Patent Application
20200096896
The present invention relates to a technique for identifying a reflective surface of a rotating polygonal mirror.
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a polygon mirror is rotated to reflect laser light at the polygon mirror such that the laser light scans a photosensitive member.
While the polygon mirror has a plurality of reflective surfaces, the lengths of the reflective surfaces in the rotational direction of the polygon mirror can be different from each other, and the inclinations of the reflective surfaces with respect to the rotation axis of the polygon mirror can be different from each other. This is due to the assembly accuracy of the optical system and the cutting accuracy of the polygon mirror during manufacture, and may lead to distortion of the image. As such, it is necessary to identify each reflective surface of the rotating polygon mirror to correct the image data and/or control the optical system for each identified reflective surface.
According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-271691, use of a Hall element to identify reflective surfaces has been proposed. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-117699, use of a sensor for generating a BD signal to identify reflective surfaces has been proposed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-137598 discloses that a polygon mirror and a sensor for generating the BD signal are provided for each of four photosensitive members.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-271691 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-117699 require one BD sensor and one surface identifying circuit for each polygon mirror. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-137598, four polygon mirrors and four BD sensors are provided, and accordingly four surface identifying circuits are required. Providing the same number of surfaces identifying circuits as the number of rotating polygonal mirrors in this manner leads to an increase in circuit size.
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit. The image forming unit may comprise the following elements. A first photosensitive member is configured to carry a toner image of a first color. A first transfer unit is configured to transfer the toner image of the first color formed on the first photosensitive member to an intermediate transfer member. A first light source is configured to output light on a basis of image data of the first color. A first rotating polygonal mirror including a plurality of reflective surfaces and is configured to scan the first photosensitive member by rotating to deflect the light output from the first light source by the plurality of reflective surfaces. A first light receiving unit is configured to receive the light deflected by the first rotating polygonal mirror. A first output unit is configured to output a first signal in response to reception of the light by the first light receiving unit, the first signal having a first level and a second level. A second photosensitive member is provided downstream of the first photosensitive member in a rotational direction in which the intermediate transfer member rotates, and is configured to carry a toner image of a second color. A second light source is configured to output light on a basis of image data of the second color. A second rotating polygonal mirror including a plurality of reflective surfaces and is configured to scan the second photosensitive member by rotating to deflect the light output from the second light source by the plurality of reflective surfaces. A second light receiving unit is configured to receive the light deflected by the second rotating polygonal mirror. A second output unit is configured to output a second signal in response to reception of the light by the second light receiving unit, the second signal having the first level and the second level. The information processing apparatus may comprises the following elements. An identifying unit is configured to identify a reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror on a basis of the first signal, and to identify a reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror on a basis of the second signal. The identifying unit identifies the reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member after identifying the reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member. A first storage unit is configured to store a plurality of pieces of correction data each of which corresponds to a different one of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror. A first correction unit is configured to correct, on a basis of the correction data stored in the first storage unit and information indicating the reflective surface identified by the identifying unit, image data of the first color in association with the reflective surface. A third output unit is configured to output the image data corrected by the first correction unit to the image forming unit. A second storage unit is configured to store a plurality of pieces of correction data each of which corresponds to a different one of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror. A second correction unit is configured to correct, on a basis of the correction data stored in the second storage unit and information indicating the reflective surface identified by the identifying unit, image data of the second color in association with the reflective surface. A fourth output unit is configured to output the image data corrected by the second correction unit to the image forming unit.
Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention according to the claims. Although embodiments describe multiple features, all of these multiple features may not be essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
A light source 20 is a laser element. Laser light is emitted from both the rear end and the front end of the laser element. The laser light output from the rear end of the light source 20 is incident on a PD 21. PD is an abbreviation of a photodiode. The PD 21 converts laser light into an electric signal to generate a PD signal and inputs the PD signal to a laser driver 28. A PD signal is a signal having a correlation with a reception amount of the laser light. The laser driver 28 controls the output light amount of the light source 20 on the basis of the PD signal. This control is referred to as Auto Power Control (APC). The laser light output from the front end of the light source 20 is incident on a collimator lens 22. The collimator lens 22 is an optical system that converts laser light into parallel light. Laser light is incident on the polygon mirror 23. The polygon mirror 23 includes a rotating polygonal mirror and a motor. The motor drives the rotating polygonal mirror into rotation.
