is carried out.
Further, depending on an operation continuously carried out after the printing is completed, it is possible to secure a sufficient period to carry out light quantity measurement of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 with respect to the period T12 after completion of printing. Therefore, since the image forming apparatus 1 carries out operations for measuring light quantities of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 by utilizing the period T12, it becomes possible to update the light quantity correction value ND used for light quantity correction in continuous printing whenever the printing operation is carried out, wherein it is possible to improve the accuracy in light quantity correction in continuous printing.
Also, other than the periods T11 and T12, the image forming apparatus 1 may measure the light quantities of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when an instruction for measuring light quantities is inputted by the computer 80 shown in
Now, returning to
And, the controller CPU 83 calculates the light quantity correction value NDb (the second light quantity correction value) for the organic electroluminescent elements 63 for which light quantity measurement has been carried out in the period T12. After that, the controller CPU 83 calculates the light quantity correction value NDc of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 located in the image recording region, as shown in
Next, a description is given of the method for calculating the light quantity correction value NDc with reference to
And, the light quantity correction values NDc regarding the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 can be calculated by NDc[n]=ND[n]+ΔNdave (n is an element number of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 in the main scanning direction). Thereby, it is possible to obtain the light quantity correction values NDc regarding all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 by an estimation based on the light quantity measurement value pertaining to a part of the organic electroluminescent elements 63.
Here, as described above, the light emission brightness of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is dependent on temperature. Therefore, where the temperature in the image forming apparatus 1 rises (changes) as in continuous printing, there may be cases where the tendency responsive to the temperature distribution becomes remarkable with respect to the position in the arraying direction in the light quantity correction value ND that has a correlation with the brightness of the organic electroluminescent elements 63. In this second example, utilizing such a tendency, the controller CPU 83 calculates the light quantity correction values NDc for all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 based on the results of light quantity measurement of a part of the organic electroluminescent elements 63.
First, the controller CPU 83 calculates a difference value ΔNDc[M] described in
Also, in the above-described example, a description was given of the case where the operation for measuring light quantities of a part of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 is carried out in the non-printing period when the continuous printing operation is operated. However, this is not limited to only the continuous printing operation but may be carried out in a predetermined non-printing period and another predetermined period. In addition, the non-printing period is at least a period excepting the period during which an image is formed on the recording sheet 3 by luminescence of the organic electroluminescent elements 63. For example, the non-printing period is not sufficient to carry out an operation for measuring light quantities regarding all the organic electroluminescent elements 63, wherein a non-printing period for which light quantity correction is desired is designated.
Based on the above description, with the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements to form an image are not measured in a predetermined period such as a period defined in advance, and the light quantities of a part thereof are measured, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
As described above, Embodiment 3 has the following inventions.
An image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 3, which has a plurality of light-emitting elements, and forms an image by exposing an image carrier, includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a control portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion, wherein the light quantity measurement portion is devised so as to measure the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements of a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined period defined in advance. With the construction, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements to form an image are not measured in a predetermined period defined in advance, and the light quantities of only a part thereof are measured, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, in Embodiment 3, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by one time based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by an operation for measuring light quantities.
The light quantity measurement portion in Embodiment 3 has a plurality of light-detecting elements for detecting the light quantities of each of a plurality of light-emitting elements. With the construction, since the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements in a predetermined period defined in advance when it has a plurality of light-detecting elements for detecting the light quantities corresponding to each of a plurality of light-emitting elements, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Further, in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3, the above-described predetermined period is made into a non-printing period in the image forming apparatus. With the construction, since the light quantities of a part of light-emitting element are measured in a predetermined non-printing period, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Still further, in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3, the above-described non-printing period is a period excluding at least the period required for exposure to form an image, and the period required for exposure to form an image is a period during which an image is formed on the recording sheet if the light-emitting elements produce luminescence in the corresponding period required for exposure to form an image. With the construction, since the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements are measured in at least the period during which no image is formed on the recording sheet even if the light-emitting elements are caused to produce luminescence, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Also, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 3 measures the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements in a non-printing period from termination of printing of a certain sheet to start of printing of a next sheet in continuous printing operation in which a plurality of sheets are continuously printed. With the construction, since the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements are measured in the continuous printing operation, there is no need to interrupt the continuous printing operation, wherein it is possible to prevent the productivity of printing output from being lowered.
