Patents by Inventor Hiroshi Tomii
Hiroshi Tomii has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230176497Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a photosensitive member, a light source, and a developing roller, and a controller configured to control the image forming unit to form a detection image, obtain density data regarding density levels in a plurality of areas in the detection image at a plurality of positions in a scanning direction in which the photosensitive member is scanned with the light from the light source, generate, based on the density data, a first image forming condition for forming a first test image and a second image forming condition for forming a second test image, the second image forming condition being different from the first image forming condition, and control the image forming unit to form the first test image and the second test image, respectively based on the first image forming condition and the second image forming condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventor: HIROSHI TOMII
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Patent number: 11595538Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a length of a sheet, which is placed on a platen, in a predetermined direction and a controller. The controller is configured to convert an image signal based on a conversion condition, control the image forming unit to form an image based on the converted image signal, and execute calibration in which the conversion condition is generated. The controller is configured, in a case in which the calibration is to be executed, to acquire information related to a size of a sheet on which a test chart is to be formed, select a sheet based on the information, form the test chart on the selected sheet acquire reading data output from the reader, and generate the conversion condition based on the reading data.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 11563868Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a length of a sheet, which is placed on a platen, in a predetermined direction and a controller. The controller is configured to convert an image signal based on a conversion condition, control the image forming unit to form an image based on the converted image signal, and execute calibration in which the conversion condition is generated. The controller is configured, in a case in which the calibration is to be executed, to acquire information related to a size of a sheet on which a test chart is to be formed, select a sheet based on the information, form the test chart on the selected sheet acquire reading data output from the reader, and generate the conversion condition based on the reading data.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20220400181Abstract: An information processing apparatus is configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a document feeder configured to convey, in order to read an original on an original tray, the original on the tray. The image forming apparatus is configured to form an image on a sheet based on a result of reading the original. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire user instruction information about types of calibration selected from among a plurality of types of calibration for adjusting a quality of an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus; and a controller configured to determine test charts to be created by the image forming apparatus based on the user instruction information; receive an execution instruction that instructs to create the test charts in succession.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 11457113Abstract: An information processing apparatus is configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a document feeder configured to convey, in order to read an original on an original tray, the original on the tray. The image forming apparatus is configured to form an image on a sheet based on a result of reading the original. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire user instruction information about types of calibration selected from among a plurality of types of calibration for adjusting a quality of an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus; and a controller configured to determine test charts to be created by the image forming apparatus based on the user instruction information; receive an execution instruction that instructs to create the test charts in succession.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20220188584Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printer configured to print an image, a reading unit having: a platen on which a document is to be placed; and a reading sensor configured to read an image of the document placed on the platen, a document feeder rotatably supported by the reading unit having: a stacking tray on which a document is to be stacked; a conveyance unit configured to convey the document stacked on the stacking tray to cause the reading sensor to read an image of the document; and a discharge tray on which the document conveyed by the conveyance unit is discharged, a display; and a controller configured to receive user instruction information for instructing to print the test chart; and control the printer to print the test chart on a sheet when the user instruction information is received.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20220070308Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image, a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet on which the image is formed, a reader configured to read the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute first calibration in which a density of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader, and execute second calibration in which a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader. The controller allows usage of a sheet of a first type in the first type of calibration, wherein the controller prevents usage of a sheet of a second type in the first type of calibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20220046137Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a length of a sheet, which is placed on a platen, in a predetermined direction and a controller. The controller is configured to convert an image signal based on a conversion condition, control the image forming unit to form an image based on the converted image signal, and execute calibration in which the conversion condition is generated. The controller is configured, in a case in which the calibration is to be executed, to acquire information related to a size of a sheet on which a test chart is to be formed, select a sheet based on the information, form the test chart on the selected sheet acquire reading data output from the reader, and generate the conversion condition based on the reading data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 11201972Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image, a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet on which the image is formed, a reader configured to read the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute first calibration in which a density of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader, and execute second calibration in which a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader. The controller allows usage of a sheet of a first type in the first type of calibration, wherein the controller prevents usage of a sheet of a second type in the first type of calibration.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 11184497Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a length of a sheet, which is placed on a platen, in a predetermined direction and a controller. The controller is configured to convert an image signal based on a conversion condition, control the image forming unit to form an image based on the converted image signal, and execute calibration in which the conversion condition is generated. The controller is configured, in a case in which the calibration is to be executed, to acquire information related to a size of a sheet on which a test chart is to be formed, select a sheet based on the information, form the test chart on the selected sheet, acquire reading data output from the reader, and generate the conversion condition based on the reading data.