A motor control unit 29 outputs a drive signal to the motor of the polygon mirror 23 to cause the motor to rotate the rotating polygonal mirror. Note that Acc is a drive signal requesting acceleration, and Dec is a drive signal requesting deceleration. In this manner, the polygon mirror 23 rotates counterclockwise. Rotation of the polygon mirror 23 changes the normal direction of the reflective surface of the polygon mirror 23. In other words, the incident angle and the emission angle of the laser light with respect to the reflective surface change at all times. In this manner, scanning of the photosensitive member with the laser light is achieved.
The laser light first is incident on a BD sensor 24. The BD sensor 24 generates and outputs a detection signal BD when the laser light is incident thereon. The detection signal BD falls in response to incidence of the laser light, and the detection signal BD rises in response to a stop of incidence of the laser light. The relationship between the rising and falling may be reversed. The detection signal BD is input to the motor control unit 29. The motor control unit 29 performs a feedback control such that the rotation period of the polygon mirrors 23 is set to a target period on the basis of the detection signal BD. Further, the detection signal BD is also input to an image processing apparatus 25. The image processing apparatus 25 outputs a laser drive signal to the laser driver 28 in accordance with the detection signal BD. The image processing apparatus 25 generates a laser drive signal on the basis of the image data acquired by the reading unit 700. The image processing apparatus 25 may be referred to as an information processing apparatus. The laser driver 28 causes the light source 20 to flash on the basis of the laser drive signal. The surface of the photosensitive member 108 is selectively exposed with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image. Note that the laser light scans the photosensitive member 108 at a constant speed by passing through an FO lens 206 and a turning mirror 207.
In
The detection signals BDY and BDM are input to a selection circuit 32 provided in the surface identifying unit 31. The selection circuit 32 selects any of the detection signals BDY and BDM on the basis of the selection signal output from the identifying circuit 33, and outputs the selected signal to the identifying circuit 33. Note that, of the detection signals BDY and BDM, the signal selected by the selection circuit 32 is denoted as a detection signal BD for the sake of simplicity of the description. The identifying circuit 33 is provided to be shared for the two detection signals BDY and BDM. The identifying circuit 33 measures the time interval between adjacent pulses of the detection signal BD selected by the selection circuit 32, and identifies a reflective surface that reflects the laser light on the basis of the measured time interval. The lengths of the reflective surfaces forming the polygon mirror 23 (the lengths in the rotational direction of the polygon mirror 23) are different from each other. Accordingly, the measured time intervals of the respective reflective surfaces are different from each other. Since the length of each reflective surface is known, the time interval of the pulses corresponding to each reflective surface is also known. Thus, the identifying circuit 33 identifies the reflective surface by comparing the measured value and the known time interval. When the reflective surface is identified for a photosensitive member 108Y, the identifying circuit 33 sets the identified result (surface number) to a surface counter 34Y. When the reflective surface is identified for a photosensitive member 108M, the identifying circuit 33 sets the identified result (surface number) to a surface counter 34M. Note that the circuit size of the identifying circuit 33 tends to be relatively large. In the present embodiment, a single identifying circuit 33 to be shared is provided for the plurality of photosensitive members 108 (the plurality of BD sensors 24). Thus, the circuit size in the image processing apparatus 25 can be reduced.
The surface counter 34 is a counter that sets the surface number set by the identifying circuit 33 as an initial value and performs count-up each time the detection signal BD is input. Note that the count value returns to a minimum value after a maximum value. Note that the maximum value corresponds to the number of reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror, and is set to 4 in the present embodiment. The surface counter 34 outputs a count value (surface number) to the image output circuit 35. The image output circuit 35 corrects the image data (e.g., correction of the timing of writing the image) on the basis of correction data corresponding to the surface number.
In
In
A period counter 42 measures the time (BD period) from the falling edge of a preceding detection signal BD to the falling edge of a succeeding detection signal BD, and outputs the measurement result to the surface determination unit 44. Period information is stored in a non-volatile storage region in a memory 43. The period information retains information indicating the BD period of each reflective surface of the polygon mirror 23 and the surface number of each reflective surface in association with each other. When the falling edge of the succeeding detection signal BD is input, the surface determination unit 44 latches the count value of the period counter 42, identifies the surface number associated with the BD period closest to the count value, and outputs the surface number to a setting unit 45.