In addition, the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is further provided with a light quantity correction portion for correcting the quantities of light that the light-emitting element emits, by referencing the light quantity measurement value measured by the light quantity measurement portion. With the construction, since the quantities of light that the light-emitting element emits are corrected by referencing the light quantity measurement value measured by the light quantity measurement portion, it becomes possible to measure the light quantities while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Also, the light quantity correction portion according to Embodiment 3 corrects the quantities of light emitted from all the light-emitting elements based on the light quantity measurement values of a part of light-emitting elements measured. With the construction, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements are corrected based on the light quantity measurement value of a part of light-emitting elements measured by the light quantity measurement portion, it becomes possible to correct the light quantities regarding all the light-emitting elements while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, the light quantity correction portion according to Embodiment 3 calculates in advance the first light quantity correction value based on the light quantity measurement values measured for all the light-emitting elements and holds the same, calculates the second light quantity correction value for a part of the light-emitting elements when the light quantities of the corresponding part of the light-emitting elements are measured by the light quantity measurement portion, and corrects the quantities of light emitted by all the light-emitting elements based on the first light quantity correction value and the second light quantity correction value. With the construction, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements are corrected based on the light quantity correction value calculated on the quantities of light measured for a part of light-emitting elements and the light quantity correction value calculated in advance, it is sufficient that only a part of light-emitting elements is measured for the light quantities during a continuous printing operation, wherein it is possible to prevent the productivity in printing output from being lowered without interrupting the continuous printing operation.
In addition, the light quantity measurement portion is devised so as to measure the light quantities with respect to all the light-emitting elements when printing is completed. With the construction, since the light quantities are measured for all the light-emitting elements when printing is completed, it becomes possible to update the first light quantity correction value used for light quantity correction in a continuous printing operation in each of the printing operations, wherein it is possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity correction in the continuous printing operation.
Further, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 3 measures the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements when printing is started. With the construction, since the light quantity measurement is carried out for all the light-emitting elements when printing is started, it becomes possible to update the first light quantity correction value used for correction of the light quantities when continuous printing is executed, whenever printing is started, wherein it is possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity correction when continuous printing is carried out.
Still further, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 3 measures the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements when an instruction for light quantity measurement is inputted. With the construction, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements are measured when an instruction for light quantity measurement is inputted externally, it becomes possible to update the first light quantity correction value used for light quantity correction in continuous printing at a desired timing, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity correction when continuous printing is carried out.
In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 3, the light-emitting elements are composed of organic electroluminescent elements. With the construction, the apparatus can be downsized and the production costs thereof can be lowered by employing the organic electroluminescent elements, and at the same time, an operation for correcting the light quantities that becomes an important operation where the organic electroluminescent elements are used as light-emitting element can be carried out while lowering the influence given to the timing of the printing operation.
The method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes the steps of: measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results of the measured light quantity, wherein the light quantity measuring step is devised so as to measure the light quantities of a part of light-emitting elements of a plurality of light-emitting elements in a predetermined period defined in advance. With the method, since the light quantities of all the light-emitting elements to form an image are not measured in a predetermined period defined in advance, but only the light quantities of a part thereof are measured, light quantity measurement is enabled, in which influence on the timing of the printing operation is prevented.
Also, the step of varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times is not requisite in Embodiment 3. The exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by an operation for measuring light quantities.
Further, the above-described method for controlling an image forming apparatus may be provided as programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, by which respective steps are carried out. With the programs, the light quantities are not measured for all the light-emitting elements to form an image in a predetermined period defined in advance, but only the light quantities of a part thereof are measured. Therefore, light quantity measurement is enabled, in which influence on the timing of the printing operation is prevented.
Hereinafter, a description is given of Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in particular of the process for light quantity measurement.
