Having Detection Of Toner (e.g., Patch) Patents (Class 399/49)
  • Patent number: 11592773
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a converter configured to convert image data with use of a tone correction condition corresponding to a position in a main scanning direction of the image data, and an image forming unit, which includes a photosensitive member and an exposure portion configured to expose the photosensitive member to light based on the converted image data, and is configured to form an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus further includes a holding portion configured to hold a plurality of feedback conditions corresponding to a plurality of tones and a controller configured to control the image forming unit to form a plurality of test images, acquire measurement results for the plurality of test images, and generate the tone correction condition based on the measurement results and the plurality of feedback conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihito Yokote
  • Patent number: 11567440
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image processor configured to convert image data based on a first conversion condition; an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet based on the image data converted by the image processor, the image forming unit having an image bearing member on which the image is to be formed, a transfer unit configured to transfer the image from the image bearing member onto the sheet, and a fixing unit configured to fix the image to the sheet; a conveyance roller configured to convey the sheet having the image fixed thereto; a reading unit configured to read a pattern image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller; and a detector configured to detect a pattern image on the image bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sumito Tanaka, Sho Ikemoto, Tatsuomi Murayama, Yuko Kiyota, Hiroyuki Eda, Hiromi Shimura, Yuya Ohta, Shin Iwasaki, Rumi Konno, Yuga Yamauchi, Riki Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 11567422
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a conveyance roller to convey a sheet, a light source to illuminate an image on the sheet while being moved in a predetermined direction above the conveyed sheet, a reading sensor to read the image on the sheet while being moved in the predetermined direction above the conveyed sheet, and a controller. The controller controls the reading sensor to read a first image for generating a color profile on a first sheet after the light source emits light for a duration of a first time. The controller controls the reading sensor to read a second image for detecting density unevenness in a main scanning direction of the image forming apparatus on a second sheet after the light source emits light for a duration of a second time shorter than the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki Doshida
  • Patent number: 11520264
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet based on image forming condition, a reader configured to convey the sheet and read a test image on the sheet while the sheet is conveyed, and a controller configured to control the image forming unit to form the image and the test image on a same sheet, control the reader to read the test image on the same sheet, and generate the image forming condition for adjusting a density of an image to be formed by the image forming unit, based on a reading result of the test image by the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotaka Seki
  • Patent number: 11480906
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on an image bearing member based on an image forming condition, an optical sensor including: a light emitter configured to irradiate the image bearing member with light based on a supplied current; and a light receiver configured to receive reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitter; a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the optical sensor; and a controller configured to: control the image forming unit to form a detection image on the image bearing member; control the optical sensor to detect reflected light from the detection image; and adjust the image forming condition based on a result of detecting the detection image by the optical sensor. The controller is configured to control the light emitter to emit light; and generate a correction condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koichiro Ino
  • Patent number: 11480890
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a developing roller; a photosensitive drum; a first measurement device that measures a blank portion current in a first line on the photosensitive drum which extends in a scanning direction of the photosensitive drum and on which no toner patch is formed; a second measurement device that measures a measuring development current in a second line on the photosensitive drum which extends in the scanning direction of the photosensitive drum and on which a toner patch is formed; and a control device that functions as a patch setter and a first calculator. The patch setter sets a patch width of the toner patch in the scanning direction of the photosensitive drum. The first calculator calculates an actual development current based on a developable width of the photosensitive drum in the scanning direction, the patch width, the blank portion current, and the measuring development current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Nakai
  • Patent number: 11454914
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a toner imaging device to form a toner image, a toner image conveying device to convey the toner image, a medium conveying device to convey a medium, and a toner image recording device to record the toner image conveyed by the toner image conveying device on the medium conveyed by the medium conveying device. Additionally, the imaging system includes a control device to determine a stop state including at least one of a state where a recording check toner image is recorded on the medium, a state where a conveyance check toner image is positioned on the toner image conveying device, and a state where a formation check toner image is positioned on the toner imaging device. During the stop state, the control device stops a formation of the toner image that is performed by the toner imaging device, stops a conveyance of the toner image that is performed by the toner image conveying device, and stops a conveyance of the medium that is performed by the medium conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Shinya Nakasha