The period counter 42 measures the period of the detection signal BD output from the optical scanning apparatus 107 during at least one turn of the polygon mirror 23. The surface determination unit 44 identifies the surface number by comparing the measured value with the ideal value of the BD period.
It suffices that the surface determination unit 44 identifies the surface number of at least one reflective surface. The reason for this is that the surface numbers are cyclic as illustrated in
Note that it is possible to acquire a plurality of measured values for each reflective surface by rotating the polygon mirror 23 a plurality of times. In this case, the surface determination unit 44 may identify the surface number with use of a statistical value (e.g., an average value) of the plurality of measured values.
The memory 43 stores period information for the polygon mirror 23Y and period information for the polygon mirror 23M. The surface determination unit 44 selects, from the period information for the polygon mirror 23Y and the period information for the polygon mirror 23M, the period information corresponding to a selection signal of the selection unit 41, and uses the selected period information.
The period counter 42 operates using a reference clock. The reference clock may be an operation clock of the image output circuit 35, an operation clock of the laser drive signal supplied by the image output circuit 35 or the like. The higher the reference clock, the higher the accuracy of the measured value.
As illustrated in
The magenta photosensitive member 108M superimposes a magenta toner image on the yellow toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 111 by the yellow photosensitive member 108Y. To precisely align the yellow toner image and the magenta toner image, a time difference Td must be properly maintained. The time difference Td is a time difference between the start timing of exposure of the photosensitive member 108Y to the laser light and the start timing of exposure of the photosensitive member 108M to the laser light. The time difference Td is a time acquired by dividing a distance L between the primary transfer position (nip portion) of the photosensitive member 108Y and the primary transfer position (nip portion) of the photosensitive member 108M by a transport speed V of the intermediate transfer belt 111. Thus, the surface number for magenta needs to be identified within a period corresponding to this time difference Td. Further, a certain amount of processing time is also required for correction of the image data. As such, the sum of the time Ts required for the identification of the surface number and the time Tu required for the correction processing of the image data must be less than or equal to the time difference Td.
Ts+Tu+Tm=<Td (1)
Here, Tm is a margin, and is determined by an experiment and/or a simulation. By adding a margin, the surface number for the magenta can be more reliably identified within the period corresponding to the time difference Td. Note that the distance L is determined to satisfy the Equation (1). In other words, the distance L can be shortened when the time required for the identifying process of the surface number and/or the image processing can be shortened. Note that the time required for the image processing is proportional to the number of main scanning lines in a case where the optical scanning apparatus 107 can perform the formation by a single scanning, for example. For example, in a case where the optical scanning apparatus 107 can scan the four main scanning lines by a single scanning, the image output circuit 35 must be able to correct image data corresponding to the four main scanning lines. In this case, the time taken for the image processing is at least the time required for correcting the image data corresponding to the four main scanning lines.
At S1, the surface identifying unit 31 of the image processing apparatus 25 initializes both the surface counter 34 and the period counter 42. The selection unit 41 selects one of the plurality of detection signals BDY and BDM, and outputs the selected signal to the selection circuit 32. As described above, the selection unit 41 selects the detection signal BDY first, and then selects the detection signal BDM.
At S2, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 determines whether the detection signal BD has been detected. More specifically, the identifying circuit 33 monitors the falling edge of the detection signal BD. When the falling edge of the detection signal BD is detected, the image processing apparatus 25 advances the process to S3.
At S3, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 starts measurement of the period of the detection signal BD with use of the period counter 42. For example, the identifying circuit 33 outputs an enable signal to the period counter 42 to cause the period counter 42 to start the measurement of the period.
At S4, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 determines whether a measurement completion condition has been met. The measurement completion condition is a condition for completing the measurement of the period by the period counter 42. The measurement completion condition may be, for example, detection of the falling edge of the detection signal BD for N times. In the case where the period is measured n times for one reflective surface in the above-mentioned manner, N=n×m. m is the number of the surfaces of the polygon mirror 23. n is 32, for example. When the measurement completion condition has been met, the identifying circuit 33 terminates the measurement of the period of the detection signal BD using the period counter 42, and advances the process to S5.
