MXPA99002856A - Method to distinguish between a joint line on a photosensible surface and imperfections on such superfile - Google Patents

Abstract

A method to provide an automated, highly intelligent diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime instead of requiring extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a logical, systematic test analysis scheme is provided to evaluate the operation of the machine with a single sensor system and is capable of detecting the parts and components that need to be replaced by a series of first level tests. the control to verify the components to receive a first level of data and a series of second level of evidence

Description

METHOD TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A JOINT LINE ON A PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE AND IMPERFECTIONS ON SUCH SURFACE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the analysis of xerographic processes, and more particularly, to the precise determination of faulty parts within the xerographic process. As reproductive machines such as copiers and printers become more complex and versatile, the interface or interconnection between the machine and the service representative must necessarily expand if a complete and efficient investigation and correction of faults is to be realized. An adequate interface or interconnection must not only provide the controls, visualizations, fault codes and 1-fault histories necessary to verify and maintain the machine, but also in an efficient, relatively simple and direct way. In addition, the machine must be able to autoanalyze itself deeply and automatically correct or specifically identify a faulty part to minimize service time. Diagnostic methods often require a service representative to perform an analysis of the problem. For example, problems with the movement of paper in a machine can occur in different places and REF: 29704 occur due to various machine conditions or failures of the different components. In the prior art, this analysis carried out by the service representative has been assisted by recording the failure stories in the control of the machine in order to have it available for reading and analysis. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,023,817, issued to the same beneficiary of the present invention, describes a method for recording and presenting in a finite buffer, a list of the last 50 faults, machine faults as well as fault trends. or almost fault conditions. These data are useful for the diagnosis of a machine. It is also known in the prior art how to provide a much larger chronological data record, known as a logical occurrence register, to record a variety of machine events. In addition, US Patent No. 5,023,817, issued to the same beneficiary of the present invention, describes a technique for diagnosing a declared machine failure or a suspected machine failure by accessing a library of fault analysis information and the option to enter Fault codes to present the potential defects of the machine related to the fault codes. It is also known, as described in the U.S. No. 5,533,193 to preserve data related to given events of a machine by selectively fixing the control to respond to the occurrence of a given machine failure or even, to verify the operation of the machine to detect the occurrence of the given event of the machine, and to initiate the transfer of data in a buffer to a non-volatile memory. It is also known to verify the operation of a machine from a remote source by using a powerful central computer that has advanced, high-level diagnostic capabilities. These systems have the ability to interact remotely with the machines that are being verified to receive diagnostic requests initiated automatically or initiated by the user and to interact with the requesting machine to receive stored data to allow a higher level diagnostic analysis. Such systems are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,038,319, and 5,057,866 owned by the beneficiary of the present invention. These systems employ Remote Interactive Communications to allow the transfer of selected operation data from the machine (known as physical data of the machine) to the remote site in which the central computer is located., through an appropriate communication channel. The physical data of the machine can be transmitted from a verified document system to the remote site automatically at predetermined times and / or in response to a specific request from the central computer. One difficulty with diagnostic services of the prior art is the inability to automatically and easily detect the precise parts or subsystems in a machine that cause a malfunction or deterioration condition. It would be much cheaper to simply replace a part than to waste significant time and effort trying to fix or repair the part. This is the trend in high-tech systems environments today. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an automated, highly intelligent diagnostic system that provides an indication of the need to replace specific parts or subsystems instead of the need to investigate and correct faults with a comprehensive service to minimize time dead of the machine. In copying or printing systems, such as a xerographic copier, laser printer, or ink jet printer, a common technique for verifying the quality of the prints is to artificially create a "test patch" of a desired, predetermined density. The actual density of the printing material (organic pigment or ink) in the test patch can then be optically measured to determine the effectiveness of the printing process in placing this printing material on the printed sheet. In the case of xerographic devices, such as a laser printer, the surface that is typically of most interest for determining the density of the printing material thereon is the surface that retains the charge or photoreceptor, upon which the latent image is formed. electrostatically and subsequently, it is revealed by causing the organic pigment particles to adhere to the areas of the same that are charged in a particular way. In such a case, the optical device for determining the density of the organic pigment on the test patch, which is often referred to as the coverage sensor of the organic pigment area or "densimeter", is placed along the path of the photoreceptor , directly downstream of the developer of the developing unit. There is typically a routine within the operating system of the printer to periodically create test patches of a desired density at predetermined locations on the photoreceptor by intentionally making the exposure system charge or discharge, as necessary, the surface in place. , to a predetermined degree. The test pad is then moved along the developing unit and the organic pigment particles inside the developing unit are forced to adhere to the test patch electrostatically. The higher the density of the organic pigment on the test patch, the darker the test patch will appear on the optical test. The developed test patch is moved along a hydrometer placed along the path of the photoreceptor, and light absorption of the test patch is tested; the more light absorbed by the test patch, the more dense the organic pigment on the test patch. Xerographic test patches are traditionally printed in the areas between documents on the photoreceptor. Generally, each patch is approximately one square inch (6.45 square centimeters) printed with a uniform solid halftone or background area. In this way, the traditional method of process controls involves programming the solid area, uniform semitones or background in a test patch. Some of the high quality printers contain many test patches. It would be desirable, therefore, to be able to use a simple organic pigment area coverage sensor instead of a complex sensor system to provide machine data to be able to diagnose a machine and identify faults or malfunctions in specific parts or subsystems. It would also be desirable to provide a logical, systematic test analysis scheme to evaluate the operation of the machine from a simple sensor system and to detect parts, components and subsystems that need to be replaced. An object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a novel and improved technique for diagnosing a machine, in particular, to be able to identify components or precise parts that must be replaced to maintain the operation of the machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated, highly intelligent diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts instead of the need for investigation and correction of faults with a comprehensive service to minimize downtime of the machine. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a logical, systematic test analysis scheme for evaluating the operation of the machine from a simple sensor system and to be able to detect the parts and components that need to be replaced. The other advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the particular features of the invention will be pointed out in a particular manner in the appended claims and forming part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention includes an automated, highly intelligent diagnostic system, which identifies the need to replace specific parts in order to minimize the dead time of the machine instead of requiring an investigation and correction of exhaustive service failures. In particular, a logical, systematic test analysis scheme is provided to evaluate the operation of the machine from a simple sensor system and that can detect parts and components that need to be replaced by a series of a first level of tests by the control to verify the components to receive a first level of data and for a series of a second level of tests by the control to verify the components to receive a second level of data. Each of the tests of the first level and the data of the first level are able to identify a first level of failures in the parts independently of any other test. Each of the second level tests and the second level data are a combination of the first level tests and the first level * data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and data from the third level. The tests of the second level and the data of the second level are able to identify the second and third levels of failure of the parts. The codes are stored and presented to manifest flaws in specific parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, reference could be made to the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numbers have been applied to similar parts and where: Figure 1 is an elevation view illustrating a typical electronic system for forming images incorporating a fault isolation technique and replacement of parts according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the generation of control test patches for use with an organic pigment area coverage sensor; Figure 3 shows a typical developer and an organic pigment distributor system; Figures 4 and 5 are a general flow chart illustrating a general technique for fault isolation according to the present invention; Figures 6 and 7 are a more detailed flow chart illustrating the operating indicators of the actuator according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a more detailed flow chart illustrating the ROS pixel growth detector according to the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates the recovery of triboextinction according to the present invention; Figures 10, 11 and 12 show the identification analysis of the junction line according to the present invention; and Figure 13 illustrates the detection of deterioration of: degassing according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Although the present invention will be described hereinafter in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Turning to Figure 1, the electrophotographic printing machine 1 creates a band 10 having a photoconductive surface 12 deposited on a conductive substrate 14. By way of example, the photoconductive surface 12 can be made from a selenium alloy with the conductive substrate 14 being made of an aluminum alloy which is electrically grounded. Other suitable photoconductive surfaces and conductive substrates can also be used. The band 10 moves in the direction of the arrow 16 and advances the successive portions of the photoconductive surface 12 through the different processing stations placed around the path of movement thereof. As shown, the band 10 is dragged around the rollers 18, 20, 22, 24. The roller 24 is coupled to the motor 26 which drives the roller 24 to advance the band 10 in the direction of the arrow 16. The rollers 18, 20 and 22 are tension rollers which rotate freely when the belt 10 moves in the direction of the arrow 16. Initially, a portion of the belt 10 passes through the loading station A. At the loading station A , a corona generator device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 28, charges a portion of the photoconductive surface 12 of the strip 10 at a relatively high, substantially uniform potential. Next, the charged portion of the photoconductive surface 12 advances through the exposure station B. In the exposure station B, a Frame Input Scanner (RIS) and a Screen Output Scanner (ROS) are used to expose the charged portions of the photoconductive surface 12 for recording a latent electrostatic image thereon. The RIS (not shown) contains document illumination lamps, optical devices, a mechanical scanning mechanism and photosensing elements such as charged torque device (CCD) means. The RIS captures the entire original document image and converts it to a series of frame scan lines. The frame scan lines are transmitted from the RIS to a ROS 36. The ROS 36 illuminates the charged portion of the photoconductive surface 12 with a series of horizontal lines with each line having a specific number of pixels per inch (by 2.54 centimeters). These lines illuminate the charged portion of the photoconductive surface 12 to selectively discharge the charge thereon. An exemplary ROS 36 has lasers with rotating polygonal mirror blocks, solid state odollasers and mirrors. Another type of exposure system would simply use a ROS 36, with ROS 36 being controlled by the output of an electronic subsystem (ESS) which prepares and manages the flow of image data between a computer and ROS 36. The ESS ( not shown) is the electronic control device for ROS 36 and can be a dedicated, autonomous microcomputer. Subsequently, the band 10 advances the latent electrostatic image recorded on the photoconductive surface 12 to the development station C.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a light lens system can be used in place of the RIS / ROS system hereinbefore described. An original document can be placed face down on a transparent display glass. The lamps would quickly send rays of light over the original document. The rays of light reflected from the original document are transmitted through a lens that forms a luminous image on it. The lens focuses the light image on the charged portion of the photoconductive surface to selectively dissipate the charge thereon. A latent electrostatic image is recorded on the photoconductive surface which corresponds to the information areas contained within the original document deposited on the transparent exposure glass. In the developing station C, the magnetic brush developer system, generally indicated by the reference numeral 38, conveys the developer material comprising carrier granules having organic pigment particles triboelectrically adhered thereto in contact with the latent electrostatic image. recorded on the photoconductive surface 12. The organic pigment particles are attracted from the carrier granules to the latent image by forming a powder image on the photoconductive surface 12 of the strip 10.