  • Patent number: 11442374
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first sensor configured to measure measurement images on a first photoreceptor, a second sensor configured to measure measurement images on an intermediate transfer member, and a controller. The controller controls a first image forming unit to form first measurement images, wherein the first measurement images are formed along a rotation direction of the first photoreceptor, and controls the first sensor to measure the first measurement images on the first photoreceptor. The controller further controls the first image forming unit and a second image forming unit to form a plurality of measurement images while a rotation speed of the first photoreceptor is being controlled based on a measurement result of the first sensor, wherein the plurality of measurement images are formed along the predetermined direction of the intermediate transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 11429052
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an image forming portion, an endless belt, a plurality of stretching rollers including an inner roller, an outer roller, a position changing mechanism capable of changing a position of the inner roller to a first position and a second position positioned downstream of the first position with respect to a rotational direction of the endless belt, a feeding member, a feeding member driving portion, and a controller. A feeding start timing of a recording material by the feeding member depends on the position of the inner roller during transfer of a toner image onto the recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoya Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 11385586
    Abstract: Examples of methods are described herein. In some examples, a method includes calculating a first cost function measure based on band defects in an image. In some examples, the method also includes calculating a second cost function measure based on the band defects and a synthetic band. In some examples, the method further includes detecting a missing band based on a comparison of the first cost function measure and the second cost function measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Wan-Eih Huang, Jan Allebach, Richard Eric Maggard, Renee Jeanette Jessome, Mark Quentin Shaw
  • Patent number: 11372359
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus a toner cartridge includes a toner memory storing toner identification information. The toner cartridge is detachably attachable to a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a drum memory storing drum identification information. The drum cartridge is detachably attached to the main-body casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadao Kyotani, Keigo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 11287762
    Abstract: Downtime relating to formation and detection of a detection image is reduced. An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to calculate a first conversion unit to convert a gradation of input image data so that density output for the input image data becomes a first density output characteristic based on a first detection result of the detection image detected by a density sensor in a first mode. The controller generates a second conversion unit to convert the gradation of the input image data so that the density output for the input image data becomes a second density output characteristic in a second mode based on the detection result in the first mode and correction information, and further updates the correction information based on a second detection result of the detection image detected by the density sensor in the second mode and the first detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Shimomura, Yoshiki Kudo, Hiroshi Kita, Kazuhiro Funatani, Keita Sato
  • Patent number: 11281144
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of parts, an acquisition unit, and a control unit. The plurality of parts are used in the image forming process and are replaced according to the degree of use. The acquisition unit acquires, for each of the parts, use-related information that is information indicating the degree of use of the plurality of parts. The control unit determines the replacement timing of the part using the plurality of pieces of use-related information acquired by the acquisition unit and the determination condition regarding the replacement timing of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takanori Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 11284079
    Abstract: In the subject architecture flexible binary arithmetic coding system, coding circuitry of an electronic device may receive video data that is to be coded (e.g., to be encoded or decoded) by binary arithmetic coding. The coding circuitry may also compute at least one of a least probable symbol (LPS) range or a most probable symbol (MPS) range based on a multiplication operation (e.g., without performing a table look-up operation). The coding circuitry may perform binary arithmetic coding on the video data using the at least one of the LPS range or the MPS range. The computation of the LPS range and/or the MPS range using the multiplication operation may have a lower computational cost than using a table look-up operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte. Limited
    Inventor: Minhua Zhou
  • Patent number: 11256190
