Automatic setup of electrophotographic printing machines

Description

[0001] This invention relates to electrophotographic printing machines and, more particularly, to a completely automated apparatus and process for establishing basic xerographic parameters at values previously determined to produce optimum output copy quality.

[0002] In electrophotographic devices, such as a xerographic copier or printer, a photoconductive surface is charged to a substantially uniform potential. The charged portion of the photoconductive surface is exposed to a light image of an original document being reproduced, forming an electrostatic latent image at the photoconductive surface corresponding to the informal areas contained within the original document. The electrostatic latent image is subsequently developed by bringing a developer mixture into contact therewith. The developed image is subsequently transferred to an output copy sheet. The powder image on the output sheet is then heated to permanently affix it to the sheet in the image configuration.

[0003] For any given population of electrophotographic printing machines, a primary control objective is to maintain uniform optimum copy quality from machine to machine. This goal has proven difficult to achieve since each machine experiences its own peculiar changes during extended operation. These changes include aging of the developer mixture, changes in environment, variations in the dark development potential, and residual voltage of the photoconductor or photoreceptor surface, a thinning of the photoreceptor surface due to abrasion, photoreceptor fatigue, exposure lamp illumination variations, and changes in the toner material concentration due to consumption. These variations, singly or cumulatively, have adverse effects on output copy quality that must be identified and compensated for on a continuous basis.

[0004] Various control schemes are known to compensate for the variable factors listed above. These schemes involve adjustment of basic control parameters; viz. adjusting the current of the device used to deposit the charge on the photoconductive surface, adjusting the bias applied to the development unit, varying the concentration of the toner mixture and changing the exposure level. All of these adjustments are interrelated and their proper selection by a machine operator during operation, or a technician during initial setup, have proven difficult and expensive to achieve, as well as time consuming. Generally also, some kind of test density target, either a special document, or an articulated device is necessary to calibrate exposure levels.

[0005] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a control apparatus that adjusts for these various functions in a manner that is automated so as to reduce the potential for human error and to perform these adjustments within a relatively short period of time, using an apparatus that is wholly self- contained, e. g. does not require the use of portable current and voltage measuring devices. It would also be desirable to calibrate exposure levels by using optical components which are used during normal system scan operations.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to apparatus for optimizing the operation of an electrophotographic printing machine having a corona device for applying a charge to the machine photoreceptor, a scan-illumination optical system for illuminating a document to be copied on a platen surface and for projecting an image of the document along an optical path onto the photoreceptor to form a latent image thereof, a developer unit for applying toner to the photoreceptor surface, optical test patch generation means comprising part of said scan-illumination system, said patch generation means adapted to form at least a dark development V_DDP patch, a full illumination (V_BG) patch and an intermediate development (V_0.3D) patch on said photoreceptor, a voltmeter for sensing photoreceptor voltage at said test patch areas and for generating representative signals, and means operable to compare said representative signals with reference values and to regulate the corona device and the illumination output level of the optical system in dependence on the difference between the representative signals and the reference values, characterized in that said means comprises:
   a digital controller,
   memory means within said controller, having stored therein a digital representation of the photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC) for the machine photoreceptor, and
   logic means within said controller for analyzing the voltmeter input signals representing the V_DDP and V_BG voltage levels, comparing the difference (constant contrast voltage V_C), between these signals and an optimum value of V_C derived from the representation of the PIDC stored within the memory means and selectively regulating the corona device in dependence on that comparison, said logic means also being adapted for analyzing the voltmeter input signals representing said intermediate development patch, comparing said signal with an optimum value derived from the representation of the PIDC stored within the memory means and selectively regulating the illumination output level of said scan-illumination optical system in dependence on that comparison, the corona device and the illumination output level being regulated in an iterative process until convergence is obtained between the measured photoreceptor voltage values and the stored PIDC representation.

[0007] The present invention further provides a process of automatically adjusting the basic xerographic parameters of an electrophotographic printing machine, comprising the steps of:
   driving the machine document scanning optics in a test patch generation mode to lay down a plurality of test patches of different densities on the machine photoreceptor, including a patch representing dark decay potential V_DDP, a patch representing background voltage level V_BG and a patch representing an intermediate voltage level V_0.3D,
   measuring the voltage levels at said test patches and generating signals indicative thereof; comparing said signals with reference values, and regulating the charge current and the system exposure level of the machine in dependence on the difference between the signals and the reference values, characterized in that the signals are indicative of the intermediate voltage level V_0.3D and of the difference V_C between the dark decay potential V_DDP and the background voltage level V_BG, and further characterized by the steps of
   storing a digital representation of the photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC) for the machine photoreceptor,
   comparing said voltage level signal indicative of V_C with an optimum value derived from the stored representation of the PIDC curve and adjusting the charge current I_C in dependence on that comparison, and
   comparing said voltage level signal indicative of V_0.3D with an optimum value derived from the stored representation of the PIDC curve and adjusting the system exposure level E_O of the machine in dependence on that comparison,
   wherein adjustment of charge current and the system exposure level is regulated in an iterative process until convergence is obtained between the measured voltage levels and the stored PIDC representation.

[0008] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an electrophotographic printing machine wherein a document is scanned and an image thereof projected onto a photoreceptor surface, having an optical illumination and scanning system adapted to operate in a first and second mode of operation, said system comprising:
   means for moving an illumination and scan assembly mounted beneath said platen in a first, document copying, mode from a start of scan to an end of scan to the start of scan position whereby a latent image of the document is formed on the photoreceptor surface,
   at least one density target strip affixed to the bottom surface of the platen at a location outside the end of scan position,
   said moving means adapted to move said illumination and scan assembly, in a second, test, mode of operation, to a first position outside the start of scan position, said motion occuring coincident with the positioning of an opaque occluder in the optical path to form a dark decay test patch at the photoreceptor surface,
   said moving means further adapted to move said illumination and scan assembly from said first position to a second position beneath said target strip, and
   means for selectively and sequentially altering the illumination level directed to said target strip to thereby form test patches of varying density at the photoreceptor surface.