At S5, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 identifies the surface number on the basis of the measured value of the BD period. The above-described surface determination unit 44 of the identifying circuit 33 identifies the surface number of each reflective surface by comparing the degrees of the sameness between the measured value of the BD period and the ideal value (reference value) of the BD period retained in the memory 43. As illustrated in
At S6, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 sets the surface number identified by the surface determination unit 44 to the surface counter 34. The number designation unit 46 sets, to the surface counter 34, the surface number of the reflective surface that reflects the laser light at the timing of designation of the surface number to the surface counter 34. The trigger unit 47 outputs a trigger signal to the surface counter 34 to cause the surface counter 34 to update the surface number. Thus, the surface counter 34 executes count-up each time the detection signal BD is input, with the surface number designated by the number designation unit 46 as an initial value.
At S7, the identifying circuit 33 of the image processing apparatus 25 determines whether the surface identification process has been completed. In this example, the surface identification process is performed for the two detection signals BDY and BDM. Accordingly, the identifying circuit 33 may determine whether both the surface number for the detection signal BDY, and the surface number for the detection signal BDM have been identified. When a detection signal BD (polygon mirror) whose surface number has not been identified is present, the image processing apparatus 25 returns the process to S1, and executes the surface identification process on the next detection signal BD (polygon mirror). When a detection signal BD (polygon mirror) whose surface number has not been identified is not present, the image processing apparatus 25 terminates the surface identification process.
Here, the identifying process is performed only once when the print job is input. However, the surface identification process may be repeatedly executed while the image forming apparatus 100 executes the print job. This might reduce a mismatch of the surface number and the reflective surface due to external vibration and noise.
By employing the above-described surface identification process, the image processing apparatus 25 can determine the reflective surface (scanning surface) of the polygon mirror 23 on which laser light is incident at all times. The image processing apparatus 25 can correct the magnification and the writing position of the image in accordance with the scanning surface of the polygon mirror 23. The image output circuit 35 may include a non-volatile memory that stores the correction data associated with the surface numbers. The image output circuit 35 reads the correction data corresponding to the surface number from the memory, and executes a correction in accordance with the correction data. Thus, image distortion due to the mounting accuracy and the cutting accuracy of the scanning surfaces of the polygon mirrors 23 and the like is reduced.
When the print job is started, the identifying circuit 33 initializes the BD number. For example, the BD number of the detection signal BDY may be 1, and the BD number of the detection signal BDM may be 2. The identifying circuit 33 may distinguish between the detection signal BDY and the detection signal BDM on the basis of the BD numbers. By initializing the BD number, the identifying circuit 33 is brought into a state in which the detection signal BD for the photosensitive member 108 that will first transfer the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 111 is input to the identifying circuit 33. The period counter 42 is also initialized to be able to start the counting. In the present embodiment, the detection signal BDY is input to the identifying circuit 33 before the detection signal BDM. The initial value of the period counter 42 is 0. Thereafter, when the detection signal BD is input, the period counter 42 starts the counting. The period counter 42 increments the count value in synchronization with a clock signal CLK. When the next detection signal BD is input, the identifying circuit 33 outputs the count value of the period counter 42 to the surface determination unit 44 as a measurement result. Further, the identifying circuit 33 clears the period counter 42, and the period counter 42 starts a measurement of the next BD period.
Time t1 is a timing at which the measurement of the BD period of all reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror 23 has been completed. The time t1 is a timing at which the measurement completion condition has been met at S4. The identifying circuit 33 executes S5 at the time t1. That is, the identifying circuit 33 determines the surface number on the basis of comparison between the measured value of the period counter 42 and the ideal value of period information Info_Yi retained in the memory 43. i is an index that takes on values from 1 to 4. In this example, the period counter 42 stops the counting in the period from the time t1 until an input of the next detection signal BD. The reason for this is to reduce unnecessary operation. However, the period counter 42 may continue the counting. In this case, the identifying circuit 33 does not output, to the surface determination unit 44, the count value at the time when the next detection signal BD is input, and the period counter 42 starts the next count. In addition, the identifying circuit 33 switches the identification information on the detection signal BD from BDY to BDM. As a result, the surface identification process for the next detection signal BDM is started.
At a time t1′, S6 is executed. In other words, the surface number is set to the surface counter 34Y corresponding to the detection signal BDY. The surface number is output to the surface counter 34Y together with a trigger signal TrgY. The time difference between the time t1 and the time t1′ depends on the time required for the surface determination process. The shorter the time required for the surface determination process, the more the time difference can be reduced. When the time t1′ has elapsed, the identifying circuit 33 starts the surface identification process for the detection signal BDM.