    Abstract: A controller is configured to, when forming an image on one sheet, in a case where a length of one sheet in a conveyance direction is larger than a first length, drive a moving mechanism to move a plurality of developing rollers from a separation position to a contact position, temporarily stop driving of the moving mechanism, and then, at a first timing, again drive the moving mechanism to move the plurality of developing rollers from the contact position to the separation position; and in a case where the length of the one sheet in the conveyance direction is smaller than or equal to the first length, drive the moving mechanism to move the plurality of developing rollers from the separation position to the contact position and then to move the plurality of developing rollers from the contact position to the separation position without stopping driving of the moving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Ikegami, Shintaro Sakaguchi, Toshiyuki Sano
  • Patent number: 11249415
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus having a simple configuration capable of measuring a toner current included in a developing current and accurately calculating a toner charge amount based on the measurement result. The developing device has a developer carrier that carries a two-component developer including a magnetic carrier and toner. The density detecting device detects the density of the toner image. The current detecting unit detects a DC component of a developing current that flows when a developing voltage is applied to the developer carrier. The control unit, in a state in which the image carrier is rotated at two or more different linear speeds during non-image formation, forms the same reference image on the image carrier by the developing device, and estimates the toner charge amount based on the developing current when the reference image is formed and the density of the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Shimizu, Takahiro Okubo, Yohei Wakasa, Kazuhiro Nakachi
  • Patent number: 11175612
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a rotatable intermediary transfer belt, a plurality of stretching rollers, an outer roller, a moving mechanism, and a controller. In a case that a basis weight of a first recording material is a first basis weight and a basis weight of a second recording material is a second basis weight greater than the first basis weight, a position of the inner roller is a second position when the toner image is transferred onto the second recording material, and in a case that the basis weight of the first recording material and the basis weight of the second recording material are the second basis weight, the position of the inner roller is a first position when the toner image is transferred onto the second recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryou Sakaguchi, Yuya Ohta, Akinobu Nishikata
  • Patent number: 11163252
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a sensor, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms a pattern constituted by a plurality of straight lines intersecting each other on a sheet or a transfer belt. The sensor detects the pattern formed on the sheet or the transfer belt. The control unit adjusts a writing position in a main scanning direction on the basis of the pattern detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Norio Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 11143997
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a belt, a plurality of color information detectors, and a hardware processor. The belt is a belt on which images of a plurality of colors are formed to be laid on each other by a plurality of image formers that form the images of color components different from each other, the belt being colorless and transparent and having a transparency. The plurality of color information detectors are arranged on a front surface side and a back surface side of the belt, and detect, from the front and back surface sides, color information about a pattern image including two layers formed on the belt by two image formers among the plurality of image formers. The hardware processor calculates a color correction amount of an image formed by the two image formers based on detection results by the color information detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Katsuya Toyofuku
  • Patent number: 11126115
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a transfer member, a voltage source, a sensor configured to detect a current value or a voltage value, an image detecting portion, and a controller capable of executing an operation in a mode for setting a transfer voltage to be applied to the transfer member, on the basis of a result of detection of a test chart formed on a test recording material. The controller sets the transfer voltage on the basis of a first detection result acquired by the sensor under application of a voltage to the transfer member when the recording material is absent in the transfer portion and a second detection result acquired by the sensor under application of the test voltages to the transfer member when the test recording material is present in said transfer portion during the operation in the mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takenori Sueoka
  • Patent number: 11126105
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first sensor configured to measure measurement images on a first photoreceptor, a second sensor configured to measure measurement images on an intermediate transfer member, and a controller. The controller controls a first image forming unit to form first measurement images, wherein the first measurement images are formed along a rotation direction of the first photoreceptor, and controls the first sensor to measure the first measurement images on the first photoreceptor. The controller further controls the first image forming unit and a second image forming unit to form a plurality of measurement images while a rotation speed of the first photoreceptor is being controlled based on a measurement result of the first sensor, wherein the plurality of measurement images are formed along the predetermined direction of the intermediate transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 11128761