[0009] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for automatically adjusting basic xerographic parameters in a periodic initialization mode so as to establish predetermined copy quality and density. This apparatus includes optical means operable in a normal document scanning mode and in a test mode for forming at least four varying density patches on a precharged photoconductive surface, means for sensing the charged levels at three of said density patches, control means having stored therein a set of interrelated electrical values which define a predetermined photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC), said control means adapted to evaluate said sensed charge levels and determine whether they establish convergence with the desired PIDC and, through an iterative process, to vary charge current and exposure levels, until such convergence is realized and means responsive to the density of toner particles deposited on a fourth density patch for controlling the concentration of toner particles in the developer mixture.

[0010] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and upon reference to the drawings in which:
   Figure 1 is a side schematic view of an electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the features of the present invention;
   Figure 2 shows PIDC plot of Exposure vs. Photoreceptor Potential;
   Figure 3 is a block diagram of the system controller;
   Figure 4a, 4b is a functional flow diagram of the patch generation portion of the automatic setup procedure;
   Figure 5 is a side schematic view of the scan carriage at separate density generating positions;
   Figure 6 is a time vs. voltage plot of the test patch generation sequence;
   Figure 7 is a top view of a portion of the photoreceptor belt having test patches formed thereon;
   Figure 8 is a functional flow diagram of the 0.3D density patch generation;
   Figure 9 is a functional flow diagram showing the exposure convergence sequence;
   Figure 10 is a time vs. voltage plot of the 0.7 density test patch generation;
   Figure 11 is a top view of a portion of the photoreceptor but having 0.7 density patch formed thereon.

[0011] For a general understanding of the features of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. Figure 1
schematically depicts the various components of an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the control system of the present invention therein. It will become apparent from the following discussion that this control system is equally well suited for use in a wide variety of electrophotographic printing machines and is not necessarily limited in its application to the particular embodiment shown herein.

[0012] Inasmuch as the art of electrophotgraphic printing is well known, the various processing stations employed in the Figure 1 printing machine will be shown hereinafter schematically and their operation described briefly with reference thereto.

[0013] Turning now to Figure 1, the electrophotographic printing machine uses a photoreceptor belt 10 having a photoconductive surface 12 formed on a conductive substrate. Preferably, belt 12 has characteristics disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,265,990. Belt 10 moves in the indicated direction, advancing sequentially through the various xerographic process stations. The belt is entrained about drive roller 16 and tension rollers 18, 20. Roller 16 is driven by conventional motor means, not shown.

[0014] With continued reference to Figure 1, a portion of belt 10 passes through charging station A where a corona generating device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 22, charges photoconductive surface 12 to a relatively high, substantially uniform, negative potential. Device 22 comprises a charging electrode 24 and a conductive shield 26. A high voltage supply 30 controlled by a portion of controller 31, is connected to shield 26. A change in the output of power supply 30 causes a change in charging current, I_c, and consequently, a change in the charge potential applied to surface 12.

[0015] As belt 10 continues to advance, the charged portion of surface 12 moves into exposure station B. An original document 32 is positioned, either manually, or by a document feeder mechanism (not shown) on the surface of a transparent platen 34. Optics assembly 36 contains the optical components which incrementally scan-illuminate the document and project a reflected image onto surface 12 of belt 10. Shown schematically, these optical components comprise an illumination scan assembly 40, comprising illumination lamp 42, associated reflector 43 and full rate scan mirror 44, all three components mounted on a scan carriage 45. The carriage ends are adapted to ride along guide rails (not shown) so as to travel along a path parallel to and beneath, the platen. Lamp 42 illuminates an incremental line portion of document 32. The reflected image is reflected by scan mirror 44 to corner mirror assembly 46 on a second scan carriage 46A moving at 1/2 the rate of mirror 44. The document image is projected through lens 47 and reflected by a second corner mirror 48 and belt mirror 50, both moving at a predetermined relationship so as to precess the projected image, while maintaining the required rear conjugate onto surface 12 to form thereon an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the informational areas contained within original document 32. Adjustable illumination power supply 51, controlled by a portion of controller 31, supplies power to lamp 42. The optics assembly 36, besides operating in a document scanning mode, is also used in the automatic setup mode of the present invention, to generate and project four alternating density patches onto the centerline of the belt 10 for purposes to be described more fully below. Positioned between exposure station B and development station C, and adjacent to surface 12, is electrostatic voltmeter 52. Voltmeter 52 preferably is capable of measuring either positive or negative potentials and utilizes ac circuitry requiring no field calibration. Voltmeter 52, in the automatic setup mode, generates a first signal proportional to the dark decay potential V_o on photoconductive surface 12. The dark development potential is the charge at surface 12 after charging and exposure reflected from an opaque object. The voltmeter also generates a second signal proportional to background potential V_B, on the photoreceptor surface. The background potential is the charge on the photoreceptor after exposure with light reflected from a white object. Both of the voltmeter output signals are sent to controller 31 through suitable conversion circuitry. Controller 31 operates upon these values, comparing them to values related to a desired output quantity in the controller memory. Adjustments are made by the controller to the charging and development bias voltage and to the illumination power supply in an iterative process described in further detail below:
   Referring again to Figure 1, discrete patch generator 53 is a calibrated LED light source which is energized in one of two modes of operation. In a first mode, operable during the automatic setup mode, a dedicated digital input provides for LED energization at a high fixed level. This mode is used primarily for erasing test patch areas generated during the setup procedures. In a second mode of operation, following the initial system setup, an analog reference input to the generator 53 provides for energization of the LEDs so as to generate a variable light intensity for use in toner control in several contrast modes as described in greater detail below.

[0016] At development station C, a magnetic brush development system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 54 , advances an insulating development material into contact with the electrostatic latent image. Preferably, magnetic brush development system 54 includes a developer roller 56 within a housing 58. Roller 56 transports a brush of developer material comprising magnetic carrier granules and toner particles into contact with belt 10. Roller 56 is positioned so that the brush of developer material deforms belt 10 in an arc with the belt conforming, at least partially, to the configuration of the developer material. The thickness of the layer of developer material adhering to developer roller 56 is adjustable. Roller 56 is biased by voltage source 57 to a voltage level V_D.

[0017] The electrostatic latent image attracts the toner particles from the carrier granules forming a toner powder image on photoconductive surface 12. The detailed structure of the magnetic brush development system is more fully disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,397,264.