A time t2 is a timing at which the measurement of the BD period for four reflective surfaces has been completed for the polygon mirror 23M. The identifying circuit 33 executes S5. That is, the identifying circuit 33 determines the surface number on the basis of comparison between the measured value of the period counter 42 and the ideal value of period information Info_Mi retained in the memory 43. The identifying circuit 33 switches the identification information on the detection signal BD from BDM to BDY (changes the BD number from 2 to 1). As a result, the surface identification process for the next detection signal BDY is started. Note that the surface identification process for the detection signal BDY may not be executed.
At a time t2′, S6 is executed. In other words, the surface number is set to the surface counter 34M corresponding to the detection signal BDM. The surface number is output to the surface counter 34M together with a trigger signal TrgM.
At the time t1′, the surface counter 34Y receives the surface number and the trigger signal TrgY from the identifying circuit 33. Note that the time t1′ illustrated in
At the time t2′, the surface counter 34M receives the surface number and the trigger signal TrgM from the identifying circuit 33. Note that the time t2′ illustrated in
The polygon mirror 23Y is an example of a rotatable first rotating polygonal mirror including a plurality of reflective surfaces that reflect light output from a light source 20Y. The light source 20Y is an example of a first light source configured to output light on a basis of image data of the first color. The polygon mirror 23Y is an example of the first rotating polygonal mirror configured such that light reflected by the first rotating polygonal mirror scans a first photosensitive member with rotation of the first rotating polygonal mirror. The photosensitive member 108Y for a first color is an example of the first photosensitive member to carry a toner image of the first color. The BD sensor 24Y is an example of a first detecting unit that is scanned by light reflected by the first rotating polygonal mirror with rotation of the first rotating polygonal mirror, and outputs a first signal when the light is incident on the unit. The BD sensor 24Y is an example of a first light receiving unit that receives light deflected by the first rotating polygonal mirror. The BD output circuit 30Y is an example of a first output unit that outputs a first signal in response to light reception at the first light receiving unit. The first signal has a first level and a second level. The polygon mirror 23M is an example of a rotatable second rotating polygonal mirror including a plurality of reflective surfaces that reflect light output from a light source 20M. The light source 20M is an example of a second light source configured to output light on a basis of image data of the second color. The polygon mirror 23M is an example of the second rotating polygonal mirror configured such that light reflected by the second rotating polygonal mirror scans a second photosensitive member with rotation of the second rotating polygonal mirror. The photosensitive member 108M is an example of the second photosensitive member provided downstream of the first photosensitive member in a rotational direction in which the intermediate transfer member rotates, and configured to carry a toner image of a second color. The BD sensor 24M is an example of a second detecting unit that is scanned by light reflected by the second rotating polygonal mirror with rotation of the second rotating polygonal mirror, and outputs a second signal when the light is incident on the unit. The second signal has the first level and the second level. The BD sensor 24M is an example of a second light receiving unit that receives light deflected by the second rotating polygonal mirror. The BD output circuit 30M is an example of a second output unit that outputs a second signal in response to light reception at the second light receiving unit. The surface identifying unit 31 and the identifying circuit 33 are an example of an identifying unit provided to be shared for the first signal and the second signal. The identifying unit identifies, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the first signal. Further, the identifying unit identifies, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the second signal. As described above, according to the present embodiment, a single identifying unit is provided to be shared by a plurality of rotating polygonal mirrors. Thus, the number of identifying units for identifying the reflective surface is reduced relative to the number of rotating polygonal mirrors. In addition, sharing the identifying units reduces the circuit size of the circuits that engage in the specification of the reflective surface. That is, the reflective surface can be identified while suppressing increase in circuit size.
