The Development of the Toner Density Sensor for Closed-Loop Feedback Laser Printer Calibration

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Thomas, K. (2009). The Development of the Toner Density Sensor for Closed-Loop Feedback Laser Printer Calibration. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

A new infrared (IR) sensor was developed for application in closed-loop feedback printer calibration as it relates to monochrome (black toner only) laser printers. The toner density IR sensor (TDS) was introduced in the early 1980's; however, due to cost and limitation of technologies at the time, implementation was not accomplished until within the past decade. Existing IR sensor designs do not discuss/address:* EMI (electromagnetic interference) effects on the sensor due to EP (electrophotography) components* Design considerations for environmental conditions* Sensor response time as it affects printer process speedThe toner density sensor (TDS) implemented in the Lexmark E series printer reduces these problems and eliminates the use of the current traditional "open-loop" (meaning feedback are parameters not directly affecting print darkness such as page count, toner level, etc.) calibration process where print darkness is adjusted using previously calculated and stored EP process parameters. The historical process does not have the ability to capture cartridge component variation and environmental changes which affect print darkness variation. The TDS captures real time data which is used to calculate EP process parameters for the adjustment of print darkness; as a result, greatly reducing variations uncontrolled by historical printer calibration. Specifically, the first and primary purpose of this research is to reduce print darkness variation using the TDS. The second goal is to mitigate the TDS EMI implementation issue for reliable data accuracy.

Details
Author

Thomas, Keisha

Title

The Development of the Toner Density Sensor for Closed-Loop Feedback Laser Printer Calibration

Physical Description

1 online resource (136 pages) : PDF

Date

2009

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

A new infrared (IR) sensor was developed for application in closed-loop feedback printer calibration as it relates to monochrome (black toner only) laser printers. The toner density IR sensor (TDS) was introduced in the early 1980's; however, due to cost and limitation of technologies at the time, implementation was not accomplished until within the past decade. Existing IR sensor designs do not discuss/address:* EMI (electromagnetic interference) effects on the sensor due to EP (electrophotography) components* Design considerations for environmental conditions* Sensor response time as it affects printer process speedThe toner density sensor (TDS) implemented in the Lexmark E series printer reduces these problems and eliminates the use of the current traditional "open-loop" (meaning feedback are parameters not directly affecting print darkness such as page count, toner level, etc.) calibration process where print darkness is adjusted using previously calculated and stored EP process parameters. The historical process does not have the ability to capture cartridge component variation and environmental changes which affect print darkness variation. The TDS captures real time data which is used to calculate EP process parameters for the adjustment of print darkness; as a result, greatly reducing variations uncontrolled by historical printer calibration. Specifically, the first and primary purpose of this research is to reduce print darkness variation using the TDS. The second goal is to mitigate the TDS EMI implementation issue for reliable data accuracy.

Genre

doctoral dissertations

Subjects--Topics

Electrical engineering

Degree

Ph.D.

Keywords

Sensor
Toner

Subject Area

Electrical Engineering

Advisor(s)

Howitt, Ivan

Committee Members

Howitt, Ivan
Kakad, Yogendra
Wu, Xintao
Willis, Andrew
Weldon, Thomas

Degree Note

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2009.

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Rights Holder Information

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Identifier

Thomas_uncc_0694D_10011

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:1691