[0018] As successive latent images are developed, toner particles are depleted from the developer material. A toner particle dispenser, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 provides additional toner particles to housing 58 for subsequent use by developer roller 56. Toner dispenser 60 includes a container for storing a supply of toner particles therein and means (not shown) for introducing the particles into developer housing 58. A motor 62, when energized, initiates the operation of dispenser 60.

[0019] Infrared densitometer 64, positioned adjacent belt 10 and located between developer station C and transfer station D, directs infrared light onto surface 12 upon appropriate signals from the controller 31. The ratio of reflected light on a developed area to that of a bare area is an indication of toner patch developability. The densitometer generates output signals and sends them to controller 31 through appropriate conversion circuitry. The controller operates upon these signals and sends appropriate output signals to motor 62 to control dispensing of toner particles. Densitometer 64 is also used to periodically measure the light rays reflected from the bare photoconductive surface (i.e. without developed toner particles) to provide a reference level for calculation of the signal ratios.

[0020] Continuing with the system description, an output copy sheet 66 taken from a supply tray 67, is moved into contact with the toner powder image at transfer station D. The support material is conveyed to station D by a pair of feed rollers 68, 70. Transfer station D includes a corona generating device 71 which sprays ions onto the backside of sheet 66, thereby attracting the toner powder image from surface 12 to sheet 66. After transfer, the sheet advances to fusing station E where a fusing roller assembly 72 affixes the transferred powder image. After fusing, sheet 66 advances to an output tray (not shown) for subsequent removal by the operator.

[0021] After the sheet of support material is separated from belt 10, the residual toner particles and the toner particles of developed test patch areas are removed at cleaning station F.

[0022] Subsequent to cleaning, a discharge lamp, not shown, floods surface 12 with light to dissipate any residual charge remaining thereon prior to the charging thereof for the next imaging cycle.

[0023] It is believed that the foregoing description is sufficient for purposes of the present application to illustrate the general operation of an electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the features of the present invention therein.

[0024] The setup mode described in more detail below may be briefly summarized as:

1. Control of pre-development photoreceptor potentials using voltmeter 52 and associated controller circuitry;

2. Generation of multiple exposure levels (test patches) using the system optics assembly 36; and

3. Control of developed image density by using densitometer 64 to measure the reflectance of developed toner patches.

[0025] Only two of the sensors, the voltmeter and the densitometer, need to maintain an absolute calibration. All major xerographic parameters are automatically established during the automatic setup mode and are automatically maintained thereafter. The setup procedure is reproducible over time within a single machine and from machine to machine across a population of machines.

Automatic Setup Mode

[0026] Upon initial installation of a particular electrophotographic printing machine and periodically (daily) thereafter, the basic machine parameters are automatically checked and adjusted. Each machine is associated with the same development potentials (V₁ - V_D) by adjustment of the shape of the photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC) which has previously been determined to ensure uniform output copy quality across the machine population. A PIDC is a fundamental characteristic of a photoreceptor that has been charged to a specific dark potential V_O in combination with the reflective density of the input document and the document illumination intensity. But any given population of photoreceptors will have a distrubution of shapes. Figure 2 shows a typical plot for a machine with the range of values indicated. Digital values representing the PIDC slope are contained within controller 31 memory of each machine. The setup mode and associated apparatus is designed to measure the basic parameters of the particular machine and plot the PIDC, based on these measured values. Insofar as the actual PIDC shape varies from the standard, adjustments are made to the basic parameters of charge voltage I_C, developer bias V_BIAS and system exposure E_O in an iterative process, until covergence of the measured, with the preset, values is realized. These basic control circuit subsystems which accomplish these operations are shown in Figure 3. Referring to this Figure, controller 31 consists of Input/Output Board 80, and master control board 82, Input/Output processor 86 and a serial bus controller 88. Input signals from the densitometer 64, voltmeter 52 and patch generator 53 are converted by I/O board 80; sent to I/O processor 86 and then to processor 84. Output signals are sent to adjust the corona generator, system illumination, toner dispenser and development bias via processor 86. Operation of the optical scanning system is controlled by processor 84 via controller 88.

[0027] The master control processor is an Intel Model 8085 which can be programmed to perform the described iterative functions, using the algorithms set forth in the Appendix. Incorporation of these algorithms into a larger and central unit is a procedure well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0028] The automatic setup mode is initiated by applying initial power application to the machine. The sequence of operations occurring thereafter is shown with reference to Figure 4a, 4b.

[0029] Figure 4a, 4b is a flow chart sequence of these operations. Figure 5 is a side view schematic drawing of the scan carriage at different density patch generating positions. Figure 6 is a time vs. voltage plot of the test patch generation sequence, and Figure 7 is a top view of belt 10 showing the imaged patched zones. Figure 9 is a flow chart of the test patch generator and machine functions. Referring to Figures 4a, 5, and 6, once machine power is turned on, the photoreceptor moves through a first cycle of operation at the system process speed. Scan carriage 45 moves to the home park position. Carriage 45, in this position is shown to the left of the platen in Figure 5. The components are shown dotted. Scan lamp 42 is energized at the normal lamp power level used during the preceding operational interval. An opaque occluder 90 is positioned in the optical path at a point above the belt 10 surface 12, thus preventing light from falling on the surface in an area corresponding to the occluder. Thus a first test patch 100 shown formed on the belt centerline in Figure 7 is therefore at the dark decay charging level V_DDP. Carriage 45 is then moved to the right, scanning at a constant velocity, until it reaches park position 1 past the end of scan position (shown in solid line in Figure 5). At this position, a 0.3 density target strip 92 centrally overlies the scan carriage. At this point, lamp 42 output is doubled so as to form a second patch area 102 conforming in size to strip 92 representing a 100% transmission, completely discharged strip at background voltage level, V_BG.

[0030] With carriage 45 still in the solid line position shown in Figure 5, the lamp illumination input is halved. The exposed patch area 104 on belt 10 forms a 0.3 density patch 104 on the photoreceptor. Carriage 45 is then returned to the home position and a second V_DDP patch 106 is formed on the center line of belt 10.