After development, web 10 advances the image of organic pigment powder to transfer station D. At transfer station D a sheet of support material 46 moves in contact with the organic pigment powder image. The support material 46 is advanced to the transfer station D by means of a sheet feeder apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 48. Preferably, the sheet feeder apparatus 48 includes a feed roller 50 in contact with the uppermost sheet of a stack of sheets 52. The feed roller 50 rotates to advance the uppermost sheet of the stack 50 towards the sheet ramp 54. The ramp 54 directs the advance of the sheet of the support material 46 towards contact with the photoconductive surface 12 of the band 10 in a limited sequence, so that the organic pigment image developed on it comes in contact with the sheet of support material advancing at the transfer station D. The station Transfer D includes a corona generating device 56 which sprays ions on the back side of the sheet 46. This attracts the image of organic pigment powder from the photocoated surface to the sheet 46. After the transfer, the web continues to move in the direction of the arrow 58 on a conveyor 60 which moves the sheet towards the fusion station E. The fusion station E includes a fuser assembly, indicated in FIG. In general, by reference numeral 62, which permanently fixes the powder image to the sheet 46. Preferably, the fuser assembly 62 includes a hot fuser roller 64 driven by a motor and a support roller 66. The sheet 46 it passes between the fuser roller 64 and the support roller 66 with the organic pigment image in contact with the melter roller 64. In this way, the organic pigment powder image is permanently fixed to the sheet 46. After the melting, the ramp 68 guides the sheet advancing towards the catch tray 70 to be subsequently removed from the printing machine by the operator. Invariably, after the sheet of support material is separated from the photoconductive surface 12 of the band 10, some residual particles remain adhered thereto. The residual particles are removed from the photoconductive surface 12 in the cleaning station F. The cleaning station F includes a previously cleaned corona generating device (not shown) and a pre-cleaning brush mounted in a rotating manner 72 in contact with the photoconductive surface 12. The previously clean corona generator, neutralizes the charge that attracts the particles towards the photoconductive surface. These particles are cleaned from the photoconductive surface by the rotation of the brush 72 in contact therewith. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other cleaning means such as a blade cleaner can be used. After cleaning, a discharge lamp (not shown) discharges the photoconductive surface 12 with light to dissipate any residual charge remaining on it before charging it for the next successive cycle of imaging. A control system coordinates the operation of the different components. In particular, the controller 30 responds to the sensor 32 and provides actuator control signals suitable for the corona generating device 28, the ROS 36 and the developer system 38 which can be any suitable developer system such as a hybrid hop developer or a magnetic brush developer system. The actuator control signals include state variables such as charge voltage, developer deviation voltage, exposure intensity and organic pigment concentration, the controller 30 includes an expert system 31 that includes several logic routines to analyze the systematically detected parameters and reach conclusions about the state of the machine. The changes in the output generated by the controller 30, in a preferred embodiment, are measured by an organic pigment area coverage (TAC) sensor 32. The TAC sensor 32, which is located after the developing station C, measures the organic pigment mass revealed by different area coverage patches registered on the photoconductive surface 12. The operation form of the TAC sensor 32, shown in Figure 1, is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,553,003, which is incorporated in its entirety in the present description. The TAC sensor 32 is a hydrometer of the infrared reflectance type which measures the density of the organic pigment particles developed on the photoconductive surface 12. Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated an organic pigment test patch, typical compound 110, represented in the inter-document area of the photoconductive surface 12. The photoconductive surface 12 is illustrated as containing two document images, the image 1 and the image 2. The test patch 110 is shown in the inter-document space between the image 1 and the image 2 and in that portion of the photoconductive surface 12 detected by the sensor TAC 32 to provide the signals necessary for the control. The composite patch 110, in a preferred embodiment, measures 15 millimeters, in the process direction, and 45 millimeters, in the direction transverse to the process and provides several patches of the halftone level as an 87.5% patch in 118, a patch of 50% halftone in 116 and a halftone patch of 12.5% in 114. Before the TAC 32 sensor can provide a significant response to the relative reflectance of the patch, the TAC 32 sensor must be calibrated by measuring the reflected light of a portion of free or clean area 112 of the surface of the photoconductive band 12. For calibration purposes, the current to the light emitting diode (LED) internal to the sensor TAC 32 is increased until the voltage generated by the sensor TAC 32 in response in the reflected light of the free or clean area 112 is between 3 and 5 volts. It should be understood that the term "TAC sensor" or "densimeter" is intended to be applied to any device for determining the density of printing material on a surface, such as a visible light densimeter, an infrared densimeter, an electrostatic voltmeter or any other device that makes a physical measurement from which the density of the print material can be determined. Figure 3 shows in more detail the developing unit 38 illustrated in Figure 1. The developing unit includes a developer 86 which could be any suitable developer system, such as the hybrid hop developer or magnetic brush developer, to apply organic pigment to a latent image. The developer is generally provided in a developer housing and in the rear of the housing a deposit containing the developer material is usually formed. A passive transverse mixer (not shown) in the reservoir area generally serves to mix the developer material. The developer 86 is connected to an organic pigment distribution assembly shown at 46 which includes a bottle of organic pigment 88 that provides a source of organic pigment particles, a drill hole 90 for distributing organic pigment particles from the bottle 88 and a hopper 92 receiving the organic pigment particles from the bore 90. The hopper 92 is also connected to the distributor bore 96 and the distributor bore is rotated by means of the drive motor 98 to carry the organic pigment particles from the hopper 92 to its distribution of the developer 86. It should be understood that an organic pigment developer or assembly assembly could be individual replaceable units or a combined replaceable unit. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a series of tests, both independent and cumulative, logically analyze the test results to determine any parts or subsystems that need to be replaced. These tests are based on selective test patch readings by an organic pigment area coverage sensor. The basis that underlies the system is that it is cheaper and faster to replace a part, rather than wasting valuable service time trying to fix or repair a part or subsystem on the customer's site. In particular, a highly automated, highly automated xerographic diagnostic routine is provided, which has the ability to inform the service representative that parts or effective parts need to be replaced. This task was achieved by designing a series of individual tests that when carried out in a logical way and their results analyzed according to specific paradigms, the net result would indicate the failure of one or more individual subsystems within the xerographic machine. Some of the tests by themselves are and could be used as independent diagnostic routines. They consist mainly of reading several patches of halftone and solid areas by the process control sensors (BTAC, ESV, etc.) created under specific xerographic conditions usually before and after a situation. The system analyzes the data using highly sophisticated tools (statistical packages, FFT, etc.), searches for trends and obtains results. He then combines these results with the results of several other tests and draws logical conclusions about the health of a specific subsystem. For example: to test the cleaning subsystem, it may be necessary to concatenate the results of tests A, C, D and F. For this test, A and D can be weighted more than C and F. The final result is that the test of the cleaner has some value of 60 with a variance of +/- 8%. The failure mode can be >; 65 (+/- 5%). In this case the cleaning subsystem would have failed. There is an analysis of all the different test combinations for each part that needs to be interrogated and get parts to replace the code. This code is then easily available so that the service representative can access it either over the telephone line or through the portable workstation (PWS). When it is deployed, a list corresponding to the part or parts to be replaced is presented which are again related to the code. This system will run automatically when certain conditions are met within the process control system or can be invoked by the operator through the Ul or the service representative through the PWS. It should also be noted that the xerographic machine can be instructed from a remote site to run the installation program when necessary or to run a routine of high diagnostic analysis and return via the telephone line any relevant results and / or parts to be replaced. After receiving the remote order, the xerographic subsystem is taken offline, by the appropriate routine and then returns to a waiting state and carries any information back to the call center. In modern xerographic printing machines, process controls use a variety of reflective sensors to verify and control the tone reproduction curve of the xerographic process. One such sensor is the BTAC sensor (Black Organic Pigment Area Coverage). In a final test for proper operation, the BTAC should be calibrated to the pure reflectance (with no organic pigment) of the photoreceptor. To achieve this, the output of an LED on the sensor is pulsed (graduated) in case a certain analog voltage or reflectance level is reached. This calibration process is repeated continuously. The process control system continuously checks the status of the xerographic process. The sensors read several halftone patches which are an indication of the quality of the revealed image. If the quality of the patch is not within the range, changes are made to several actuators to bring the process back to the center. The firmness of the patch is affected to a large extent by the uniform quality of the surface of the band. A scratch or defect on the photoreceptor where the patches are produced can change the result of the patch reading. Therefore, a second test is to take samples of the entire surface of the photoreceptor within the Black Organic Pigment Area Coverage (BTAC) sensor every 1.5 mm. Using a binding line detection algorithm, the samples of the junction line are discarded, and the measurement of the uniformity of the total cleaning band is calculated. This value is used as a base value. Since the location of the junction line was found, the location of each process control patch and its related BTAC readings can be analyzed. The mean and variance for each patch is determined and compared with the base value. Through a statistical analysis, the uniformity of each place is calculated and compared with the base value. The operator can then be informed to replace the band if the uniformity was less than an acceptable level. The basic xerography is controlled by three subsystems; loading, exposure, and development such as the Hybrid Leap Revelation. In the Discharge Area Development systems, an image with no charge can be revealed. This principle makes it possible to devise a logical method to determine certain failure modes of these three actuators. The first step is to test the load subsystem. Three different semitone patches are produced (12%, 50% and 87%) using nominal parameters for loading, exposure and development. The reflectance of each patch is measured with the BTAC sensor. If the level of each patch is within a reasonable range, it is assumed that the charging system is working well. If it is measured that each patch is very dark, it follows that the load subsystem is malfunctioning. At this point, the method is interrupted, and the load is marked as failed. The second step (if the load is CORRECT) creates a patch interrupting the loading and exposure and allowing the development. This will create a very dark patch. At the level of this patch it is measured by the BTAC and