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20210185181Abstract: An information processing apparatus is configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a document feeder configured to convey, in order to read an original on an original tray, the original on the tray. The image forming apparatus is configured to form an image on a sheet based on a result of reading the original. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire user instruction information about types of calibration selected from among a plurality of types of calibration for adjusting a quality of an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus; and a controller configured to determine test charts to be created by the image forming apparatus based on the user instruction information; receive an execution instruction that instructs to create the test charts in succession.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 10969723Abstract: An image forming unit forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner. A transfer unit transfers the toner image to a sheet. A cleaner removes, from the image carrier, residual toner that was not transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit. In a detection mode for detecting a part of the image forming apparatus causing a streak, a controller may control the image forming unit to form a pattern on the image carrier, control the transfer unit so that the pattern passes through a transfer position without transferring the pattern to the sheet, control the cleaner to remove the pattern on the image carrier, and control the transfer unit to transfer a residual streak from the image carrier to the sheet. The residual streak occurs from the pattern image by causing an error of the cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Tomii, Hidekazu Nakashio
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Publication number: 20210075918Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image, a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet on which the image is formed, a reader configured to read the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute first calibration in which a density of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader, and execute second calibration in which a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed by the image forming unit is controlled based on a result of reading by the reader. The controller allows usage of a sheet of a first type in the first type of calibration, wherein the controller prevents usage of a sheet of a second type in the first type of calibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 10838341Abstract: A controller controls a charging unit to charge a photosensitive member so that a surface potential of the photosensitive member is controlled to a first potential, controls an exposure unit to expose the photosensitive member so that a potential of an exposure region on the photosensitive member is controlled to a second potential, controls a surface potential of a developing sleeve of a developing unit to a third potential, and forms a test image on a sheet by controlling the photosensitive member, the charging unit, the exposure unit, and the developing unit. An absolute value of the first potential is higher than an absolute value of the second potential. An absolute value of the third potential is higher than the absolute value of the first potential.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshihisa Yago, Sumito Tanaka, Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20200358916Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a length of a sheet, which is placed on a platen, in a predetermined direction and a controller. The controller is configured to: convert an image signal based on a conversion condition; control the image forming unit to form an image based on the converted image signal; and execute calibration in which the conversion condition is generated. The controller is configured, in a case where the calibration is to be executed, to: acquire information related to a size of a sheet on which a test chart is to be formed; select a sheet based on the information; form the test chart on the selected sheet; acquire reading data output from the reader; and generate the conversion condition based on the reading data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 10778854Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a reader that can read an original and a printer that can form an image on a sheet based on a read result of the reader, a controller can control the printer to form a test chart on the sheet and control the reader to read the test chart. The test chart is used for detecting a causal part of a streak that occurs when an image is formed by the printer. The test chart has a pattern for obscuring an image defect occurring when the test chart is formed by the printer.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sumito Tanaka, Toshihisa Yago, Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 10678176Abstract: A controller controls a first image forming unit and a second image forming unit to form a test image having a pattern. The test image is formed by the first image forming unit based on a first image forming condition in which an absolute value of a developing potential of a first developing sleeve is greater than an absolute value of a charging potential of a first photosensitive member. The pattern is formed by a second image forming unit based on a second image forming condition in which an absolute value of a developing potential of a second developing sleeve is smaller than an absolute value of a charging potential of a second photosensitive member. A controller controls a sensor to read the test image having the pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Tomii, Toshihisa Yago, Sumito Tanaka
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Patent number: 10498929Abstract: In a case where a first mode, in which a reader reads test patterns while sheets are fed to the reader by a document feeder, is executed, an image forming apparatus forms a first test pattern on a first sheet and a second test pattern on a second sheet before the first test pattern on the first sheet placed on an original tray of the document feeder is read by the reader. In a case where a second mode, in which the reader reads the test patterns on the sheets without feeding the sheets by the document feeder is executed, the apparatus forms the second test pattern after a reading of the first test pattern on the first sheet is started by the reader.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Patent number: 10474082Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a controller configured to control the photosensitive member, the charging unit, the exposure unit, the developing unit, and the transfer unit to form a measurement image on the sheet, and acquire read data on the measurement image output from a reading device. The measurement image includes a first measurement image and a second measurement image. The controller forms the first measurement image based on a first image signal value and forms the second measurement image based on a second image signal value different from the first image signal value. The controller detects a streak included in the first measurement image or the second measurement image and determines an error based on a detection result.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tomii
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Publication number: 20190310576Abstract: An image forming unit forms a toner image on an image carrier using toner. A transfer unit transfers the toner image to a sheet. A cleaner removes, from the image carrier, residual toner that was not transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit. In a detection mode for detecting a part of the image forming apparatus causing a streak, a controller may control the image forming unit to form a pattern on the image carrier, control the transfer unit so that the pattern passes through a transfer position without transferring the pattern to the sheet, control the cleaner to remove the pattern on the image carrier, and control the transfer unit to transfer a residual streak from the image carrier to the sheet. The residual streak occurs from the pattern image by causing an error of the cleaner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Hiroshi Tomii, Hidekazu Nakashio