Having Detection Of Toner (e.g., Patch) Patents (Class 399/49)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10613452
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part that forms a toner image on a recording medium; and a hardware processor that controls the image forming part, wherein the image forming part includes an image carrier, the hardware processor executes: a first adjustment process of adjusting the image forming part with use of a first image formation condition determined in accordance with a toner adhesion amount at a plurality of points in a first direction on the image carrier; and a second adjustment process of adjusting the image forming part with use of a second image formation condition determined in accordance with a toner adhesion amount at one point in a first direction on the image carrier, the image carrier rotates as a recording medium is conveyed, the first direction is a direction intersecting with a rotational direction of the image carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeki Naiki, Teppei Kunihisa, Soh Hirota, Hironori Akashi, Kenji Tsuru
  • Patent number: 10606204
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light source; and an optical detector detecting intensity of light that is reflected by a recording medium, the light from the light source and irradiated onto the recording medium. Further, when an incident angle of the light incident to the recording medium from the light source relative to a normal line of the recording medium is given as ?1, a formula 75°??1?85° is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ishii, Yoshihiro Oba, Fumikazu Hoshi, Satoru Sugawara
  • Patent number: 10585376
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to control a first and a second voltage applied to a transfer device when transferring an image to a first and a second side of a recording material, respectively. The controller controls a mode that outputs a test chart on which at least one of a plurality of first test images for adjusting the first voltage and a plurality of second test images for adjusting the second voltage is formed. In a case of forming the second test images on a second side of the test chart, and before forming the second test images, the controller forms a plurality of predetermined toner images under a same image forming condition on a first side of the test chart so that the predetermined toner images are formed on a plurality of predetermined areas overlapping each area where the second test images are to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuomi Murayama, Haruhiko Omata
  • Patent number: 10534299
    Abstract: The image forming apparatus determines, based on a determination value calculated by a calculating unit, a light amount of reflection light from a first position on an image bearing member from light amounts of reflection light beams from a second position and a third position on the image bearing member where a patch image is not formed in a state where the patch image is formed at the first position on the image bearing member, or determines the light amount of reflection light from the first position on the image bearing member by detecting the light amount of reflection light from the first position on the image bearing member with a detecting unit in a state where the patch image is not formed at the first position on the image bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10514644
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a carrying part, a transfer member that transfers a developer image, a first detection part that detects an adhering object that adheres to the carrying member, generating a first detection result, and a control part that performs a carrying control in which the carrying operation of the developer image by the carrying member is controlled based on the first detection result by the first detection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiki Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 10503110
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer configured to bear a latent image and a developing device configured to develop the latent image on the latent image bearer with developer. The developing device includes a plurality of developer bearers configured to bear the developer. The image forming apparatus further includes a rotation position detector configured to detect a rotation position of at least one of the plurality of developer bearers, a common power source configured to apply a developing bias to each of the plurality of developer bearers, and circuitry configured to cause the common power source to periodically vary the developing bias. The circuitry is configured to cause the plurality of developer bearers to rotate in a same rotation period; and vary an output value of the developing bias in a same period as the rotation period based on a detection result by the rotation position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Kimura
  • Patent number: 10503109
    Abstract: A toner detection unit (optical sensor) includes a first light receiving element configured to receive specular reflection light of first irradiating light, and a second light receiving element configured to receive diffused reflection light of second irradiating light, and a separation component configured to separate irradiating light emitted from an LED into the first and second irradiating light. A housing forms a first opening through which the first irradiating light and the second irradiating light pass and the diffused reflection light to be received by the second light receiving element passes, and a second opening through which the specular reflection light to be received by the first light receiving element passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazushi Ino, Chihiro Nagura, Takuya Mukaibara
  • Patent number: 10492304
    Abstract: The circuit substrate includes at least two lands formed on a substrate, wherein one electrode is to be mounted on the at least two lands, an electronic part having electrodes, one of the electrodes is soldered on the at least two lands with solders whose amounts are adjusted by a metal mask having at least two opening parts, positions of the at least two opening parts corresponding to the at least two lands when the solders are applied and melted, areas of the at least two opening parts being different with each other, wherein a height of one of the solders is different from a height of the other of the solders according to the difference of the areas of the at least two opening parts of the metal mask, whereby the electronic part is mounted on the circuit substrate in an inclined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayuki Sakai, Takahiro Yoneyama, Fumiyuki Yamatsuka
  • Patent number: 10481539
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that is capable of performing a first image forming mode that performs image formation at a first peripheral speed ratio representing a ratio of a peripheral speed of a developer bearing member to a peripheral speed of an image bearing member and a second image forming mode that performs the image formation at a second peripheral speed ratio different from the first peripheral speed ratio, and that detects an amount of a developer consumed in the image formation, based on an estimate of the amount of the developer consumed by one pixel and the number of pixels at a part at which the developer is consumed. The estimate of the amount of the developer consumed by the one pixel in the first image forming mode is different from that in the second image forming mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hirata, Daisuke Baba