In the following description, the structures of the image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus, and control portion for controlling the image density, and operations for correcting the light quantities are common to those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
As has already been described using
The image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a toner image detection sensor 32 as shown in
Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 4 carries out light quantity measurement utilizing the exposure period to print the test pattern page. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantities of light emitted by light-emitting elements, and a light quantity correction portion for correcting the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements with reference to the light quantity measurement value measured by the light quantity measurement portion, wherein the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantities of the light-emitting elements in the exposure period for printing a test pattern page. Herein, in Embodiment 4, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 operate as one example of the light-emitting elements, the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 (both thereof were described in Embodiment 1, and refer to
When an instruction for printing a test pattern is inputted by the computer 80 shown in
And, as shown in
Herein, the light quantity measurement period T2 may be set in a part of the exposure period T1 in response to the types and conditions of a test pattern to be formed or may be set in the entirety of the exposure period T1.
A period to print on the region PR shown in
Also, a period to print on the region NR shown in
That is, in the exposure period to print a page of the test pattern TP, the controller CPU 83 can carry out light quantity measurement by effectively utilizing the organic electroluminescent elements 63 that do not make any lighting operation to form an image for the test pattern TP, that is, the period of time during which the organic electroluminescent elements 63 suspend lighting to form an image by carrying out light quantity measurement when an image of the test pattern TP is not formed.
And, if the permitted region has a length covering the entirety of an image-forming region in the main scanning direction and a length of line equivalent to raster time, for which light quantity measurement is carried out, in the sub-scanning direction, light quantity measurement can be carried out with respect to all the organic electroluminescent elements 63.
As an example of the above-described test pattern, a gradation correction pattern to correct the gradation (grayscale), a density correction pattern to correct the density, and a resist correction pattern to correct positional errors may be listed.
First, a description is given of the gradation correction pattern.
Next, a description is given of the density correction pattern. The density correction pattern is such that, for example, a toner image of the maximum density, which has a predetermined pattern, is transferred onto the recording sheet 3. Thereby, the controller CPU 83 corrects the density based on the results of detection regarding the maximum density pattern, which are detected by the toner image detection sensor 32.
Next, a description is given of the resist correction pattern.
As shown in
Next, a description is given of a case where the light quantity correction is calculated. Where the light quantities for the organic electroluminescent elements 63 to be in an exposure operation for the above-described test pattern are measured, the light quantities are different from those obtained by a normal operation for measuring the light quantities.
However, since an operation for forming an image of a test pattern is an operation for forming an image of a predetermined pattern, the operation for lighting the organic electroluminescent elements 63 becomes a predetermined formation operation. For example, in the above-described gradation correction pattern, such a lighting operation is carried out as predetermined organic electroluminescent elements 63 are brought into a predetermined gradation. Therefore, the controller CPU 83 can calculate the light quantity correction value ND while taking into consideration how much the light quantities emitted by the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 differ from the light quantities obtained by a normal operation for measuring light quantities.
Also, the test pattern is not necessarily carried out by using all the pixels in the main scanning direction. That is, since, with regard to an exposure operation for printing a test pattern, all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are not necessarily lit, there are cases where it is not possible to obtain the results of light quantity measurement of all the organic electroluminescent elements 63 where the light quantities are measured when forming an image of a test pattern.
In the case, for example, with respect to the organic electroluminescent elements 63 for which light quantity measurement has been carried out, a difference value between the calculated light quantity correction value and the light quantity correction value stored in the light quantity correction data memory 66 (Refer to
Based on the above description, according to Embodiment 4, since the light quantities of light-emitting elements are measured when forming an image of a test pattern, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
As described above, Embodiment 4 includes the following inventions.
An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, and including: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the light quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting elements in an exposure period to print a page of a test pattern; and a control portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion. With the construction, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements are measured in the exposure period to print a page of a test pattern, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
In addition, in Embodiment 4, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
Further, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 4 measures the light quantities of light-emitting elements when forming a pattern for correcting the gradation as an image of a test pattern. With the construction, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements for a pattern for gradation correction to be formed are measured, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
In addition, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 4 measures the light quantities of light-emitting elements when forming a pattern for correcting the maximum density as an image of a test pattern. With the construction, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements for a pattern for the maximum density correction to be formed are measured, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Further, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 4 measures the light quantities of light-emitting elements when forming a pattern for correcting the positional errors as an image of a test pattern. With the construction, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements for a pattern for positional error correction to be formed are measured, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Still further, when not forming the image of a test pattern, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 4 measures the light quantities. With the construction, by effectively utilizing the period of time during which the light-emitting elements suspend lighting to form the image of a test pattern, light quantity measurement can be carried out.