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming system that can prevent unnecessary down time and spoiled paper from being caused, thereby improving productivity. The image forming system includes an image forming portion, a detecting portion, and a controlling portion. When an abnormality has been detected by the detecting portion, when a reading portion for reading an image formed on a recording medium by the printing operation of the image forming portion is provided, the controlling portion causes the reading portion to function to continue the printing operation, and at the detection of the abnormality on the basis of the read image, stops the printing operation to cause a notifying portion to perform notification related to the abnormality, and when the reading portion is not provided, the controlling portion stops the printing operation to cause the notifying portion to perform the notification related to the detected abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Kenichi Hosoi
  • Patent number: 11119436
    Abstract: A driving device for driving a driven member includes a driving source; a driving gear fixed to a rotation shaft of the driving source; at least one gear for transmitting rotational motion of the driving gear to the driven member; a rotation detection gear engaged with the at least one gear; a detector for detecting rotation of the rotation detection gear; and a controller for detecting an angular speed and a rotational phase of the rotation detection gear on the basis of information from the detector and for controlling the rotational speed of the driving source such that a rotation period of the rotation detection gear is a non-integer multiple of a rotation period of the driving gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Kai, Yusuke Niikawa
  • Patent number: 11099498
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an exposure device irradiates a real latent image line position with scanning light in a primary scanning direction and thereby forms an electrostatic latent image at the real latent image line position, and irradiates two real latent image line positions with scanning light in a primary scanning direction and thereby forms an electrostatic latent image at an imaginary latent image line position between the two real latent image line positions. A controller adjusts light emitting time per dot in the exposure device for the real latent image line positions irradiated to form the electrostatic latent image at the imaginary latent image line position, on the basis of a development potential difference corresponding to a development bias voltage of the development device that has been adjusted in calibration and a surface potential of an exposure area on a photoconductor drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Hiroto Konishi
  • Patent number: 11099496
    Abstract: A charging member which is driven so that the surface of the charging member has a speed difference from the surface of an image bearing member. In a cleaning operation for cleaning the charging member by transferring toner adhering to the surface of the charging member from the charging member to the image bearing member and collecting the transferred toner with a developing member, a first charging voltage forming a potential difference between the charging member and the image bearing member is applied to the charging member, and then a second charging voltage having the same polarity as that of the first charging voltage and an absolute value greater than that of the first charging voltage is applied. The potential difference is in a direction in which electrostatic force directed from the charging member to the image bearing member acts on the toner charged to normal polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Kobayashi, Kensuke Umeda, Takanori Watanabe, Ai Suzuki, Kazuhiro Funatani
  • Patent number: 11086258
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus sets, on an image forming unit, one of a first transfer condition that does not cause an image to be formed on a sheet and a second transfer condition that causes an image to be formed on the sheet. The apparatus generates a first reading result by reading the sheet that has passed through the image forming unit set in the first transfer condition, and generates a second reading result by reading the sheet that has passed through the image forming unit set in the second transfer condition. The apparatus detects toner fogging based on the first reading result and a reading result out of the second reading result, the reading result concerning a non-image region in which no image is formed on a surface of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yu Izaki, Masahiro Suzuki, Shun-ichi Ebihara
  • Patent number: 11073780
    Abstract: A management method includes acquiring first and second information about remaining amounts of printing materials of first and second cartridges, and generating data representing a display screen including first and second objects for displaying first and second values determined using the first and second information. Values that the first value can take include a value corresponding to a first state in which the printing material remains in the first cartridge and the printing material remains in a tank and a value corresponding to a second state in which the printing material does not remain in the first cartridge and the printing material remains in the tank. A shape of the first object indicating the value corresponding to the second state of the values that the first value can take is different from any shape that the second object can have in accordance with the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaro Sato
  • Patent number: 11067931
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an exposing apparatus, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, a history acquisition unit, an estimation unit, and an output unit. The exposing device exposes the image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier. The developing device includes a layer forming member to form a toner layer on a developing roller and forms a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image. The transfer device transfers the toner image to a sheet. The fixing device fixes the toner image to the sheet. The history acquisition unit acquires a history regarding a temperature around the developing device. The estimation unit estimates a possibility that an image defect caused by the layer formation may occur on the basis of the history. The output unit outputs estimation results of the estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takao Izumi
