Patents by Inventor Norio Tomita
Norio Tomita 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: 20080131150Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: image forming sections, each image forming section forming an image of a color component among plural color components under a predetermined condition, and forming a pattern of each color component for adjusting the condition; a detecting section that reads the formed patterns so as to perform a temporary detection and a main detection of a deviation from a reference under the condition; and a correction control section that determines whether the deviation of the temporary detection exceeds a predetermined threshold value or not, and when the deviation exceeds the threshold value, executes the main detection to fully detect the deviation so as to correct the condition, wherein the correction control section controls to form the pattern for the temporary detection, the number of the color components for the temporary detection being fewer than those of the patterns to be used for the main detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Norio TOMITA, Yoshikazu Harada, Tetsushi Ito, Showtaro Okamoto, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Yoshiteru Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7306313Abstract: A plurality of first base images are formed from a base color output in accordance with a predetermined adjustment value. A plurality of first correction images are formed on the first base images from a correction color to be a subject for correction output in accordance with a predetermined adjustment value. The first correction images are displaced within a predetermined range. The first adjustment value is determined from changed adjustment values. The second base images are formed from the base color output in accordance with the predetermined adjustment value, and the second correction images are formed from the correction color output in accordance with a plurality of adjustment values determined based on the first adjustment value. The second adjustment value having an extreme is determined from a plurality of adjustment value candidates. Finally, the adjustment value for the correction color is corrected to the determined second adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Kamimura, Yoshikazu Harada, Kyosuke Taka, Nobuo Manabe, Toshio Yamanaka, Norio Tomita, Manabu Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20070242986Abstract: A color registration method in a color image forming apparatus including a plurality of drum-type photoconductors for driving some or all of the photoconductors having the same diameter to match pitch fluctuations which correspond to a rotational cycle of the photoconductors, the method including: a first measurement step for forming a first registration image for each color and measuring formation positions of a plurality of predetermined portions in each registration image; a second measurement step for forming a second registration image for each color and measuring formation positions of a plurality of predetermined portions in each registration image; a calculation step for calculating a periodic fluctuation component being contained in the images in different colors and corresponding to the rotational cycle of the photoconductors so as to obtain phases thereof; and a step for adjusting a rotational phase of the photoconductors in order for the obtained phases matching to each other, wherein the intervalType: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kengo Matsuyama, Yoshikazu Harada, Norio Tomita, Yoshiteru Kikuchi, Hirokazu Fujita
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Publication number: 20070242980Abstract: A color image forming apparatus including: a plurality of drum-type photoconductors for forming an image in a different color on each peripheral surface and the photoconductors having at least two different diameters; a plurality of driving sections for driving each photoconductor at a driving speed in accordance with the diameter so that each photoconductor rotates at a predetermined peripheral speed; a correction signal output section for outputting a speed correction signal to correct a periodic pitch fluctuation included in each formed image; and a drive control section for controlling the driving section to correct the driving speed of each photoconductor by the speed correction signal, wherein the speed correction signal is a signal having the same cycle as a rotational cycle of each photoconductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiteru Kikuchi, Yoshikazu Harada, Norio Tomita, Kengo Matsuyama, Yutaka Eba, Tetsushi Ito
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Patent number: 7251436Abstract: An armored unit includes a side cover and a guide member. When sheet jam operation is carried out, a fixing unit is pulled out with the armored unit, and then is pushed to the rear side. This operation unlocks the lock member provided in the guide member, and a shoulder screw moves in a guide hole. Thus, the fixing unit is moved from the pulled out position toward the rear side and toward the main body of image forming device to be shifted to a receding position. On this account, it is possible to provide an image forming device ensuring sufficient space for removing a jammed sheet by hand with a small opening space.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunori Minakuchi, Atsushi Ide, Yoshinobu Tateishi, Kazuhiro Matsuyama, Toshiya Mikita, Koichi Yamauchi, Hiroshi Tachiki, Koichi Nakamura, Norio Tomita
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Patent number: 7248272Abstract: A plurality of first base images for a base color are formed in accordance with a predetermined adjustment value. A plurality of first correction images for a correction color to be a subject for correction are formed on the first base images in accordance with a predetermined adjustment value. The first correction images are displaced within a predetermined range. The first adjustment value is determined from changed adjustment values. The second base images for the base color are formed in accordance with the predetermined adjustment value while the second correction images for the correction color are formed in accordance with a plurality of adjustment values determined based on the first adjustment value. One second adjustment value having an extreme is determined from the plurality of adjustment value candidates. These processes are repeated to determine a final adjustment value. The adjustment value for the correction color is corrected to the determined final adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshikazu Harada, Kyosuke Taka, Norio Tomita, Nobuo Manabe, Toshio Yamanaka