Also, when forming the image of a test pattern, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 4 measures the light quantities. With the construction, by effectively utilizing the period of time during which the light-emitting elements are forming the image of a test pattern, light quantity measurement can be carried out.
The light-emitting elements according to Embodiment 4 are composed of organic electroluminescent elements. With the construction, both downsizing and a reduction in costs are enabled, and at the same time, an operation for correcting the light quantities, which becomes an important operation where the organic electroluminescent elements are used as light-emitting elements, can be carried out while lowering influence given to the timing of the printing operation.
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, including the steps of: measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting element in an exposure period during which a page of a test pattern is printed; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results of measured light quantities. With the method, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements are measured when forming an image of a test pattern, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Further, in Embodiment 4, the step of varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times is not requisite, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
The method for controlling an image forming apparatus described above may be provided as programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, by which the respective steps are carried out. With the programs, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements are measured when forming the image of a test pattern, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Hereinafter, a description is given of Embodiment 5 of the present invention, in particular, of the process of measuring light quantities.
In the following description, the structures of the image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus, and control portion for controlling the image density, and operations for correcting the light quantities are common to those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
As has already been described using
Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 5 secures predetermined accuracy of light quantity measurement while shortening the light-emitting time of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 by increasing the light emitting quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when measuring the light quantities greater than the light emitting quantities when forming an image.
That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 5 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, including: a portion for controlling a light emission operation of light-emitting elements; a portion for measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and a portion for correcting the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; wherein the light emission operation controlling portion sets the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements when the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantities of the light-emitting elements, to greater light quantities than those when forming an image. Here, in Embodiment 5, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 operate as one example of the light-emitting elements, the controller CPU 83 and the source driver 61 operate as one example of the light emission operation controlling portion, the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 (both thereof were described in Embodiment 1, and refer to
As shown in
In detail, the controller CPU 83 multiplies the data DD[n] in image formation by a constant k which is greater than 1, and sends the same to the exposure apparatus 13 as the data DD[n] already described (Refer to
ND[n]=DD[n]×(ID[n]×k)/PD[n] (where n is the number of individual organic electroluminescent elements in the main scanning direction, and k is a constant greater than 1). [Expression 3]
In addition, the controller CPU 83 may variably set the above-described constant k in response to the status of the organic electroluminescent elements 63. For example, the constant k is adjusted in response to deterioration states of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, and the light-emitting quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when measuring the light quantities may be made greater at all times in comparison with those when forming an image.
Since the light quantities of light emitted by the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are lowered as the deterioration of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 advances, the ND[n] gradually increases.
And, if the deterioration thereof greatly advances, there is a possibility that the value of a new light quantity correction data ND[n] obtained by light quantity measurement becomes greater than the value obtained by multiplying the value of DD[n] by the constant k.
Therefore, as shown in, for example, (Expression 4), the controller CPU 83 compensates the DD[n] equivalent to the degree of deterioration in the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, and if the constant k[n] is defined by multiplying a constant m greater than 1, the light quantities of light emitted by the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when measuring the light quantities can be made greater at all times than those when forming an image.
k[n]=(ND[n]/DD[n])×m (where m is a constant greater than 1) [Expression 4]
However, as shown in (Expression 4), the constant k[n] becomes unique in each light-emitting element. In this case, the light quantity correction data ND[n] for each light-emitting element when measuring the light quantities may be made as in (Expression 5).
ND[n]=DD[n]×(ID[n]×k[n])/PD[n] (where n is the number of individual organic electroluminescent elements in the main scanning direction, and k is a constant greater than 1). [Expression 5]
Where the memory capacity of the light quantity correction data memory 66 (Refer to
As a matter of course, the setting value in the source driver 61 is subjected to restriction because there is a maximum rating with regard to a lead-in current of the source driver 61. That is, the constant k cannot be unlimitedly increased. Therefore, it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to the restriction when designing.
