Patent ID: 6069645
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B41J,G06K,H01S,H04N

Abstract:
A method for producing spots of a controlled size on an image bearing medium in a laser-based image forming apparatus having an array of lasers, said method comprising the steps of:(a) receiving image information indicating an image to be scanned onto an image bearing member;(b) driving a plurality of lasers in accordance with the image information;(c) obtaining output intensity feedback information by monitoring an intensity output from each of the plurality of the lasers;(d) adjusting driving energy values of the plurality of lasers in accordance with the output intensity feedback information; and(e) scanning the array of lasers onto the image bearing member to produce spots of a controlled size;wherein said step (d) comprises the substeps of:(d1) determining a desired intensity output value for at least one of the plurality of lasers based on the image information and photoresponse characteristics of the image bearing member;(d2) comparing the desired intensity output value for the at least one of the plurality of lasers with the monitored intensity output for the particular laser; and(d3) adjusting the driving energy value for the at least one of the plurality of lasers based on said comparing (d2) by increasing the driving energy value for the at least one of the plurality of lasers if the monitored intensity output is substantially below the desired intensity output and by decreasing the driving energy value for the at least one of the plurality of lasers if the monitored intensity output is substantially greater than the desired intensity output.