[0031] Further operation of the carriage is dependent upon whether PIDC convergence is present as determined by comparisons of voltmeter-generated signals processed by the microprocessor 84 and compared to values stored in the microprocessor memory.

[0032] Electrostatic voltmeter 52, shown in Figure 1, is used to directly sense photoreceptor voltage at the test patch areas 100, 102, 104, 106. The voltmeter is positioned approximately 3 mm from the belt surface.

[0033] Figure 4b shows the functional flow diagram for the voltmeter readings and the related microprocessor control operation. Referring to this figure, and to Figure 6, the voltmeter measures each of test patch charge levels on successive belt cycles. Signals representing the voltage at patch 100 (V_DDP), patch 102 (V_BG) and patch 104 (V_0.3D) are sent to the control processor 84 through the associated I/O circuitry and temporarily stored therein. The difference between V_DDP and V_BG is computed by logic means within the controller and a signal, representing this value and designated constant contrast voltage (V_C) is generated. This signal is compared to a preset V_CSET(V_S). If V_C = V_S, (no convergence), a signal is generated within the processor and sent to change the bias (V_GRID) on the charge electrode 24 (Figure 1) thereby changing the value of charge current I_C and the value of V_DDP. Signals are also sent to patch generator 53 to erase the previously generated patch areas. Scan carriage 45 then repeats the sequence described with respect to Figures 4a and 5, beginning at the home park position and continuing to park position 2. The newly formed patches are again read by the voltmeter and compared to processor 84 (Fig. 4b). This process is an iterative one governed by a control algorithm set forth in Appendix; the process is continued until the measured value of V_C conforms to V_S. At this point, the value of V_DDP and V_BG conforms to the PIDC for the machine. These values, as well as V_S, V_D and V_BIAS are stored in the processor memory.

[0034] According to one feature of the present invention, a second iterative process is controlled by logic means within processor 84, which compares the measured values of the V_0.30 patch to a preset V_0.3DSvalue. System illumination is varied to achieve identity of the set and measured values; convergence establishes a third point on the PIDC. As shown in Figure 8, processor 84 measures the difference between the test value of V_.3D and the V_.3DS, set into the processor memory. If V_0.30

V_.3DS (no convergence) processor 84 sends a signal to lamp power supply 51 to vary the output of lamp 42 and to patch generator 53 to erase the V_.3D patch 104. Scan carriage 45 repeats the process beginning at the home position 1 and the voltmeter again measures the charge at patch 104 sending the output signal to the processor. This iterative process is controlled by a second algorithm provided in the Appendix.

[0035] Upon convergence of V_0.3D and V_0.3DS, the value of E_O, system exposure level, is stored. Convergence has assured that the 0.3D voltage also falls on the PIDC curve shown in Figure 2. Thus, the charge at the high (V_DDP), low (V_BG) and intermittent levels all lie along the predetermined PIDC, thus ensuring that the copy quality will be consistent with machine population utilizing that particular PIDC.

[0036] To summarize the automatic setup procedure to this point, the basic xerographic parameters of charge current, illumination level and the developer bias have been set. The remainder of the setup procedure is directed to the calibration of the patch generator based on these values and the adjustment, if necessary, of toner concentration. Figure 9 shows a functional flow diagram setting forth these steps.

[0037] Referring to Figures 5 and 9, and to the timing diagram shown in Figure 10, scan carriage 45 is moved to the right, past park position 1 to park position 2 where it is parked directly beneath a centrally located 0.7 density target strip 107. A 0.7 patch 108 (Fig. 11) is thus formed along the centerline of belt 10 conforming in area to strip 107. The carriage then returns to the home position where a V_DDP patch 110 is formed. As patch 110 passes beneath patch generator 53, the patch is illuminated by a light output from the generator determined by the bias voltage V_PG applied to the patch generator. The charge level patch 110 is therefore reduced to level V_DPG which is lower than V_0.7D.

[0038] Both patches 108 and 110 are developed at development station C (Figure 1) and pass beneath densitometer 64. As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 11, the densitometer detects the density of the developed test area and produces electrical output signals indicative thereof. Thus the densitometer produces output signals proportional to the toner mass deposited on the V_0.7D patch 108 and the V_DPG patch 110. These signals are conveyed to processor 84 through conversion circuitry shown in Figure 3. Processor 83 compares the two values and if there is a difference (V_DSS) a signal is generated which changes the voltage level at the patch generator. The developed patches are cleaned at cleaning station F, Figure 1, and patches 108 and 110 are laid down as previously described, developed and again measured by densitometer 64. Adjustments are made to patch generator 53 in an iterative process governed by the algorithm set forth in the Appendix until the two measured values are equal. When this occurs, the patch generator is properly calibrated to the system parameters and value representing V_PG is stored.

[0039] The final task of the setup procedure is to adjust the developer parameters, if necessary. An adjustment may not be necessary since the toner concentration level is monitored during normal operation and toner periodically added, as is known in the art. Therefore, a previous operation cycle should have left the toner concentration in a proper operating condition. However, the present setup procedure ensures proper toner concentrations by comparing the last V_DDS value measured and stored by processor 84 with a previously stored V_DSS value representing a value of V_DSS which if exceeded, indicates a low level of toner concentration is present. As shown in Figure 9, if the difference between the two exceeds a set value, processor 84 activates toner dispenser motor 63 causing toner dispenser 60 to discharge toner particles into toner container 62. This increases the concentration of toner particles in the developer mixture so as to increase the density of subsequent developed test patches. Carriage 45 forms a subsequent V_0.70, V_DDP patch. Densitometer 64 measures the respective density and processor 82 determines a new V_DSS value as described above. The new V_DSS is compared with the V_DSS set, the process repeated, if necessary. Once the values are within the predefined difference range, toner developability parameters have been defined and the automatic setup procedure is terminated. Normal machine operation then begins.

APPENDIX

CONTROLLER ALGORITHMS

[0040] 

(1) The grid bias control voltage adjustment for contrast setup is as follows:

(2) The grid bias additive adjustments for the Pictorial Copy modes (P_mode) are determined as follows:

(3) The V_ddp setpoint for the pictorial modes is as follows:





where f_ddp for the above two algorithms is:

Where A_esv is the digital resolution of the ESV input.