As shown in
After that, as shown in
However, since the sensor pixel circuit 130 shown in
Therefore, as shown in
Further, the source driver 61 makes one unit of light-emitting time of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when measuring light quantities as in image formation into one raster period equivalent to one unit of light-emitting time when forming an image, and drives the organic electroluminescent elements 63. Thereby, by the method for driving the organic electroluminescent elements 63 when measuring light quantities being made equivalent to that when normally forming an image, light quantity measurement is enabled while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operations, without carrying out cumbersome control by which a special drive method will be employed when measuring light quantities.
According to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, since the light quantity is increased, which is received by the light quantity sensor 57 when measuring light quantities, it becomes possible to shorten the time for light quantity measurement while keeping the accuracy of light quantity measurement. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
As described above, Embodiment 5 includes the following inventions.
An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, including: a portion for controlling the light emission operations of light-emitting elements; a portion for measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; a portion for correcting the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements with reference to the light quantity measurement value measured by the light quantity measurement portion; and a portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion; wherein the light emission operation controlling portion sets the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements, when the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting element, to greater light quantities than those when forming an image. With the construction, since the quantity of light is increased, which is received by the light quantity measurement portion when measuring the light quantities, it becomes possible to shorten the light quantity measurement time while keeping the accuracy of light quantity measurement. As a result, light quantity measurement is enabled while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Furthermore, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
The light emission operation controlling portion according to Embodiment 5 controls the light-emitting elements with one unit of light-emitting time in light quantity measurement made equivalent to one unit of light-emitting time in image formation. With the construction, the method for driving light-emitting elements when measuring light quantities is made similar to that when normally forming an image, wherein it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operations without executing any complicated control in which a special driving method is employed when measuring light quantities.
In addition, the light quantity measurement portion according to Embodiment 5 includes: a charge amplifier described in detail in Embodiment 1; a light detection element connected in series to the charge amplifier, which generates a current in response to the irradiated light quantity; a capacitance element connected parallel to the light detection element; and a selector transistor connected between a parallel circuit having the light detection element and the capacitance element, and the charge amplifier, which opens and closes electrical connection between the parallel circuit and the charge amplifier. With the construction, since the light quantity measurement portion has a configuration that reflects the light quantity of the light irradiated onto the light quantity detection element onto electric charge accumulated in the capacitance element, the electric charge accumulated per unit time is increased by increasing the light quantity irradiated on the light quantity detection element, wherein it is possible to carry out light quantity measurement with predetermined accuracy secured in a short time.
The method for controlling the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 5 is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements, which forms an image by exposing an image carrier, including the steps of controlling operations of light-emitting elements; measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results of measured light quantities; wherein when measuring the light quantities of the light-emitting elements, the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements are set to a greater quantities than those when forming an image. With this method, since the light quantities of light of receivable light by the light quantity measurement portion when measuring the light quantities are increased, it becomes possible to shorten the light quantity measurement time while keeping the accuracy of light quantity measurement, and resultantly, light quantity measurement is enabled while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Also, in Embodiment 5, the step of varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times is not requisite, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
In addition, the method for controlling an image forming apparatus described above may be provided as programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, by which the respective steps are carried out. With the programs, since the quantities of light that can be received by the light quantity measurement portion when measuring the light quantities are increased, it becomes possible to shorten the light quantity measurement time while keeping the accuracy of light quantity measurement, and resultantly, light quantity measurement is enabled while preventing influence on the timing of a normal printing operation.
Hereinafter, a description is given of Embodiment 6, in particular, of the process of measuring light quantities.
In the following description, the constructions of the image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus, and the control portion for controlling image densities, and operations for correcting light quantities are common to those of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.
As has already been described using
In particular, as shown at (4) of
A description is given of a change in the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 1, a change in light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, and a necessity of light quantity correction.
Herein, in the image forming apparatus, the internal temperature is high in the vicinity of the exhaust port and low in the vicinity of the suction port. Therefore, there may be cases where the ambient temperature differs, depending on the positional relationship between the exposure apparatus 3, air suction port and air exhaust port, and depending upon the position of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 arrayed and provided in the main scanning direction.
As shown in
Thus, in order to keep the image quality during a continuous printing operation, it is necessary to carry out individual light quantity correction for each of the organic electroluminescent elements 63. However, if the printing operation is interrupted for light quantity measurement, the printing time will be increased.
