Auto Color Registration Using Phase-Synchronized Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inaccuracies in auto color registration due to jitter or slip from asymmetric image receptors and gears, leading to errors in registration location information.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus synchronizes the phase of an organized photoconductor with specific patterns and controls the driving speed of image receptors based on detected pattern distances to maintain consistent spacing, using a controller to adjust scanning periods and offsets for precise registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auto color registration is performed based on location information from asymmetric image receptors and gears, then color registration can be adjusted, but jitter or slip occurs leading to registration errors
Solution Approach 1:
A reference pattern is introduced as an intermediary element to establish a stable reference frame for measurement. The pattern is transferred to the transfer belt at a known position and orientation, serving as a mediator between the asymmetric image receptors and the registration process, allowing accurate measurement of offsets without being affected by jitter or slip of the image receptors themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on the mechanical positioning of asymmetric image receptors and gears with an optical/electronic reference system. Instead of using the mechanical components as the basis for registration, a light-based pattern transfer and detection system is used to establish reference positions, substituting the unreliable mechanical reference with a controllable optical reference
2Measurement precision
If pattern transfer is used for auto color registration, then color positioning can be adjusted, but jitter and slip of transfer belt adversely affect accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by detecting the actual position of the transferred reference pattern and comparing it with the expected position. The detected offsets in X and Y directions are fed back to adjust the scanning positions of the light scanning units, compensating for the effects of jitter and slip. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate color positioning despite mechanical instabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The reference pattern is transferred preliminarily before the actual color image formation. This preliminary action establishes a known reference frame that accounts for any jitter or slip that occurs during the pattern transfer process. By having this reference in place beforehand, the system can compensate for mechanical instabilities during subsequent color registration operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and an auto color registration method thereof. The automatic color registration method of the image forming apparatus, the method includes transferring a plurality of first patterns synchronized with a phase of an image receptor, detecting the transferred first patterns, and performing an automatic color registration (ACR) by controlling a driving speed of the image receptor based on the detected first pattern. With this, the apparatus and method controls a driving speed of an image receptor by using a pattern synchronized with a phase of the image receptor and improves accuracy of the ACR.