Method and apparatus for copier quality monitoring and control

Claim 3

The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlling step includes the step of varying power to said illumination lamp from maximum brightness to a lamp off condition.

Claim 4

The method in accordance with claim 1 which further includes the steps of: comparing a subsequent said measuring means output signal with signals stored during said storing step; and adjusting operation of said copier in accordance with the difference between signals from said comparing step.

Claim 5

The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said adjusting step includes the step of adding toner to said developer in proportion to the difference between said compared signals.

Claim 6

The method in accordance with claim 4 wherein said comparing step further includes the step of controlling said measuring means for compensating said subsequent measuring means output signal for changes in photoconductor reflectance.

Claim 7

The method in accordance with claim 3 which includes the step of adjusting the intensity of light from said illumination lamp in accordance with the difference between said compared signals.

Claim 8

In an apparatus for monitoring operation of a copier having a moving photoconductor, means for charging said photoconductor for electrostatic imaging, a lamp for illuminating said photoconductor, a developer for applying toner to said photoconductor and means responsive to light reflected from said photoconductor for producing an output signal correlated to the magnitude of said reflected light, an improvement comprising: a comparator having said reflected light means output coupled as one input thereto and having an output terminal; a power source responsive to an input for applying selectable power levels to said lamp; and a controller including: (a) means for producing first and second output signals of selectable magnitudes with said first signal output coupled as said power source input and said second signal output coupled as a second input to said comparator; (b) means for storing data correlated to signals at said comparator means output terminal; and (c) a sequencer having: (i) means energizing said first output signal for causing said lamp to produce light in a sequence between a maximum intensity and an off condition so as to place an image test pattern on said photoconductor; (ii) means operable in response to said output signal of said reflected light responsive means caused by said photoconductor test pattern for varying said second output signal until said comparator output indicates a favorable comparison result; and (iii) means enabling said storing means to store data correlated to at least the maximum and minimum levels of said favorable comparison results.

Claim 9

In an apparatus for monitoring operation of a copier having a moving photoconductor, means for charging said photoconductor for electrostatic imaging, a lamp for illuminating said photoconductor, a developer for applying toner to said photoconductor and means responsive to light reflected from said photoconductor for producing an output signal correlated to the magnitude of said reflected light, an improvement comprising: a comparator having said reflected light means output coupled as one input thereto and having an output terminal; a power source responsive to an input for applying selectable power levels to said lamp; and a controller including: (a) means for producing first and second output signals of selectable magnitudes with said first signal output coupled as said power source input and said second signal output coupled as a second input to said comparator; (b) means for storing data correlated to signals at said comparator means output terminal; and (c) a sequencer having: (i) means energizing said first output signal for causing said lamp to produce light in a sequence between a maximum intensity and an off condition so as to place an image test pattern on said photoconductor; (ii) means operable in response to said output signal of said reflected light responsive means caused by said photoconductor test pattern for varying said second output signal until said comparator output indicates a favorable comparison result; and (iii) means enabling said storing means to store data correlated to at least the maximum and minimum levels of said favorable comparison results.

Claim 10

Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said sequencer includes means operable subsequent to storage of said data in said storing means for actuating said first and second output producing means, and means for comparing the signal from said comparator output terminal with said data stored in said storing means.

Claim 11

Apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said subsequent operable means applies a said first signal output to said power source input for accommodating changes in reflectivity of said photoconductor.

Claim 12

Apparatus in accordance with claim 8 which includes: means responsive to a said comparing means output indicative of inadequate toner on said photoconductor for adding toner to said developer.