Therefore, an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the quantities of light emitted from light-emitting elements, provided at a region different from the image-forming region to form an image, of a plurality of light-emitting elements; and a light quantity correction portion for correcting the quantities of light, measured by the light quantity measurement portion, which are emitted by the light-emitting elements provided at the image-forming region, with reference to the value of measured light quantities of the light-emitting elements at a region differing from the image-forming region. Herein, in Embodiment 6, the organic electroluminescent elements 63 operate as one example of the light-emitting elements, the sensor pixel circuit 130 and the charge amplifier 150 (both thereof were described in Embodiment 1, and refer to
As shown in
Here, a development region R0 to which a development agent (toner) is supplied from the development sleeve 10 may be listed as an example of the image-forming region on the photosensitive body 8. In other words, even if regions other than the development region R0 of the photosensitive body 8 are exposed, no toner is supplied to the photosensitive body 8, and no image is formed on the regions to the end, wherein the regions are not made into the image-forming regions.
As shown in
In addition, the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement are provided at the positions to expose the region R1 at one end of the main scanning direction of the exposure apparatus 13, which is beyond the development region, and at the positions to expose the region R2 at the other end thereof. In addition, the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement, which are provided at the positions to expose the region R1, are given element number x1, and the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement, which are provided at the positions to expose the region R2, are given element number x2. Furthermore, organic electroluminescent elements 63 having element numbers 1 through 5120 are provided at the positions to expose the development region R0.
Herein, in Embodiment 6, since a sensor pixel circuit 130 is provided for each of the organic electroluminescent elements 63, a sensor pixel circuit 130 is provided to correspond to the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement.
As described above, since the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement do not expose the image-forming region, there is no case where toner is transferred onto the recording sheet 3 and the transfer roller 16, etc., even if the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement are lit at any timing. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 6, at the timing when it is difficult to carry out light quantity correction by lighting the image-forming light-emitting elements 63a for the sake of light quantity measurement, the light quantities of only the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement are measured, and the controller CPU 83 corrects the light quantities of the respective light-emitting elements 63a for image formation based on the light quantities measured for only the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement. Therefore, since the light quantities are corrected without causing the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation to emit light for light quantity measurement, it is possible to carry out light quantity correction at any optional timing.
Further, in the above example, a description was given of the case where the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement are provided other than the positions to expose the development region R0. However, even if the photosensitive body 8 exposed by the exposure apparatus 13 in a state where the surface of the photosensitive body 8 is not electrified, the surface potential of the photosensitive body 8 is hardly changed. If a development agent is supplied to a portion that is in such a potential state, toner is adhered to the photosensitive body 8 almost in a solid state. Therefore, normally, as shown in
Further, in
Also, in Embodiment 6, the size (the size of a light-emitting region) of the light-emitting element 63b for light quantity measurement may differ from that of the light-emitting element 63a for image formation. Since it is necessary for the light-emitting element 63a for image formation that a latent image of a predetermined size is formed on the photosensitive body, the size is required to be 35 μm or so, for example, where an image of 600 dpi is formed. However, the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement do not have such restriction. In particular, by forming the size of the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement greater than the size of the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation, it becomes possible that the light receiving surface of the light quantity sensor 57 formed therebelow is made large, or that the number of the light quantity sensors 57 disposed is increased. Accordingly, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity measurement by the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement and to shorten the time required for light quantity measurement.
First, the light quantity correction value ND of the respective organic electroluminescent elements 63 is stored in the third area of the light quantity correction data memory 66 shown in
And, if the light quantity measurement is carried out for only the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement by the engine control CPU 91 at a predetermined timing, for example, during a continuous printing operation, the controller CPU 83 calculates the second light quantity correction values NDb of the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement based on the light quantity measurement value in compliance with the above-described (Expression 1). And, the controller CPU 83 calculates a difference value ΔND between the calculated second light quantity correction value NDb regarding the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement and the first light quantity correction value ND stored in the light quantity correction data memory 66 by means of the following (Expression 6).
ΔND[M]=NDb[M]−ND[M] (Expression 6)
Further, M is an element number. In this example, since the element numbers x1 and x2, the difference values ΔND obtained are two, ΔND[x1] and ΔND[x2].