based on the density, the development component can be determined operatively. The third step creates a patch using a nominal load, and a very high exposure setting. This will create a very dark patch. The level of this patch is measured by the BTAC and based on the density, the component of the exposure can be determined operatively. When impressions are produced, the developing subsystem needs to be continually replenished with organic pigment. This is achieved through an organic pigment distribution subsystem, which consists of a distribution motor and a containment reservoir. This system can become inoperative when the engine fails (due to power losses or when the gears are stuck) or the borehole inside the containment reservoir is impacted by the organic pigment and becomes clogged. With respect to Figures 4 and 5, in block 120 the coverage sensor of the organic pigment area, in this case, a coverage sensor of the black organic pigment area (BTAC) is calibrated. A first level of determination is whether or not the sensor passes the calibration standard as shown in block 122, if so, the following level test is performed, a dust level check, as shown in block 126 If the determination of the calibration in block 122 fails, the machine stops as illustrated in block 124. After checking the powder level, there is a uniformity test of the photoreceptor patch as illustrated in block 128. In essence, this test verifies the defective areas of a xerographic photoreceptor surface. The result of the previous test determines whether there is an adequate load provided by the system load mechanism, as illustrated in block 130. If there is no adequate load, the system stops as shown in block 134. If there is an adequate load, as determined in block 132, a ROS beam failure test is conducted as shown in block 136. After the ROS beam failure test, a wiper test is conducted. according to that illustrated in block 138. A test of the operation indicator of the most compressive actuator is illustrated in the pre-charged test block 140 and the ROS test 142 and is shown in detail in the flow diagram in Figures 9A and 9B. After the drive performance indicator tests, a background test illustrated in block 144 and a strip formation test illustrated in block 146 are provided. After these tests as illustrated in block 148, a test is provided. series of load tests, exposure tests, grid angle tests, and standard exposure angle tests as illustrated in blocks 150A, 150B, 150C and 150D. After completing these tests a ROS pixel size test is conducted as illustrated in block 152. Also, there is a proof of the organic pigment dispenser illustrated in block 154. Finally, as illustrated in blocks 156 and 158 There is an analysis of all the test results and the presentation of the parts that fail.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the indications of the operation of the actuator. In particular, the calibration of the sensor is shown in block 220. Block 222 illustrates the measurement of the relative reflectance of a cleaning patch. If the relative reflectance of the patch is less than a given threshold, for example, 45, then there is an indication of a loading problem as shown in block 226. It should be noted that the number 45 represents a digitized sensor signal in the range from 0-255 and the selected number is a designated decision based on the characteristics of the machine. A relative reflectance signal less than 45 indicates very dark patches. If the relative reflectance is not less than 45, then as shown in block 228, the charging and exposure systems are interrupted and the developing unit deactivated. Then the relative reflectance of special patches is measured, such as a patch with a semitone of 12%, 50% and 87%. The halftone level of each patch is measured by the sensor. If the relative reflectance is greater than 120 as illustrated in block 230, indicating a very clear response, then a range of problems is indicated as illustrated in block 232. On the other hand, if the relative reflectance is less than 120 but greater than 60 as illustrated in decision block 234, which indicates a clear dark response, then another set of problems is indicated as illustrated in block 236. If the relative reflectance is less than 60 but greater than 35 as illustrated in block 238 a dark response is indicated, then another set of problems is indicated as illustrated in block 240. Finally, if the relative reflectance is less than 35 indicating a very dark response, then a malfunction is not indicated and the developer system operates as shown in block 242. The next step is to set the nominal loading and developing to create a patch with a high exposure setting and determine the relative reflectance. As illustrated in block 246, if the digitized signal of the relative reflectance is greater than 12.0, indicating a clear patch, a problem of the video path as shown in block 248 is indicated. If the relative reflectance is less than 120 or greater than 80 as shown in block 250, indicating a patch from dark to light, then a poor ground connection is determined as shown in block 252. On the other hand, if the relative reflectance is less than 80 but greater than 40, a dark patch illustrated in block 254, there is an indication of a video cabling problem as shown in block 256. Finally, if the relative reflectance is less than 40, indicating a very dark patch, there is the determination of the absence of a malfunction with the ROS system as shown in block 258. With reference to Figure 8, there is shown in the flow diagram a technique for verifying the distribution of organic pigment. In particular, three special organic pigment concentration patches are provided on the surface of the photoreceptor as illustrated in block 276. The details of those three special patches are described in US Patent Application Serial No. 926,476 (D / 97101). ) presented on September 10, 1997, incorporated herein. The patches are read by the BTAC sensor and an average reflectance is calculated as shown in block 278. If the reflectance with reference to a cleaning patch is greater than 15% as illustrated in decision block 280, then it is determined the concentration of normal organic pigment. However, if the average reflectance is less than 15%, as illustrated in block 282, then it is activated in the organic pigment distributor for 15 seconds. It should be noted that the 15 seconds are a design choice and in some modalities it is the time for the organic pigment to arrive from a distributor bottle of organic pigment on the photoreceptor and be detected by the sensor. After activation of