The surface identifying unit 31 and the identifying circuit 33 are examples of an identifying unit that identifies both a reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror and a reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror. The surface identifying unit 31 and the identifying circuit 33 identify the reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member on the basis of the second signal after identifying the reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member on the basis of the first signal. The data storage unit 51 for Y is an example of a first storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of correction data each of which corresponds to a different one of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror. The determination unit 52 and the correction unit 53 are examples of a first correction unit that corrects image data of the first color in association with the reflective surface on the basis of the correction data stored in the first storage unit and the information indicating the reflective surface identified by the identifying unit. The output unit 54 for Y is an example of a third output unit that outputs image data corrected by the first correction unit to the image forming unit. The data storage unit 51 for M is an example of a second storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of correction data each of which corresponds to a different one of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror. The determination unit 52 and the correction unit 53 for M are examples of a second correction unit that corrects image data of the second color in association with the reflective surface on the basis of the correction data stored in the second storage unit and the information indicating the reflective surface identified by the identifying unit. The output unit 54 for M is an example of a fourth output unit that outputs image data corrected by the second correction unit to the image forming unit.
The identifying unit identifies, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the first signal. Thereafter, the identifying unit identifies, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the second signal. In this manner, the identifying unit may share a single identifying unit by executing the identifying process for the first signal and the identifying process for the second signal in different periods.
Of the first signal and the second signal, the identifying unit may select the first signal to identify, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the first signal. Of the first signal and the second signal, the identifying unit may select the second signal to identify, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the first signal. In this manner, the identifying unit may select one detection signal from among the plurality of detection signals to identify the reflective surface for each of the plurality of detection signals. The selection circuit 32 is an example of a selection unit configured to select one detection signal of the first signal and the second signal in accordance with the selection signal.
The memory 43 is an example of a storage unit storing information relating to the length of each of the plurality of reflective surfaces in the rotational direction of the first rotating polygonal mirror, the information being preliminarily acquired for each of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror. The length of the reflective surface is correlated with a BD period that is acquired by the BD sensor 24 when the polygon mirror 23 is rotating at a predetermined target rotational speed, for example. The period counter 42 is an example of a measuring unit that measures a time from a falling edge to a next falling edge of the first signal selected by the selection unit. The surface determination unit 44 may identify the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source in the first rotating polygonal mirror on the basis of the time measured by the measuring unit and the information relating to the length of each of the reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror stored in the storage unit. Note that the lengths of the reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror are different from each other. The length of each reflective surface has been set at factory shipment, and the length of each reflective surface does not change even when the user forms an image. Thus, information relating to the length of the reflective surface may be acquired at factory shipment or the like and stored in the ROM of the memory 43 or the like so as to identify the reflection surface by comparing information acquired by the period counter 42 with the information relating to the length of the reflective surface. The memory 43 is an example of a third storage unit configured to store information relating to a time interval between a first timing when the first signal changes from the first level to the second level and a second timing when the first signal changes from the first level to the second level, the second timing being a next timing of the first timing, and the information being preliminarily acquired. The period counter 42 is an example of a measuring unit configured to measure the time interval in the first signal. The identifying unit may be configured to identify the reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member on a basis of the time interval in the first signal measured by the measuring unit and the information stored in the third storage unit. A first detection unit may to detect a change of the first signal from the first level to the second level. The identifying unit may update a first surface information indicating the reflective surface used for scanning the first photosensitive member each time the change is detected by the first detection unit. The first correction unit may correct the image data corresponding to the image to be formed on the first photosensitive member on a basis of the first surface information. The memory 43 may store information relating to a time interval between a first timing when the second signal changes from the first level to the second level and a second timing when the second signal changes from the first level to the second level, the second timing being a next timing of the first timing, and, the information being preliminarily acquired. The measuring unit measures the time interval in the second signal. The identifying unit may be configured to identify the reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member on a basis of the time interval in the second signal measured by the measuring unit and the information stored in the third storage unit. A second detection unit may detect a change of the second signal from the first level to the second level. The identifying unit may update a second surface information indicating the reflective surface used for scanning the second photosensitive member each time the change is detected by the second detection unit. The second correction unit may correct the image data corresponding to the image to be formed on the second photosensitive member on a basis of the second surface information.
The surface counter 34Y is an example of a first counter that counts an identification number indicating the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source in the first rotating polygonal mirror, and updates the count value indicating the identification number each time the first signal is input. The image output circuit 35Y includes a first determination unit (e.g., the determination unit 52) that determines correction information on the basis of the count value of the first counter. The correction information may be correction data used for correcting image data corresponding to the image to be formed on the first photosensitive member. The image output circuit 35Y includes a first correction unit (e.g., the correction unit 53) that corrects image data for the first photosensitive member that is supplied to the light source on the basis of the correction information. Correction values for the writing position and the magnification correction have been determined for each reflective surface at factory shipment. Accordingly, the ROM of the image output circuit 35 or the memory 43 stores these correction values in association with the surface number. Thus, the reflective surface is correctly identified, and as a result, a correct correction value is applied. As a result, distortion and color shifting of images are reduced.