  • Patent number: 10474056
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer; a writing device configured to write a latent image onto the latent image bearer; a detection device configured to detect, at a plurality of positions, a density of a toner image obtained through development of the latent image; and a controller configured to correct a writing intensity of the writing device to correct an uneven density based on detection values of the detection device. The controller determines whether each of the detection values is pass or fail. In response to a determination that a detection value is fail, the controller corrects the wiring intensity based on another detection value determined to be pass at a position different from a position at which the detection value is determined to be fail, instead of correcting the writing intensity based on the detection value determined to be fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichiroh Uematsu, Satoshi Kaneko, Terumichi Ochi, Shuji Hirai
  • Patent number: 10466633
    Abstract: A control unit controls a transfer power source in such a manner that a current value detected by a detection unit is a predetermined value while a transfer medium is not held in a transfer portion, and the control unit sets a transfer voltage based on a voltage value applied from the transfer power source to a transfer member. Then, the transfer voltage is applied from the transfer power source to a transfer roller after the leading edge of the transfer medium in the conveyance direction for the transfer medium is held in the transfer portion and before the leading edge is held in a fixing portion. While the transfer voltage is applied, the control unit sets a voltage to be applied from the transfer power source to the transfer member based on the value of current detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Hara, Yusuke Shimizu, Kenichi Iida
  • Patent number: 10432824
    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: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Mitsunori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10401771
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, to which an external measurement device is connectable, including an image processor, a printer, a sensor arranged on a conveyance path, a controller that performs first processing for generating color processing condition based on a measurement result of measurement images of the sensor, the measurement images including a first measurement image and a second measurement image, wherein a length of the second measurement image in a conveyance direction is longer than a length of the first measurement image in the conveyance direction, and performs second processing for generating conversion condition, based on a measurement result of predetermined measurement images by the sensor and measurement data output from an external measurement device, wherein a length of a predetermined measurement image included in the predetermined measurement images in the conveyance direction is longer than the length of the first measurement image in the conveyance direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki Yano
  • Patent number: 10401763
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and a controller. The image forming unit includes a latent image bearer, a charger to charge the latent image bearer, an exposure device to expose a latent image on the surface of the latent image bearer, and a developing device to develop the latent image with a developer. The controller executes an image forming process, a first fluctuation control that cyclically changes a developing bias supplied to the developing device based on predetermined first pattern data, and a second fluctuation control that cyclically changes a charging bias supplied to the charger based on predetermined second pattern data, in parallel. The controller executes a determination process to determine whether the controller executes the first fluctuation control. When the controller determines not to execute the first fluctuation control, the controller determines not to execute the second fluctuation control, too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kaneko, Shuji Hirai, Yuuichiroh Uematsu, Terumichi Ochi
  • Patent number: 10394175
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus that is capable of finding density of an output image with high accuracy even if reflectance of an image bearing member varies. A conversion unit converts image data based on a conversion condition. An image forming unit forms an image based on the converted image data. A measurement unit measures irregular reflection light from a measurement image on the image bearing member. A controller controls the image forming unit to form measurement images, controls the measurement unit to measure irregular reflection light from an area on the image bearing member where the measurement images are not formed, controls the measurement unit to measure the irregular reflection light from the measurement images, selects a measurement result from among measurement results of the measurement images based on the measurement result of the area, and generates the conversion condition based on the selected measurement result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Zaima
  • Patent number: 10338492
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member, a developing device including a developing carrying member and configured to develop an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member with developer, an electrostatic capacity detecting portion configured to detect information on electrostatic capacity between the developer carrying member and the image bearing member, and a toner content detecting portion configured to detect information on a toner content of the developer accommodated in a developing container. On the basis of the detected electrostatic capacity and the detected toner content, a controller controls a driving speed at which the developer carrying member is rotationally driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10310429
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sensor and a shutter to cover a window for the sensor. The shutter includes a detection hole to uncover the window and a cover portion to cover it. In an opening position of the shutter, the window and the hole are opposed to each other, and in a closing position of the shutter, the window and the cover portion are opposed to each other. A holder for the sensor includes a side wall opposed to a side of the sensor remote from a sheet feeding path and extended in a widthwise direction. As viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the belt, the side wall is provided with a first area overlapping the hole in the closing position and a second area overlapping the window in the closing position. The first area is below the shutter and lower than the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10303076