the organic pigment distributor for a given period of time, again three organic pigment concentration patches are provided as illustrated in block 284. Again there is an interruption and calculation of the average reflectance as shown in block 286. If the reflectance is greater than 20 as illustrated in the block of decision 288, it is then determined that the distributor operates as shown in block 292. On the other hand, if the reflectance is 20 or less, a determination is made as shown in block 290 of whether there is a malfunction of the distributor of organic pigment. Additional details of the prior art are described in D / 97607 (US Serial Number 035,129), D / 97608 (US Serial Number not yet assigned), D / 97609 (Serial Number US 035,124), D / 97610 (Number American Series 035,126), and D / 97614 (US Serial Number 034,900) incorporated herein. In modern xerographic printing machines, when the developer material remains occupied for a prolonged period of time (24 hours or more), the charge between the particles of the developer material (developer and carrier) weakens. This weakness is further aggravated when the humidity increases. The net effect is that the copies produced initially will be darker than expected. This results in a copy with poor quality. According to that invention, there is a technique for determining when this condition has occurred. This is achieved by means of an automatic rest recovery method which would revitalize the material without any operator of the invention. First the rest period period is verified. The rest time is the time between the drive cycles of the xerographic machine. When the idle time reaches a specific threshold, the machine will be out of line and the operating cycle of the xerographic subsystem. This then reveals two halftone patches (12% and 87%). The reflectance of these two patches is read by the Black Organic Pigment Area Coverage (BTAC) sensor and recorded. The difference between the two patches is calculated (12% -86%). This difference is a good indicator that the patches have become dark. If the delta is less than a target value, the triboelectric is considered to be within the acceptable range and nothing is done. If the delta is greater than a target value, the machine proceeds to make a special resource recovery adjustment. This adjustment initially increases the tone and lowers the tone of the system enough to increase the tribo and rejuvenate the material. Then continue with the regular adjustment steps of adjusting the concentration of organic pigment and electrostatic coverage. Once the system is complete it comes back to the line and is ready to produce a copy with good quality. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, it is desirable to rejuvenate the organic pigment component of the developer material after the installation of a new developer module. This is a time procedure that precedes the rest recovery procedure described above. The procedure is as follows: All the xerographic control factors are adjusted to the nominal values of the machine. The exposure is increased or decreased until a target relative reflectance value of the high density control is within a given range. If the target can not be satisfied and the exposure is out of range, a fault is declared. Failure indicates a serious machine manufacturing or assembly problem. When the objective of a high density is achieved, the tone begins to fall. The tone decrease proceeds for 100 band points to a target area coverage of 25%. The reduction of tone reduces the concentration of organic pigment by 2.5%. When the tone decrease is completed, the tone increase begins. The tone increase proceeds at a working cycle speed of 30% of the organic pigment distributor by 50 band points. The result is an area coverage of 5%. After increasing the tone the procedure concludes. The test shows that the tribo of developer organic pigment increases in inverse proportion to the time of departure. That is, if the tribo is very low (8 uC / g) then the yield of the procedure will increase up to approximately (16 uC / gm). If the tribes are high (20 uC / gm), then the break in the procedure will increase to (22 uC / gm). The above procedure is explained in more detail with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows the cycle of a machine in block 302. Block 304 illustrates the calculation of a difference in measurement in the detection of a target of halftone of 12% and an objective with a semitone of 87% that was previously made and stored in memory. Block 306 illustrates the decision whether or not the rest time of the machine is greater than 24 hours. If not, then no adjustment is required, as shown in block 308. If the rest time is greater than 24 hours, then the machine cycle is shown in block 310, the target patches are revealed on the machine and the calculation of the value of a new difference is shown in block 312. It should be noted that the rest period period of 24 hours is simply design choice and the density value of the test targets is also simply design choice and the The scope of the present invention is intended to cover any number of suitable choices of parameters and test devices. A comparison of the new difference and the values of the old difference is made. If the difference is greater than an appropriate level such as 5, then an organic pigment drop or purge procedure is activated as shown in block 318. If the comparison is not greater than 5 or some suitable value, then the tribo is considered satisfactory for making impressions, as shown in block 316. In block 318 for 18 revolutions of the web, the organic pigment is distributed out of the organic pigment housing and is cleaned from the web to release the system. old organic pigment. Next, as illustrated in block 320, the organic pigment is distributed to the system during a period of 18 revolutions of the web, again no impressions are made during this operation. It should be noted that the number of revolutions of the band or the time of descent of the tone or rise of the tone is any suitable design choice. Upon completion of the tone increase in block 320, the system is then ready to initiate the normal xerographic adjustment procedures as shown in block 322. For broken materials for a new developer housing, the procedure is similar to the previous procedure. A greater difference is the number of revolutions of the band for the decrease of the tone and the increase of the tone. In a preferred embodiment, for a new developer material the housing is broken, in a given machine, 50 revolutions of the band are considered satisfactory.

