Image forming apparatus for detecting the density of toner
US6512898B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/00042
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image forming apparatus, that can detect the density of toner, includes an image bearing member and an image forming unit, for forming an image on the image bearing member, that is used to form a predetermined detection pattern. The image forming apparatus further includes a detector that detects light reflected from the predetermined detection pattern when light strikes the predetermined detection pattern. The detector includes a detection face to detect the reflected light in a direction with respect to a normal line of a face where the detection pattern is supported, symmetrical to a direction in which the light strikes the detection pattern. Still further, the apparatus includes a controller, based on the detection result obtained by the detector, for controlling an image forming condition for the image forming unit, where the detection pattern detected by the detector comprises a color toner. The detection pattern includes a first pattern having a regular reflection element and an irregular reflection element, and a second pattern that substantially has only an irregular reflection element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.