  • Patent number: 11054782
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device forming an image, a transfer belt having an image bearing surface on which the image moves to first and second regions, a sensor installed at an installation angle to the image bearing surface and including a light emitting element emitting light, a first and second light receiving elements receiving light reflected from the first and second regions, respectively, circuitry to generate first and second information according to light entered the first and second light receiving elements, respectively, generate, when the image moves, time information according to a difference between first and second times at each of which the first and second information, respectively, reach a threshold, obtain a tilt table based on the time difference information, and determine, by the tilt table, tilt information corresponding to the time information and indicating a difference between the installation angle and a reference angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi Shimoda
  • Patent number: 11016428
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device and a setting unit. The image forming device is configured to form an image on a recording medium using a rotating body under a predetermined image forming condition. The setting unit is configured to set a correction amount for the image forming condition adjust image density unevenness corresponding to a rotation cycle of the rotating body, based on a density of the image formed by the image forming device, and cause the image forming device to form a test image to which the correction amount is applied on the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Ishihara, Yuma Motegi, Yusuke Kaji
  • Patent number: 10992841
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus for managing a printing apparatus in a print site including at least one printing apparatus includes a memory that stores a set of instructions, and at least one processor that executes the instruction to determine a custom color that is used in a color verification operation of the at least one printing apparatus, obtain an input profile of a color verification setting of the determined custom color, display a screen for selecting whether or not to add a standard color corresponding to the obtained input profile to the color verification operation, and according to having received an instruction, via the screen, for adding the standard color to the color verification operation, instruct the at least one printing apparatus to perform printing in accordance with the color verification setting, including the input profile, for the custom color and the standard color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Toriyabe
  • Patent number: 10979694
    Abstract: To perform a high-accuracy three-dimensional measurement by performing an appropriate calibration in accordance with various temperature changes, an information processing apparatus that decides a temperature-dependent parameter of a projection apparatus configured to project a pattern onto a measurement target object to perform a three-dimensional measurement includes a holding unit configured to hold a relationship in which the temperature-dependent parameter of the projection apparatus is set as a temperature function, a temperature input unit configured to input a temperature of the projection apparatus, and a temperature-dependent parameter decision unit configured to decide the temperature-dependent parameter of the projection apparatus based on the temperature of the projection apparatus which is input by the temperature input unit and the relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Kotake, Masakazu Tohara, Hiroshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 10974503
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a carrying part, a carriage and a detector that optically detects an image recorded on a recording medium, and a controller that obtains a correction value of recording positions of dots from a test pattern, and corrects the recording positions of the dots based on the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuteru Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10948844
    Abstract: A controller which causes a light emitting element to continuously perform minute emission for a plurality of dots in a level in which toner is not attached to a non-image section on an image bearing member is provided. The controller controls a first driving current for an image section and controls a second driving current used to perform the minute emission by the light emitting element in the non-image section several times in one job. In the image section, a driving current obtained by adding the first driving current to the second driving current is supplied so that the light emitting element emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyoto Toyoizumi, Masaru Shimura, Shinsuke Kobayashi, Hideo Nanataki, Shinji Katagiri, Yasunari Watanabe, Hideaki Hasegawa, Masahiro Tambo
  • Patent number: 10908524
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive drums respectively corresponding to a plurality of colors to print, on a recording medium, color chart of a plurality of vertical lines in a sub-scanning direction to a main scanning direction of the recording medium and to be arranged at intervals along the main scanning direction. A vertical line of the plurality of vertical lines includes at least two colored sub-lines to be formed by corresponding at least two photosensitive drums. A processor is to perform a correction in non-linear color registrations in the main scanning direction using an image of the color chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Youn-jae Kim, Ki-youn Lee