The setting unit 45 is an example of a setting unit that sets, to the first counter, an identification number (e.g., the surface number) of the reflective surface identified on the basis of the time measured by the measuring unit and the length information stored in the storage unit. The number designation unit 46 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the identification number of the reflective surface. The trigger unit 47 is an example of an output unit that outputs a setting signal that prompts setting of the identification number notified by the notification unit to the first counter.
The memory 43 stores information relating to the length of each of the plurality of plurality of reflective surfaces in the rotational direction of the second rotating polygonal mirror, the information preliminarily acquired for each of the plurality of reflective surfaces of the first rotating polygonal mirror. The period counter 42 measures the time from the falling edge to the next falling edge of the second signal selected by the selecting unit. That is, a single period of the second signal is measured. The surface determination unit 44 may identify the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source in the second rotating polygonal mirror on the basis of the time measured by the measuring unit and the information relating to the length of each of the reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror stored in the storage unit. The lengths of the reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror are different from each other.
The surface counter 34Y is an example of a second counter that counts an identification number indicating the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source in the second rotating polygonal mirror, and updates a count value indicating the identification number each time the second signal is input. The image output circuit 35Y includes a second determination unit that determines correction information on the basis of the count value of the second counter, and a second correction unit that corrects image data for the second photosensitive member supplied to the light source on the basis of the correction information.
As illustrated in
The identifying circuit 33 identifies, from among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the second rotating polygonal mirror, the reflective surface reflecting light from the light source on the basis of the second signal in a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is a period from the start timing of the writing of the electrostatic latent image with light from the light source on the first photosensitive member to the start timing of the writing of the electrostatic latent image with light from the light source on the second photosensitive member. This period matches the transfer period during which the toner image is transported from the transfer position to the intermediate transfer member by the upstream photosensitive member to the transfer position to the intermediate transfer member by the downstream photosensitive member. Thus, the surface identification of the downstream photosensitive member is completed within the predetermined time period, and as a result, the generation of the toner image by the downstream photosensitive member is not delayed.
The light source 20Y is an example of a first light source. The light source 20M is an example of a second light source. In
The light source 20 for black is an example of a fourth light source. The polygon mirror 23 for black is an example of a rotatable fourth polygonal mirror including a plurality of reflective surfaces that reflect light output from the fourth light source, and the fourth polygonal mirror is configured such that light reflected by the fourth polygonal mirror scans a fourth photosensitive member with rotation of the fourth polygonal mirror. The BD sensor 24 for black is an example of a fourth detecting unit that is scanned by light reflected by the fourth polygonal mirror with rotation of the fourth polygonal mirror, and outputs a fourth detection signal when the light is incident on the unit.
The surface identifying unit 31 for yellow and magenta is an example of a first identifying unit. The surface identifying unit 31 for cyan and black is an example of a second identifying unit provided to be shared for the third detection signal and the fourth detection signal. The second identifying unit identifies the reflective surface reflecting light from the third light source among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the third polygonal mirror on the basis of the third detection signal, and identifies the reflective surface reflecting light from the fourth light source among the plurality of reflective surfaces of the fourth polygonal mirror on the basis of the fourth detection signal.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The light source 20, the polygon mirror 23, the photosensitive member 108, the BD sensor 24, and the motor control unit 29Y in the embodiment are included in the image forming unit.
In addition, while the surface number is identified based on the time interval of adjacent pulses of the BD signal in this embodiment, the method for identifying the surface number is not limited thereto. For example, the surface number may be identified based on a phase difference between a BD signal and a signal (e.g., an encoder signal, an FG signal, or the like) indicating the rotation period of a motor that drives the polygon mirror 23 into rotation.
In the present embodiment, the polygon mirror 23 and the BD sensor 24 are provided for each of Y, M, C, and K in the image forming apparatus 100. That is, while four polygon mirrors 23 and four BD sensors 24 are provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in
Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.
While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-180939, filed Sep. 26, 2018 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-180939 | Sep 2018 | JP | national |