(4) The following equation for developer bias can be used for determining the required bias during ABS(autosetup) and customer access mode) as well as for determining V_biassu:





The term v_bg is replaced with v_absmin during any ABS adjustment and replaced with

during the V_biassu calculation.
The term vbias_clnfld is the cleaning field in terms of developer bias. There is a value for each of the normal copy modes. During setup the value is for CN.

The particular mode is found in the Table "Multinational Standard Modes" at the end of the Appendix.

(5) The illumination control voltage adjustment for the exposure setup is expressed in terms of bit count as follows:

(6) The pre-developability patch generator adjustment is as follows:

(7) For the patch generator setup, if the error in the DSS readings is greater than 3 bits and the number of iterations is less than 3 (cycles is less than 7), the correction applied is:

(8) The final adjustment to the patch enerator level is as follows:

(9) The developer bias setpoint for the copy modes is as follows:





Where f_bias is:

Claims

1. Apparatus for optimizing the operation of an electrophotographic printing machine having a corona device (22) for applying a charge to the machine photoreceptor (10), a scan-illumination optical system (36) for illuminating a document (32) to be copied on a platen surface (34) and for projecting an image of the document along an optical path onto the photoreceptor to form a latent image thereof, a developer unit (54) for applying toner to the photoreceptor surface, optical test patch generation means (Fig. 5) comprising part of said scan- illumination system, said patch generation means adapted to form at least a dark development V_DDP patch (100), a full illumination (V_BG) patch (102) and an intermediate development (V_0.3D) patch (104) on said photoreceptor, a voltmeter (52) for sensing photoreceptor voltage at said test patch areas and for generating representative signals, and means operable to compare said representative signals with reference values and to regulate the corona device and the illumination output level of the optical system in dependence on the difference between the representative signals and the reference values, characterized in that said means comprises:
   a digital controller (31),
   memory means within said controller, having stored therein a digital representation of the photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC) for the machine photoreceptor, and
   logic means within said controller for analyzing the voltmeter input signals representing the V_DDP and V_BG voltage levels, comparing the difference (constant contrast voltage V_C), between these signals and an optimum value of V_C derived from the representation of the PIDC stored within the memory means and selectively regulating the corona device in dependence on that comparison, said logic means also being adapted for analyzing the voltmeter input signals representing said intermediate development patch, comparing said signal with an optimum value derived from the representation of the PIDC stored within the memory means and selectively regulating the illumination output level of said scan-illumination optical system in dependence on that comparison, the corona device and the illumination output level being regulated in an iterative process until convergence is obtained between the measured photoreceptor voltage values and the stored PIDC representation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including discrete patch generator erase means (53) positioned adjacent the photoreceptor and adapted to selectively erase said development patches during said iterative process.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, which includes a densitometer (64) positioned adjacent the photoreceptor downstream from the developer unit (54) and in which, for the calibration of the erase means (53), the patch generation means (Fig. 5) is adapted to produce a second intermediate development (V_0.7D) patch (108) on said photoreceptor together with dark development patch for subsequent illumination by the erase means to produce a calibration (V_DPG) patch (110), said logic means being further adapted for comparing signals from the densitometer representing the toner density of the second intermediate development patch and the calibration patch and, if a difference (V_DSS) is detected, for selectively regulating the output of the erase means in an iterative process until the two measured values are equal.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the logic means is also adapted to compare the difference (V_DSS) between the toner density signals with a pre-set value stored in the memory means and, in dependence on that comparison, to regulate the developer unit (54).

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said optical test patch generation means (Fig. 5) includes a scan carriage (45) including an elongated illumination means (42) and a scan mirror (44), an opaque occluder (90) which can be positioned in the optical path before the photoreceptor, said platen surface having a first intermediate density target strip (92) affixed to the bottom surface at a test patch generation position and a second intermediate density target strip (107) affixed to the bottom surface at a further position, said digital controller being adapted to vary the output of said illumination means (42) at each of the test patch generation positions.

6. A process of automatically adjusting the basic xerographic parameters of an electrophotographic printing machine, comprising the steps of:
   driving the machine document scanning optics in a test patch generation mode to lay down a plurality of test patches of different densities on the machine photoreceptor, including a patch representing dark decay potential V_DDP, a patch representing background voltage level V_BG and a patch representing an intermediate voltage level V_0.3D,
   measuring the voltage levels at said test patches and generating signals indicative thereof; comparing said signals with reference values, and regulating the charge current and the system exposure level of the machine in dependence on the difference between the signals and the reference values, characterized in that the signals are indicative of the intermediate voltage level V_0.3D and of the difference V_C between the dark decay potential V_DDP and the background voltage level V_BG, and further characterized by the steps of
   storing a digital representation of the photo-induced discharge curve (PIDC) for the machine photoreceptor,
   comparing said voltage level signal indicative of V_C with an optimum value derived from the stored representation of the PIDC curve and adjusting the charge current I_C in dependence on that comparison, and
   comparing said voltage level signal indicative of V_0.3D with an optimum value derived from the stored representation of the PIDC curve and adjusting the system exposure level E_O of the machine in dependence on that comparison,
   wherein adjustment of charge current and the system exposure level is regulated in an iterative process until convergence is obtained between the measured voltage levels and the stored PIDC representation.

7. The process of claim 6, including the step of selectively erasing said test patches using a discrete light source.

8. The process of claim 7, including the additional step of calibrating said discrete light source to the final machine parameters.

9. An electrophotographic printing machine wherein a document (32) on a support platen (34) is scanned and an image thereof is projected onto a photoreceptor surface, having an optical illumination and scanning system (36) adapted to operate in a first and second mode of operation, said system comprising:
   means (45) for moving an illumination and scan assembly (40) mounted beneath said platen in a first, document copying, mode from a start of scan to an end of scan to the start of scan position whereby a latent image of the document is formed on the photoreceptor surface,
   at least one density target strip (92) affixed to the bottom surface of the platen at a location outside the end of scan position,
   said moving means adapted to move said illumination and scan assembly, in a second, test, mode of operation, to a first position outside the start of scan position, said motion occurring coincident with the positioning of an opaque occluder (90) in the optical path to form a dark decay test patch (100) at the photoreceptor surface,
   said moving means further adapted to move said illumination and scan assembly from said first position to a second position beneath said target strip, and
   means for selectively and sequentially altering the illumination level directed to said target strip to thereby form test patches (102, 104) of varying density at the photoreceptor surface.