  • Patent number: 10901233
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms a pattern image for detecting image-position displacement with respect to a lenticular lens sheet. The pattern image includes periodic images in each of which set images, each including two or more images of different shades and having a length equal to a lens pitch of the lenticular lens sheet, are arranged in a lens transverse direction of the lenticular lens sheet. The periodic images are arranged in a lens longitudinal direction of the lenticular lens sheet so as to be gradually shifted from one another in the lens transverse direction by a distance less than the lens pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun Yashima, Hirotaka Nomoto, Tomoya Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 10895819
    Abstract: An image forming device is provided that more effectively reduces changes in the image density caused by reductions in the charged potential immediately after the application of charge to a photosensitive body, including: a photosensitive body; a charger that charges the photosensitive body; a charged potential fluctuation prediction unit that predicts an amount of fluctuation in a charged potential of the photosensitive body; an optical scanning device that irradiates the photosensitive body with an exposure laser and forms an electrostatic latent image; a development device that develops the electrostatic latent image; and an exposure laser output correction unit that corrects an output of the exposure laser. The charged potential fluctuation prediction unit predicts an amount of fluctuation in the charged potential from a charging stop time, and the exposure laser output correction unit reduces a change in density of the image caused by a fluctuation in the charged potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10859950
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer belt, first to third image bearing members, a driving member, and first and second drive transmission members, and includes first to third transfer positions. A first inter-transfer-position distance between the first and second transfer positions and a second inter-transfer-position distance between the second and third transfer positions are different from each other. The first inter-transfer-position distance is set at “N×A” and the second inter-transfer-position distance is set at “N×A±N×A/i”, where N is an integer of rotations of the driving member during to movement of the belt in the first inter-transfer-position distance, A is a distance of movement of the belt when the driving member rotates through one full circumference, and i is a transmission ratio between the first and second drive transmission members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazushi Ino, Hiroyuki Yamazaki, Hiroshi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10816925
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a transfer unit, an image sensor configured to detect a toner image on the transfer unit, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether the remaining amount of toner in a toner cartridge has decreased to a predetermined level or below. The processor is configured to carry out an image quality stabilization process when the remaining amount of toner is above the predetermined level. The image quality stabilization process being based on a detection result from the image sensor detecting a test pattern formed on the transfer unit. The processor is further configured to perform print process without performing an image stabilization process, without carrying out the image quality stabilization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuuichi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 10788778
    Abstract: An image foil ling apparatus includes a latent image bearer, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a toner adhesion amount detector, and control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the charger, the exposure device, and the developing device to form a detection toner pattern shorter than a circumferential length of the latent image bearer in a circumferential direction of the latent image bearer at an area of the latent image bearer including at least a part of an opposite portion of the latent image bearer opposite the charger when the latent image bearer stops rotation, controls the toner adhesion amount detector to detect a toner adhesion amount of the detection toner pattern, and executes a refreshing operation to recover the surface of the latent image bearer from a deteriorated state due to a discharge product based on a result of the detection toner pattern detected by the toner adhesion amount detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yui Tadaki
  • Patent number: 10782640
    Abstract: An image forming device that forms a toner image on a surface of a photoreceptor, transfers the toner image to a recording material and outputs a printed recording material, includes: an intermediate transfer body that primarily transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor and secondarily transfers the toner image to the recording material; a cleaner that removes a toner left on the surface of the photoreceptor; a patch forming unit that forms a toner patch between two adjacent toner images when multiple toner images are continuously formed on the surface of the photoreceptor; a concentration detector that detects concentration of the toner patch primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer body from the photoreceptor; and a patch adjuster that adjusts toner amount used for forming the toner patch based on a result detected by the concentration detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Hironori Akashi, Soh Hirota, Shigeki Naiki
  • Patent number: 10747174
