Patent ID: 6847791
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: G03G,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling image formation using an image forming apparatus provided with a photoconductor for carrying an electrostatic latent image and an image density sensor, which has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, for detecting the image density of a toner pattern image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image, comprising steps of: forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor by exposing the photoconductor, which is charged with electricity, to light; emitting light, by the light emitting unit, onto a toner pattern image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image; detecting the image density of the toner pattern image by the image density sensor, by detecting the quantity of light reflected at the toner pattern image by the light receiving unit; controlling at least one of conditions for image formation, which include a charging voltage for charging the photoconductor, a light exposure of the photoconductor, a development bias voltage to be applied for developing the electrostatic latent image and the amount of toner supplied for developing the electrostatic latent image, on the basis of the detected image density; and calibrating the image density sensor so that a detection value of image density of a toner pattern image, which is formed on the basis of the conditions for image formation controlled as above, becomes a predetermined reference value.