10. The electrophotographic printing machine of claim 9, wherein the test patches are formed along the centerline of the photoreceptor.

Revendications

1. Dispositif pour optimiser le fonctionnement d'une machine d'impression électrophotographique comportant un dispositif à effet couronne (22) pour appliquer une charge au photorécepteur (10) de la machine, un système optique (36) d'éclairage-balayage pour éclairer un document (32) à reproduire sur la surface (34) d'une platine et pour projeter une image du document suivant un trajet optique sur le photorécepteur et en former une image latente, un ensemble de développement (54) pour appliquer du toner à la surface du photorécepteur, un moyen (figure 5) de génération de pastilles de test optique comprenant une partie du système d'éclairage- balayage, le moyen de génération de pastilles étant destiné à former au moins une pastille (100) de développement obscur V_DDP, une pastille (102) de plein éclairage (V_BG) et une pastille (104) de développement intermédiaire (V_0,3D) sur le photorécepteur, un voltmètre (52) pour détecter la tension du photorécepteur au droit des surfaces des pastille de test et pour générer des signaux représentatifs, et un moyen servant à comparer les signaux représentatifs à des valeurs de référence et à réguler le dispositif à effet couronne et la valeur de l'éclairage de sortie du système optique en fonction de la différence entre les signaux représentatifs et les valeurs de référence, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen comprend :

- un contrôleur numérique (31),

- un moyen de mémoire à l'intérieur du contrôleur, dans lequel est stockée une représentation numérique de la courbe de décharge photo-induite (PIDC) pour le photorécepteur de la machine, et

- un moyen logique à l'intérieur du contrôleur pour analyser les signaux appliqués au voltmètre représentant les valeurs des tensions V_DDP et V_BG, comparer la différence (tension de contraste constant V_C) entre ces signaux et une valeurs optimum de V_C obtenue à partir de la représentation de la courbe PIDC stockée dans le moyen de mémoire et régulant sélectivement le dispositif à effet couronne en fonction de cette comparaison, le moyen logique étant aussi destiné à analyser les signaux appliqués au voltmètre qui représentent le trajet de développement intermédiaire, comparer le signal à une valeur optimum obtenue à partir de la représentation de la courbe PIDC stockée dans le moyen de mémoire et réguler sélectivement la valeur de l'éclairage de sortie du système optique d'éclairage-balayage en fonction de cette comparaison, le dispositif à effet couronne et la valeur de l'éclairage de sortie étant régulés dans un processus itératif jusqu'à obtention d'une convergence entre les valeurs mesurées de la tension du photorécepteur et la représentation PIDC stockée.

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un moyen (53) d'effacement de générateur de pastilles finies placé à proximité du photorécepteur et destiné à effacer sélectivement les pastilles de développement pendant le processus itératif.

3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, qui comprend un densitomètre (64) placé à proximité du photorécepteur en aval de l'ensemble de développement (54) et dans lequel, pour l'étalonnage du moyen d'effacement (53), le moyen de génération de pastilles (figure 5) est destiné à produire une seconde pastille (108) de développement intermédiaire (V_0,7D) sur le photorécepteur en même temps qu'une pastille de développement obscur pour éclairage ultérieur par le moyen d'effacement afin de produire une pastille (110) d'étalonnage (V_DPG), le moyen logique étant en outre destiné à comparer les signaux provenant du densitomètre qui représentent la densité du toner de la seconde pastille de développement intermédiaire et la pastille d'étalonnage, et s'il y a détection d'une différence (V_DSS), pour réguler sélectivement la sortie du moyen d'effacement dans un processus itératif jusqu'à ce qu'il y ait égalité des deux valeurs mesurées.

4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le moyen logique est également destiné à comparer la différence (V_DSS) entre les signaux de densité du toner à une valeur préétablie qui est stockée dans le moyen de mémoire et, en fonction de cette comparaison, à réguler l'ensemble de développement (54).

5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le moyen (figure 5) de génération de pastilles de test optique comprend un chariot de balayage (45) comportant un moyen allongé d'éclairage (42) et un miroir de balayage (44), un élément opaque d'occultation (90) qui peut être placé dans le trajet optique à l'avant du photorécepteur, la surface de la platine ayant une première bande-cible (92) de densité intermédiaire fixée à la surface inférieure à une position de génération des pastilles de test et une seconde bande-cible (107) à densité intermédiaire fixée à la surface inférieure d'une position ultérieure, le contrôleur numérique étant destiné à faire varier la sortie du moyen d'éclairage (42) à chacune des positions de génération des pastilles de test.

6. Procédé pour ajuster automatiquement les paramètres xérographiques de base d'une machine d'impression électrophotographique, comprenant les étapes consistant à :

- entraîner le système optique de balayage des documents de la machine dans un mode de génération de pastilles de test pour établir une multitude de pastilles de test de densités différentes sur le photorécepteur de la machine, comprenant une pastille représentant le potentiel à décroissance dans l'obscurité V_DDP, une pastille représentant la valeur de la tension de fond V_BG et une pastille représentant une valeur intermédiaire de la tension V_0,3D,

- mesurer les valeurs de la tension au droit des pastilles de test et engendrer des signaux représentatifs de celles-ci, comparer les signaux à des valeurs de référence, et réguler le courant de charge et la valeur de l'exposition du système de la machine en fonction de la différence entre les signaux et les valeurs de référence, caractérisé en ce que les signaux sont représentatifs de la valeur intermédiaire de la tension V_0,3D et de la différence V_C entre le potentiel V_DDP et la valeur de la tension V_BG, et caractérisé en outre par les étapes consistant à :

- stocker une représentation numérique de la courbe de décharge photo-induite (PIDC) pour le photorécepteur de la machine,

- comparer le signal de valeur de tension représentatif de V_C à une valeur optimum provenant de la représentation stockée de la courbe PIDC et ajuster le courant de charge I_C en fonction de cette comparaison, et

- comparer le signal de valeur de tension, représentatif de V_0,3D, à une valeur optimum provenant de la représentation stockée de la courbe PIDC et ajuster la valeur E_O de l'exposition du système de la machine en fonction de cette comparaison,

- où le réglage du courant de charge et la valeur de l'exposition du système sont régulés dans un processus itératif jusqu'à obtention de la convergence entre les valeurs mesurées des tensions et la représentation PIDC stockée.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, comprenant l'étape consistant à effacer sélectivement les pastilles de test en utilisant une source lumineuse finie.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, comprenant l'étape supplémentaire d'étalonnage de la source lumineuse finie aux paramètres finals de la machine.