    Abstract: A sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect a toner image carried on an image bearing member, a duct including a suction portion, and a plurality of branch duct portions. The branch duct portions each includes a discharging portion having a discharge opening. At least one of the branch duct portions includes a first path for discharging air in a direction, and a second path connected with the first path at a downstream position to discharge the air in the direction. The sensor unit further includes a guide portion provided in the second path and extended crossing with an extension of one of inner walls of the first path, the guide portion being capable of branching the air in the second path toward the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keita Shigihara
  • Patent number: 10739718
    Abstract: In a case where a total value of the number of images to be formed specified by an input job and a count value of a counter before the number of images to be formed according to the job is counted is included in a predetermined range including a predetermined number of images, a cleaning mechanism is caused to operate after formation of images according to the job is completed, and a cleaning process is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takako Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10732554
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet includes an image bearing member configured to rotate in a predetermined direction, and an image forming unit configured to form an image on the image bearing member based on image data converted based on a conversion condition. A controller of the image forming apparatus controls the image forming unit to form a plurality of measurement images different in density along the predetermined direction of the image bearing member, detects the plurality of measurement images, and generates the conversion condition based on detection results of the plurality of measurement images. The controller controls the image forming unit to form the plurality of measurement images in a dispersed manner in terms of positions of the plurality of measurement images on the image bearing member in accordance with periodic unevenness that occurs in the measurement images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Zaima
  • Patent number: 10721369
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the control unit is capable of controlling an image quality adjustment operation in the image forming unit, and in formation of an image on which foil stamping is performed, selection of no performance of an image quality adjustment or/and selection of performance of an image quality adjustment for foil stamping is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Tetsu Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 10698346
    Abstract: An idler roller as at least one of a plurality of support rollers for stretching an intermediate transfer belt is a metal roller having a groove formed on a metal surface. A primary transfer roller is a metal roller having a metal surface with a smaller maximum surface height than the idler roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenta Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 10656583
    Abstract: An image forming system includes a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that at least forms an image of a first color. The second image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image of a second color different from a color of an image formed by the image forming unit of the first image forming apparatus, and also includes an image forming unit that forms an image of the first color. The first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus use the first color to form positional-adjustment images for adjusting image formation positions between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Goto, Yoshiki Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 10652433
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer medium, a conveying unit that conveys the transfer medium, a first image detection unit that detects the image formed by the image forming unit on the transfer medium; and a control unit that controls the forming of the image and the conveying of the transfer medium, and receives detection results from the first image detection unit and a second image detection unit, wherein the control unit determines whether the image detected by the first image detection unit has image quality higher than or equal to predetermined quality and calibrates the first image detection unit based on the detection result from the first image detection unit and the detection result from the second image detection unit for the image having the image quality higher than or equal to predetermined quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Mitsunori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10627762
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms a toner image on an image carrier based on image formation data, and transfers the toner image onto a sheet having an unevenness on a surface and forms an image, the image forming apparatus including a hardware processor which detects a parameter value regarding a charging amount of a toner that forms the toner image, sets a size of a dot of the toner image according to the detected parameter value, and generates the image formation data of the dot of the set size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Kawanago, Satoshi Nishida, Takeshi Maeyama, Toshiki Hayami, Tomo Kitada, Daisuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 10620577
    Abstract: An apparatus converts image data based on a conversion condition, forms an image using a developer, measures the developer, and measures humidity. The apparatus determines a first density of an image when a mode of the apparatus changes from a power saving mode in which the apparatus cannot form an image to a normal mode in which the apparatus can form an image, from values measured, based on a first determination condition, determines a second density of an image when the apparatus has formed images on a predetermined number of sheets in the normal mode, from values measured, based on a second determination condition that is different from the first determination condition, and generates the conversion condition based on the first density and the second density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taichi Takemura