The difference values ΔND show how much the light quantity correction value has changed, based on the light quantity measurement of this time, from the light quantity correction value obtained in response to the light quantity measurement carried out previously, and corresponds to how much the brightness of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 has changed. The image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 6 estimates how much the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation has changed in terms of the light quantities, by grasping how much the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement has been changed in terms of the light quantities.
As shown in
It is possible to obtain the difference values estimated for each of the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation based on the difference value ΔND[n]=f[n] (n is element number) from the function f(x).
And, the controller CPU 83 calculates the light quantity correction values NDc estimated for each of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 by using NDc[n]=ND[n]+ΔND[n]. Thereby, it is possible to obtain the light quantity correction values regarding the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation based on the light quantity correction values of only the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement.
And, as described in detail in Embodiment 1, the light quantity correction values are varied a plurality of times, whereby the image density is controlled.
Thus, according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation are corrected based on the light quantity measurement results of the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement other than the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation, light quantity measurement can be carried out during a printing operation, and it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, in the above example, the light-emitting elements 63b are provided exclusively for light quantity measurement. Thereby, since the positions of the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement are determined in advance, it is possible to correct the light quantities by utilizing the method for correcting light quantities, which is defined in advance (that is, in the above example, the method of calculating a parameter of function f(x) to obtain the difference value). However, the light-emitting elements 63b are not specially provided exclusively for light quantity measurement, wherein the light-emitting elements 63a for image formation may be used for light quantity measurement in cases not pertaining to image formation.
Furthermore, since it is not necessary that the light-emitting elements 63b for light quantity measurement expose the image-forming region, the light-emitting elements 63b may be provided in the development region R0 as shown in, for example, by dotted lines in
On the glass substrate 50 (Refer to
As described above, Embodiment 6 has the following inventions.
The image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes: a light quantity measurement portion for measuring the quantities of light emitted by light-emitting elements, other than the light-emitting elements for exposing an image-forming region to form an image in the image carrier, of a plurality of light-emitting elements; and a portion for controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the measurement results by means of the light quantity measurement portion. With the construction, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements for exposing the image-forming region are corrected based on the results of light quantity measurement of light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements for exposing the image-forming region, light quantity measurement can be carried out during a printing operation, wherein the light quantity measurement can be carried out while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In addition, in Embodiment 6, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
Further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 6, the image-forming region is made into a development region to which a development agent is supplied on an image carrier. With the construction, since, even if the image carrier is exposed by the light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region, no development agent is supplied to the exposed portion, and no development agent is transferred onto the recording sheet and the transfer roller, etc., light quantity measurement can be carried out while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Still further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 6, the light-emitting elements other than those to expose the image-forming region are light-emitting elements provided exclusively for light quantity measurement. With the construction, since the light quantity measurement portion measures the light quantities of the light-emitting elements provided exclusively for light quantity measurement, light quantity correction can be carried out by utilizing the method for correcting light quantities, which is defined in advance.
Still further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 6, a plurality of light-emitting elements including light-emitting elements provided exclusively for light quantity measurement are arrayed and provided in the main scanning direction, and the light quantity correction portion obtains the light quantity correction characteristics regarding the positions in the main scanning direction based on the light quantity measurement value of the light-emitting elements provided exclusively for light quantity measurement, and corrects the light quantities based on the positions and the light quantity correction characteristics with respect to each of the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region. With the construction, it is possible to correct the light quantities of respective light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region based on the light quantity correction characteristics regarding the positions of the main scanning direction.
In addition, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Embodiment 6, the light-emitting region of light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements to exposed the image-forming region is formed to be greater than the light-emitting region of the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region. With the construction, since, in the light quantity measurement portion, the light-receiving surface of the sensor can be increased, and the number of sensors provided is increased, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of light quantity measurement and to shorten the time required for light quantity measurement.