9. Machine d'impression électrophotographique dans laquelle un document (32) placé sur une platine de support (34) est balayé, et une image de celui-ci est projetée sur une surface du photorécepteur, comportant un système optique (36) d'éclairage et de balayage destiné à fonctionner dans des premier et second modes de fonctionnement, le système comprenant :

- un moyen (45) pour déplacer un ensemble d'éclairage et de balayage (40) monté au-dessous de la platine dans un premier mode de reproduction de documents, entre une position de départ de balayage et une position de fin de balayage jusqu'à la position de départ du balayage, à la suite de quoi une image latente du document est formée sur la surface du photorécepteur,

- au moins une bande-cible (92) de densité fixée à la surface inférieure de la platine à un endroit situé à l'extérieur de la position de fin de balayage,

- le moyen mobile étant destiné à déplacer l'ensemble d'éclairage et de balayage, dans un second mode de fonctionnement, mode d'essai, jusqu'à une première position à l'extérieur de la position de départ du balayage, le mouvement se produisant en coïncidence avec la mise en place d'un élément occultant opaque (90) dans le trajet optique de manière à former une pastille de test (110) à décroissance dans l'obscurité au droit de la surface du photorécepteur,

- le moyen mobile étant en outre destiné à déplacer l'ensemble d'éclairage et de balayage pour le faire passer de la première position à une seconde position située au-dessous de la bande-cible; et

- un moyen pour modifier sélectivement et séquentiellement la valeur de l'éclairage dirigé vers la bande-cible de manière à former des pastilles de test (102, 104) de densité variable à la surface du photorécepteur.

10. Machine d'impression électrophotographique selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle les pastilles de test sont formées le long de l'axe du photorécepteur.

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Optimieren des Betriebs eines elektrophotographischen Kopiergeräts, enthaltend eine Koronavorrichtung (22) zum Aufbringen einer Ladung auf den Photorezeptor (10) des Geräts, ein optisches Ablenkbeleuchtungssystem (36) zum Beleuchten eines zu kopierenden Dokuments (32) auf einer Auflagefläche (34) und zum Projizieren eines Abbilds des Dokuments längs eines optischen Weges auf den Photorezeptor, um ein Latenzbild des Dokuments zu bilden, eine Entwicklereinheit (54) zum Zuführen von Toner zur Photorezeptorfläche, eine optische Testfleck-Erzeugungseinrichtung (Fig. 5), die Teil des Ablenkbeleuchtungssystems ist und die dazu eingerichtet ist, wenigstens einen Dunkelentwicklungsfleck V_DDP (100), einen Vollbeleuchtungsfleck (V_BG) (102) und einen Zwischenentwicklungsfleck (V_0,3D) (104) auf dem Photorezeptor zu bilden, ein Voltmeter (52) zum Ermitteln der Photorezeptorspannung an den Testfleckbereichen und zum Erzeugen repräsentativer Signale, und eine Einrichtung, die dazu dient, die repräsentativen Signale mit Bezugswerten zu vergleichen und die Koronavorrichtung und den Beleuchtungsausgangspegel des optischen Systems in Abhängigkeit von der Differenz zwischen den repräsentativen Signalen und den Bezugswerten zu regeln, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die genannte Einrichtung enthält:

einen digitalen Regler (31),

eine Speichereinrichtung in dem Regler, die eine digitale Darstellung der photoinduzierten Entladungskurve (PIDC) des Gerätephotorezeptors gespeichert enthält, und

eine Logikeinrichtung in dem Regler zum Analysieren der Voltmetereingangssignale, die V_DDP- und V_BG-Spannungspegel repräsentieren, zum Vergleichen der Differenz (konstante Kontrastspannung V_C) zwischen diesen Signalen und einem Optimalwert von V_C, der aus der Repräsentation der PIDC, die in der Speichereinrichtung gespeichert ist, abgeleitet ist, vergleicht und selektiv die Koronavorrichtung in Abhängigkeit von diesem Vergleich regelt, wobei die Logikeinrichtung auch dazu eingerichtet ist, die Voltmetereingangssignale zu analysieren, die den Zwischenentwicklungsfleck repräsentieren, dieses Signal mit einem Optimalwert vergleicht, der aus der Repräsentation des in der Speichereinrichtung gespeicherten PIDC abgeleitet wird, und selektiv den Beleuchtungsausgangspegel des optischen Ablenkbeleuchtungssystems in Abhängigkeit von diesem Vergleich regelt, wobei die Koronavorrichtung und der Beleuchtungsausgangspegel in einem iterativen Prozeß geregelt werden, bis Konvergenz zwischen den gemessenen Photorezeptorspannungswerten und der gespeicherten PIDC-Repräsentation erhalten ist.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
weiterhin enthaltend diskrete Fleckgeneratorlöscheinrichtungen (53), die benachbart dem Photorezeptor angeordnet und dazu eingerichtet sind, selektiv die Entwicklungsflecken während des iterativen Prozesses zu löschen.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2,
enthaltend einen Dichtemesser (64), der benachbart dem Photorezeptor stromabwärts von der Entwicklereinheit (54) angeordnet ist, und in der für die Kalibrierung der Löscheinrichtung (53) die Fleckerzeugungseinrichtung (Fig. 5) dazu eingerichtet ist, einen zweiten Zwischenentwicklungsfleck (V_0,7D) (108) an den Photorezeptor zusammen mit dem Dunkelentwicklungsfleck für nachfolgende Beleuchtung durch die Löscheinrichtung zu erzeugen, um einen Kalibrierungsfleck (V_DPG) (110) zu erzeugen, wobei die Logikeinrichtung weiter dazu eingerichtet ist, Signale von dem Dichtemesser, die die Tonerdichte des zweiten Zwischenentwicklungsflecks repräsentieren, und den Kalibrierfleck zu vergleichen, und wenn eine Differenz (V_DSS) ermittelt wird, selektiv den Ausgang der Löscheinrichtung in einem iterativen Prozeß zu regeln, bis die zwei gemessenen Werte gleich sind.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3,
bei der die Logikeinrichtung auch dazu eingerichtet ist, die Differenz (V_DSS) zwischen den Tonerdichtesignalen mit einem vorgewählten Wert, der in der Speichereinrichtung gespeichert ist, zu vergleichen und in Abhängigkeit von diesem Vergleich die Entwicklereinheit (54) zu regeln.