    Abstract: According to one example, there is provided an electrostatic printer. The printer includes a photoconductor member, an imaging unit to generate a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor member, a developer unit including a colored toner, the developer unit to develop a colored toner image on the photoconductor member using an associated base developer voltage, and a controller. The controller is to obtain image data including color separation data representing a variant of the colored toner, to control the imaging unit to generate a latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor member in accordance with the obtained color separation data, to determine a variant developer voltage corresponding to the variant of the colored toner, and to control the developer unit to develop a toner image on the photoconductor member using the variant developer voltage to develop a toner image corresponding to the variant of the colored toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: HP Indigo B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Nedelin, Mark Sandler
  • Patent number: 10281860
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes optical sensor units provided opposed to an image bearing member; light blockers provided between the image bearing member and the optical sensor units, respectively, the blockers being movable between locking and exposing positions, respectively; calibration members provided where the light is incident when the blockers are in the blocking positions, respectively, the calibration members calibrating data acquired by the optical sensor units; a movable link connected with the blockers; a switching portion for switching the blockers between the exposing and blocking positions; and a positioning portion for determining the blocking position, the positioning portion being disposed at a position where at least one of the blockers is contacted to the positioning portion when the blockers are switched from the exposing positions to the blocking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kentaro Yamana
  • Patent number: 10284747
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image by using a developer, and a controller configured to control the image forming unit to form a test image on the sheet, acquire information related to the test image, and correct, based on the information, a position on the sheet, wherein the test image is used to detect positional deviation, wherein the controller performs first processing in which the image forming unit forms the test image and a first pattern image, and second processing in which the image forming unit forms the test image and a second pattern image, wherein the image forming unit forms the first pattern image so that an adhesion amount of the developer becomes a first amount, and the second pattern image so that an adhesion amount of the developer becomes a second amount that is larger than the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Munetaka Sakata
  • Patent number: 10274883
    Abstract: Cross-track spacing variations for a plurality of printer subsystems of an electrophotographic printing system are characterized by printing first and second test pattern and capturing image of the printed test patterns. The first and second test patterns are chosen so that the printed test patterns respond differently to cross-track spacing variations in different printer subsystems. The first and second digitized test patterns are analyzed to determine parameters that characterize an attribute of the printed test pattern as a function of cross-track position. A first defect model is used to determine estimated cross-track spacing variations for one or more printer subsystem as a function of the determined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Chung-Hui Kuo, Mark C. Zaretsky
  • Patent number: 10274885
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developer bearing member, an updating device to update toner consumption based on a number of dots corresponding to laser irradiation by which toner is consumed, and an alerting device to alert an alarm concerning a residual amount of the toner based on toner consumption updated by the updating device. Image formation is performed in a first mode at a first peripheral speed ratio representing a ratio of a peripheral speed of the developer bearing member to a peripheral speed of the image bearing member, and in a second mode at a second peripheral speed ratio, which is greater than the first peripheral speed ratio. The alerting device alerts the alarm based on a total number of dots, which is smaller as an operation frequency of the second mode and becomes higher in an operation frequency of the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hirata, Daisuke Baba
  • Patent number: 10248062
    Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device having a method of printing which includes setting a default toner density for printing; developing a first toned image having the default toner density; printing the first toned image on a first page of a print job; and before printing a second page of a print job, determining whether a duty cycle state of a photoconductive member in the imaging device has changed, and upon a positive determination, developing a second toned image having a toner density derived from the default toner density and printing the second toned image on the second page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Anthony Able, Michael Brian Bacalieri, Andrew Gil Montaño Desabelle, Gary Scott Overall, Marvin Aliviado Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10248054
    Abstract: A fuser includes: a rotating body; a roller configured to convey a sheet in a conveyance direction; a pair of bearings supporting the roller; one side frame made of a resin, supporting one of the pair of bearings; another side frame supporting the other of the pair of bearings, and arranged at a distance from the one side frame in the axial direction; and a center frame made of a metal, including a main-body portion arranged on an opposite side of the rotating body with respect to the roller. One end portion in the axial direction of the main-body portion includes a first fixing portion which is fixed to the one side frame, and a second fixing portion which is arranged on an upstream side of the first fixing portion in the conveyance direction, and is fixed to the one side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuo Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 10241437
    Abstract: An exposure device irradiates a light beam to the photoconductor drum and thereby forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor drum. A developing roller causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image and thereby develops a toner image. A development bias power supply circuit applies a development bias to the developing roller. A direct current detection circuit detects a direct current that flows between the development bias power supply circuit and the developing roller. A control circuit (a) causes the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image of an adjustment patch for toner density adjustment, (b) measures a value of the direct current at a timing when the developing roller causes the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image of the adjustment patch, and (c) performs the toner density adjustment on the basis of the measured value of the direct current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Kensuke Fujihara