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Patent number: 7239833Abstract: An image forming device and a color misregistration correction method allow for stable formation of excellent images with little color misregistration. A reference patch image is formed on a reference photosensitive drum 3, and transferred to a transfer belt 7. A correction patch image is formed on a correction-target photosensitive drum 3, and transferred onto the reference patch image by superimposition. A registration detecting sensor 21 detects a density average value of the reference patch image and the correction patch image. Based on the density average value, a correction value for controlling the correction-target photosensitive drum 3 is calculated, and rotational phase control is performed in accordance with the correction value.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Tomita, Masanobu Yamamoto, Kyosuke Taka, Yoshikazu Harada
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Publication number: 20070109393Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms a color image in which a plurality of color component images are superimposed; and a formation controlling unit that allows the image forming unit to form images for adjustment of formation positions of the respective color component images. The formation controlling unit allows the image forming unit to form, for each color, a plurality of adjustment images having different tilts with respect to a main scanning direction. A shift of a detected position of each adjustment image from a reference position in which each adjustment image should be formed is calculated, a tilt and an intercept of a regression line that uses the reference positions and the calculated shifts as variables are calculated, and a shift in the main scanning direction and a shift in a sub-scanning direction are determined based on the calculated tilt and intercept.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: May 17, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Tomita, Yoshikazu Harada, Kengo Matsuyama, Shinichi Yamane
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Patent number: 7212324Abstract: The present invention includes a first plate (14) and a second plate (15) which perform a coarse adjustment of a cylinder mirror (245) by moving the cylinder mirror (245) linearly in the substantially vertical and parallel directions with respect to an appropriate plane surface of a reflective surface (RS) of the cylinder mirror (245), and the second plate (15), a second plate opening section (15b), a setscrew (24), and a hexagon shaft (25) which perform a fine adjustment in the position of the cylinder mirror (245) by moving linearly only in the substantially parallel direction after the coarse adjustment has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Fujinon CorporationInventors: Toshio Yamanaka, Ayumu Oda, Norio Tomita, Kyosuke Taka, Hidekazu Sakagami, Mitsuhiro Ohno, Tetsuya Ori
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Publication number: 20070071510Abstract: Multiple photoconductive drums on which images with different color components are formed respectively are rotated using individual motors, multiple adjustment images are formed at a predetermined interval along the cycle length of one rotation of each photoconductive drum, the reference phases for the rotation of the respective photoconductive drums are determined based on the maximum portions of the divergences between the predetermined interval and the detection interval of each adjustment image, and the individual motors are controlled so that the respective reference phases determined are aligned. The image forming region corresponding to the cycle length of one rotation of the photoconductive drum is divided into four or more even numbered regions, the, divergence amount of each region is calculated, and the maximum portions of the divergences are determined based on the difference between the divergence amounts of the divided regions being away from each other by a half cycle length.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: March 29, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kengo Matsuyama, Yoshikazu Harada, Norio Tomita
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Patent number: 7197254Abstract: An image-forming unit 100 in a complex device A forms a correction-use image onto a sheet in accordance with data, in such a manner that the correction-use image thus formed partly on and partly off the sheet and includes edges of the sheet, the date being preliminarily determined in accordance with a size of the sheet. An image-detecting section 520 reads that portion of the correction-use image which is transferred on an image-transfer belt 7 as the correction-use image is formed by the image-forming unit 100. A correction value is calculated in accordance with data thus obtained by the image-detecting section 520. A control section then causes a data storing section to store the correction value. The control section reads out the correction value when forming an image in the complex device A, and forms the image, performing correction of the image, using the correction value for correcting an image-forming condition regarding how the image is formed on the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Tomita, Mitsuharu Yoshimoto, Kyosuke Taka, Nobuo Manabe
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Patent number: 7154525Abstract: Focus adjustment of an optical writing unit is performed based on an image of a test pattern formed on a paper sheet. The pattern includes bars of density levels associated with adjustment quantity information indicating numerical values corresponding to the numbers of rotation of adjustment motors and adjustment screws. The density levels decrease as the amount of displacement of the unit with respect to a photosensitive drum increases. A focus adjustment device accepts an input of the numerical values indicated beside the unprinted bars of the lowest density levels and causes the motors to turn by the numbers of rotation indicated by the input numerical values to move the unit to the position of correct focus. It is possible to perform focus adjustment of the unit with ease and high accuracy regardless of whether the unit is for forming binary or multi-valued images.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ayumu Oda, Kyosuke Taka, Takaharu Motoyama, Norio Tomita, Shohichi Fukutome, Nobuo Manabe