In modern xerographic printing machines, the detection of the junction line is a method used to obtain the appropriate placement of the images on the photoreceptor using an analog process control sensor. The sensor (an Organic Pigment Area Coverage Sensor) takes analog samples very finely separated in the area of the bond line, which generates a curve with a given area. Then the center of the moment is calculated which is actually the center of the junction line. In operation, during the life of the photoreceptor, its surface can be scratched. These scratches can cause the bond line detection system to fail, making it appear that there are multiple bond lines on the band. The truth of this aspect of the invention is to assign an identifiable mark to the bond line that could be easily discerned from the scratches. Since the data to find the junction line is in the form of a wave, a Fourier Transformation of the wave produces a unique mark for each junction line that differs from those obtained from the scratches. The procedure first captures this mark when a new photoreceptor is placed in the machine. In this state, the surface of the band is free of any scratches and the only mark present on the band is that of the joining line. A new band is detected since the band is housed in a CRU (User Replaced Unit) equipped with an EPROM that informs the system that this is a new CRU. The junction line is then sampled and a Fast Fourier Transformation, FFT, is performed on the shape of the wave and the frequency distribution (its mark) is stored in the non-volatile memory of the machine. Next, if one or more scratches appear as possible joint lines, a comparison is made between the mark of the stored joint line and the other marks. A comparison between the stored mark and a possible mark of the joint line determines which candidate is the actual joining line. Figure 10 illustrates a typical comparison and Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the procedure in more detail. With reference to Figure 10, it illustrates the waveforms that represent a valid joining line, a 2-mm surface scratch, and a 1-mm surface scratch. The line of union is shown as a straight vertical line, the scratches as dotted vertical lines. With reference to Figure 11, block 340 is a decision block to determine whether or not the surface of the photoreceptor is a virgin surface or an older surface. If it is an old surface, then as shown in block 342, no further action is required. However, if it is a new surface, the first step, as illustrated in block 344, is to find the junction line and effect an FFT on the junction line to provide a waveform mark to be stored in the memory. . Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, when the machine is in operation, decision block 348 recognizes that the line of attachment of the band may not be taken into consideration, if it is taken into consideration, then the band is registered and the machine operates as shown in block 350. However, if there is confusion about the location of the junction line of the surface, then as shown in block 352, it is necessary to take samples of the imperfections that could be . the line of union effecting Fourier Transformations. In block 354 each Fourier Transform is compared to the mark stored in the memory. If there is similarity as determined by the decision block 356, the surface is registered as the junction line according to what is indicated by the similarity and the machine continues to operate. If there is no similarity, locations of possible multiple union lines are detected, a failure is declared as illustrated in block 358. In modern xerographic printing machines, the level of organic pigment concentration greatly affects the quality of the copy. When the organic pigment is consumed, it must be replenished by means of the distribution system in the proper proportion to maintain the quality of the copy. Most systems use a special magnetic organic pigment control sensor to measure the relative concentration of organic pigment. However, to reduce the frame of the machine, the organic pigment concentration sensor is expandable if other methods can be employed. The truth of this aspect of the invention is a method that allows an organic pigment concentration control system and thus eliminates the organic pigment concentration sensor. This is achieved with a sensor counter of abstract pixels. The sensor extracts the pixel content (total number of pixels used by the image) from the Screen Output Explorer (ROS) equipment and the control calculates the amount of organic pigment consumed by the image. This then determines the time required to distribute what is necessary to replenish the developer material used. Also, a process control system verifies the reflectance of an 87% control patch with the Black Organic Pigment Area Coverage sensor (BTAC). The deviation of an objective is calculated, to +/- error, and a proportional distribution period is determined based on a gain factor. This distribution time +/- is then sent to the organic pigment distribution subsystem and is appropriately driven. A special organic pigment control patch is also created (very commonly used for adjustment purposes) and is revealed after the cycle of the xerographic machine. This patch is read by the BTAC and powered in approximately the same way as the 87% patch. The only differences are that the average area coverage of the work cycle is weighted in the distribution algorithm along with its own gain factor. The distribution time +/- is then sent to the distributor system of organic pigment for a suitable action. In modern xerographic printing machines, which contain a photoreceptor band, an area prone to suppression (loss of development) can occur in the local charge scorotron due to the degassing of nitric oxide. When this occurs, the development capacity is lost and the image may degrade. According to this aspect of the invention, the process control system compares the uniformity of the reflectance of the suspect area with an area where there could be no suppression. The xerographic systems employ many parking schemes of the band. But no matter what scheme is used, only certain areas of the band will be parked under the scorotron and thus influenced by their degassing. The system places a patch