5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
bei der die optische Testfleckerzeugungseinrichtung (Fig. 5) einen Ablenkschlitten (45) mit einer langgestreckten Beleuchtungseinrichtung (42) und einen Ablenkspiegel (44), einen lichtundurchlässigen Verschluß (90) enthält, der in den optischen Weg vor den Photorezeptor gebracht werden kann, wobei die Auflagefläche einen ersten Zwischendichtezielstreifen (92), der an der Unterseite an einer Testfleckerzeugungsposition befestigt ist, und einen zweiten Zwischendichtezielstreifen (107), der an der Unterseite an einer weiteren Position befestigt ist, aufweist, wobei der digitale Regler dazu eingerichtet ist, den Ausgang der Beleuchtungseinrichtung (42) an jeder der Testfleckerzeugungspositionen zu variieren.

6. Verfahren zum automatischen Einstellen der xerographischen Grundparameter eines elektrophotographischen Kopiergeräts, enthaltend die folgenden Schritte:

Betreiben der Dokumentenabtastoptik des Geräts in einem Testfleckerzeugungsmode, um eine Vielzahl von Testflecken unterschiedlicher Dichten auf den Photorezeptor des Geräts abzuscheiden, einschließlich eines Flecks, der ein Dunkelabfallpotential V_DDP repräsentiert, eines Flecks, der einen Hintergrundspannungspegel V_BG repräsentiert, und eines Flecks, der einen Zwischenspannungspegel V_0,3D repräsentiert,

Messen der Spannungspegel an den Testflecken und Erzeugen von Signalen, die dafür repräsentativ sind; Vergleichen der Signale mit Bezugswerten und Regeln des Ladungsstroms und des Systembelichtungspegels des Geräts in Abhängigkeit von der Differenz zwischen den Signalen und den Bezugswerten, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Signale für den Zwischenspannungspegel V_0,3D und für die Differenz V_C zwischen dem Dunkelabnahmepotential V_DDP und dem Hintergrundspannungspegel V_BG kennzeichnend sind, und weiterhin gekennzeichnet durch die Schritte:

Speichern einer digitalen Darstellung der photoinduzierten Entladungskurve (PIDC) für den Photorezeptor des Geräts,

Vergleichen des Spannungspegelsignals, das für V_C kennzeichnend ist, mit einem Optimalwert, der aus der gespeicherten Darstellung der PIDC-Kurve abgeleitet ist, und Einstellen des Ladungsstroms I_C in Abhängigkeit von diesem Vergleich, und

Vergleichen des Spannungspegelsignals, das für V_0,3D kennzeichnend ist, mit einem Optimalwert, der aus der gespeicherten Darstellung der PIDC-Kurve abgeleitet ist, und Einstellen des Systembelichtungspegels E_O des Geräts in Abhängigkeit von diesem Vergleich,

wobei die Einstellung des Ladungsstroms und des Systembelichtungspegels in einem iterativen Prozeß geregelt wird, bis Konvergenz zwischen den gemessenen Spannungspegeln und der gespeicherten PIDC-Repräsentation erreicht ist.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6,
umfassend den Schritt des selektiven Löschens der Testflecken unter Verwendung einer diskreten Lichtquelle.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7,
enthaltend den zusätzlichen Schritt des Kalibrierens der diskreten Lichtquelle auf die endgültigen Maschinenparameter.

9. Indem ein Dokument (32) auf einer Auflageplatte (34) abgetastet und ein Abbild davon auf eine Photorezeptorfläche projiziert wird, mit einem optischen Beleuchtungs- und Ablenksystem (36), das dazu eingerichtet ist, in einer ersten und einer zweiten Betriebsart zu arbeiten, enthaltend:

Eine Einrichtung (45) zum Bewegen einer Beleuchtungs- und Ablenkgruppe (40), die unter der Auflageplatte angeordnet ist, in einer ersten, das Dokument kopierenden Betriebsart von einem Ablenkstart zu einem Ablenkende zur Ablenkstartposition, wodurch ein Latenzbild des Dokuments auf der Photorezeptorfläche erzeugt wird,

wenigstens einen Dichtezielstreifen (92), der an der Unterseite der Auflageplatte an einer Stelle außerhalb der Ablenkendposition befestigt ist,

wobei die Bewegungseinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Beleuchtungs- und Ablenkgruppe in einer zweiten, Testbetriebsart auf eine erste Position außerhalb der Ablenkstartposition zu bewegen, wobei die Bewegung koinzident mit der Positionierung eines lichtundurchlässigen Verschlusses (90) in den optischen Weg auftritt, um einen Dunkelabnahmetestfleck (100) auf der Photorezeptorfläche auszubilden,

wobei die Bewegungseinrichtung weiterhin dazu eingerichtet ist, die Beleuchtungs- und Ablenkgruppe von der ersten Position in eine zweite Position unter dem Zielstreifen zu bewegen, und

eine Einrichtung zum selektiven und sequentiellen Ändern des Beleuchtungspegels, der auf den Zielstreifen gerichtet ist, um dadurch Testflecken (102, 104) variierender Dichte auf der Photorezeptorfläche auszubilden.

10. Elektrophotographisches Kopiergerät nach Anspruch 9,
bei dem die Testflecken längs der Mittellinie des Photorezeptors ausgebildet werden.

Drawing