Also, in Embodiment 6, in the light quantity measurement portion, the light quantity measurement of light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region is carried out during a continuous printing operation in which a plurality of sheets are continuously printed. Since the temperature inside the image forming apparatus rises during the continuous printing, and the light quantity characteristics of the light-emitting elements change, it is necessary to carry out light quantity correction during the continuous printing in order to keep the image quality. However, if the printing operation is interrupted for light quantity measurement, the printing time will be increased. Therefore, with the construction, since light quantity correction is enabled by carrying out light quantity measurement even during continuous printing, the image quality can be maintained.
Further, in Embodiment 6, the light-emitting elements are composed of organic electroluminescent elements. With the construction, by using the organic electroluminescent elements, both downsizing and a reduction in production costs can be achieved, and an operation of correcting light quantities, which becomes an important operation where the organic electroluminescent elements are used as the light-emitting elements, can be carried out while lowering influence on the timing of the printing operation.
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, which is disclosed in Embodiment 6, is a method for controlling the image forming apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting elements and forming an image by exposing an image carrier, which includes the steps of: measuring the light quantities of light emitted by the light-emitting elements, other than the light-emitting elements to expose an image-forming region in order to form an image on an image carrier, of a plurality of light-emitting elements; and controlling the image density by varying the exposure conditions a plurality of times based on the results of measured light quantities. With this method, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements to expose an image-forming region are corrected based on the results of measured light quantities of the light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region, the light quantity measurement can be carried out during a printing operation. It is possible to carry out light quantity measurement while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
Still further, in Embodiment 6, it is not requisite that the control portion varies the exposure conditions a plurality of times, wherein the exposure conditions may be varied by a single operation based on the light quantity measurement data obtained by the operation for measuring light quantities.
Also, the method for controlling an image forming apparatus described above may be provided as programs for controlling the image forming apparatus, by which the respective steps are executed. With the programs, since the light quantities of the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region are corrected based on the results of light quantity measurement of the light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting elements to expose the image-forming region, it becomes possible to carry out light quantity measurement during a printing operation, and light quantity measurement is enabled while preventing influence on the timing of the printing operation.
In the respective embodiments described above, the descriptions were based on the assumption that such a construction is employed in which the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are controlled by varying the current value in a state where the lighting time of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 to compose the exposure apparatus 13 remains unchanged (constant). However, the present invention can be easily applied to a so-called PWM system in which the light quantities of light-emitting elements are controlled by varying the lighting time thereof in a state where the drive currents of the light-emitting elements such as the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are fixed. In this case, it is sufficient that the content of the first area described using
In addition, such an exposure apparatus has been known, in which light-emitting element rows composed of organic electroluminescent elements are provided in a plurality, and a latent image is formed by carrying out exposure roughly at the same position with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive body a plurality of times. Even in such an exposure, by setting the light quantities and the PWM time so that the latent image formed by a plurality of times of exposure does not contribute to development, the technical thought of the present invention can be applied thereto. In such an exposure apparatus, since a latent image that contributes to development is not formed only by a single row of light-emitting elements, such a sequence can be considered, by which the light quantities are measured row by row, for example, between sheets.
Further, although, in the respective embodiments described above, the light quantities of the organic electroluminescent elements 63 are measured by the TFT circuit 62 and light quantity sensors composed as a monolithic device of poly-silicon, which is the same as the organic electroluminescent elements 63, the technical thought of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the invention may be applicable to a construction in which a plurality of film-shaped light quantity sensors are formed of amorphous silicon and are disposed along the end face (Refer to
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention and a method for controlling the same bring about an effect of preventing a fluctuation in the image density immediately after the light quantities are corrected, and can be effectively utilized for a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a photograph printer, etc.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No 2006-108052 filed on Apr. 10, 2006, Japanese Patent Application No 2006-108053 filed on Apr. 10, 2006, Japanese Patent Application No 2006-109645 filed on Apr. 12, 2006, Japanese Patent Application No 2006-114624 filed on Apr. 18, 2006, Japanese Patent Application No 2006-115855 filed on Apr. 19, 2006, Japanese Patent Application No 2006-130298 filed on May 9, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-108052 | Apr 2006 | JP | national |
| 2006-108053 | Apr 2006 | JP | national |
| 2006-109645 | Apr 2006 | JP | national |
| 2006-114624 | Apr 2006 | JP | national |
| 2006-115855 | Apr 2006 | JP | national |
| 2006-130298 | May 2006 | JP | national |