with a semitone of 50% throughout the band in the direction of the process. The patch is sampled by the BTAC sensor in the parking areas and an area outside the parking places. The uniformity of these areas (parked vs. not parked) is calculated and compared. If none of the parked areas has a lower level than that of the non-parked area, it is concluded that there is a parking suppression and a state is presented that establishes that the photoreceptor band should be replaced. With reference to Figure 13, a photoreceptor or photosensitive surface 370 is placed in a given relationship with respect to a charging device 372, the charging device emits gas that is hazardous to that portion of the photosensitive surface deposited within the range of the gases emitted. A given range is illustrated in 374 by outlining a region that is affected by the gases emitted by the charging device. To determine the degree of deterioration of the portions of the photosensitive surface due to degassing, an objective patch or strip 376 is revealed along the entire photosensitive surface. A portion of the photosensitive surface, illustrated at 378, outside the region 374 is detected and compared to a target patch 380 known to be influenced by the charging operation. Based on the comparison, a determination is made as to whether the degree of deterioration is acceptable or requires a replacement of the photosensitive surface. It should be understood that the portions of the photosensitive surface which are placed or * parked 'near the charging device 372 tend to be more seriously affected. The key of the art is to place a target patch 376 that will clearly be within the range of the loading device 374. It should also be understood that one or more target patches 380 may be provided within the 374 limit to be used for comparison with the target patch not affected 378. Although it has been illustrated and described that the one considered so far is a preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be appreciated that changes and modifications are likely to occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover all of the appended claims. those changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (9)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S
1. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following: 1. In an image processing machine that includes a control, a photosensitive surface and a sensor system, a method for distinguishing between a junction line on the surface photosensitive and imperfections on the photosensitive surface is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: determining a virgin photosensitive surface and obtaining an analysis of marks of a junction line on the photosensitive surface, storing the analysis of marks of the junction line, verifying the surface photosensitive1 during the operation of the machine and detect a junction line within the photosensitive surface, compare a mark of the apparent junction line of the photosensitive surface with the analysis of the stored mark, and determine the apparent junction line of the surface photosensitive to be a pseudoline of union of the surface and.
2. 2. The method in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the step of obtaining a tag analysis of a junction line on the photosensitive surface includes the step of defining the junction line as a waveform.
3. 3. The method of compliance with the claim 2, characterized in that the step of obtaining a tag analysis of a junction line on the photosensitive surface includes the step of providing a Fourier Transform of the waveform.
4. 4. In an image processing machine that includes a control, a surface for forming images, and a sensor system, a method for determining a line of attachment on the surface for forming images, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: obtaining an analysis of marks of a joining line on the surface to form images, verify the surface to form images during the operation of the machine and detect an apparent joining line of the surface to form images, compare an analysis of marks of the apparent joining line of the surface to form images with the analysis of the stored mark, and determine the apparent joining line of the surface to form images as a false, surface bond line. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of obtaining a tag analysis of the joining line includes the step of storing the tag analysis in the memory. 6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of obtaining an analysis of marks of the junction line includes the step of obtaining the analysis of marks of a surface to form unused images. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of obtaining a tag analysis of the joining line includes the step of defining the joining line as a waveform. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the step of obtaining a tag analysis of the joining line includes the step of providing a Fourier Transform of the waveform. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface for forming images is a photosensitive surface. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method to provide an automated, highly intelligent diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime instead of requiring extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a logical, systematic test analysis scheme is provided to evaluate the operation of the machine with a single sensor system and is capable of detecting the parts and components that need to be replaced by a series of first level tests. the control to verify the components to receive a first level of data and for a Second level series of tests by the control to verify the components to receive a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and the first level data are able to identify a level of parts that fail regardless of any other test. Each of the second level tests and the second level data is a combination of the first level tests and the first level data or a combination of a first level test and data of the first level and a test of the third level and third level data. The second level tests and the second level data are able to identify second and third fault levels in the parts. The codes are stored and presented to manifest parts with specific faults.