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Patent number: 7123851Abstract: An adjustment method for an image forming device, for adjusting image forming condition with respect to a sheet by using image forming means. The adjustment operation is performed in such a manner that: a first image, that is used for detecting scanning error of an image scanning device, is formed on an image carrying body and then transferred from the image carrying body to the sheet, the first image being formed over at least three corners of the sheet while extending outside the sheet. The sheet with the first image is scanned by the image scanning device to figure out a scanning error amount of the image scanning device, and a correction value of image forming condition of the image forming means is found in consideration of the scanning error amount. The image forming condition with respect to the sheet is modified based on the correction value.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Tomita, Mitsuharu Yoshimoto, Kyosuke Taka, Nobuo Manabe, Manabu Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20060203070Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of color component images of different colors, which include a reference color (e.g. black) serving as a reference and adjustment colors (e.g. cyan, magenta and yellow) to be adjusted, are formed on respective photosensitive drums and then transferred to a transfer belt. Respective positions of the color component images transferred to the transfer belt are detected by a CCD. Timing adjustment can be performed so that the difference between the detected position of each of the color component images and a prescribed position is not more than a predetermined value, based on the reference color image as the reference. In this case, the color component images are formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums with the same timing by utilizing a single polygon mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kengo Matsuyama, Norio Tomita, Yoshikazu Harada, Kenji Tanaka
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Patent number: 7028666Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7013870Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
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Patent number: 6970660Abstract: An image adjustment method for an image forming apparatus in which an adjustment image is formed by transferring a plurality of reference images formed by a color component to be the reference among a plurality of color components and a plurality of images to be adjusted, which are formed by other color component to be adjusted, onto a transfer medium so that the images to be adjusted are superposed on the reference images, the density of the formed adjustment image is detected, and an image forming position of the other color component to be adjusted is adjusted based on the detected density of the adjustment image. The density of the surface of the transfer medium is detected, and the position of forming the image to be adjusted is adjusted, based on the detected density of the surface of the transfer medium and the detected density of the adjustment image.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshikazu Harada, Kyosuke Taka, Nobuo Manabe, Norio Tomita, Toshio Yamanaka
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Patent number: 6968148Abstract: Images based on each of a plurality of color components are formed; the formed images are transferred on each transfer medium to form an image quality determining image; the image quality of the image quality determining image is determined on the basis of the detected density thereof, an adjustment image is formed by overlaying and transferring an image of other color component to be adjusted to the reference image of the reference color image out of the plurality of color components, on the transfer medium; the density of the adjustment image is detected; and the image forming position of the other color component to be adjusted is adjusted on the basis of the detected density.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kyosuke Taka, Yoshikazu Harada, Norio Tomita, Takaharu Motoyama, Nobuo Manabe, Toshio Yamanaka
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Patent number: 6957031Abstract: An average concentration value is detected within a measurement area (about 10 dots) corresponding to the pitch of a detection pattern in the total color matching adjustment range (100 dots), and from a value detected as a local maximum value, a candidate for correction value for the exposure timing of an adjustment image is acquired within the color matching adjustment range. This process is carried out for two types of detection patterns having different pitches thereby to acquire two candidates. A correction value for the exposure timing is determined from a candidate shared by the two detection patterns. At the time of color matching adjustment, the wasteful consumption of the developer or the like is suppressed, while carrying out the color matching adjustment efficiently within a short time.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Tomita, Yoshikazu Harada, Kyosuke Taka, Toshio Yamanaka, Nobuo Manabe
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Patent number: 6915096Abstract: When an instruction to execute a color registration adjustment process is given (S1), an image forming apparatus deactivates a sheet feed driving section and a fixing unit (S2), stops communications with external devices (S3), invalidates control sensors excluding an operation section, a door sensor, and sensors involved in formation of images for adjustment (S4), stops a fan (S5), and then executes the color registration adjustment process by forming reference lines and correction lines on a transfer belt and detecting misregistration between them (S6). With this image adjustment method, it is possible to reduce wasteful consumption of developer and efficiently execute the color registration adjustment in a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kyosuke Taka, Yoshikazu Harada, Norio Tomita, Nobuo Manabe, Takaharu Motoyama, Ayumu Oda