Color Correction in Image Forming Apparatus Using Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses struggle to accurately adjust color representation on colored print sheets due to aging changes in the apparatus and ink, leading to improper color adjustments based on fixed surface color templates.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a print engine, sheet transportation unit, and optical sensor that detects the color of a test chart on a colored print sheet, allowing for real-time color correction to prevent color changes caused by the surface color, using an image processing unit to adjust the image printing accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed surface color template is registered in advance for automatic color adjustment, then color adjustment can be performed automatically, but color representation becomes improper when aging changes occur in the apparatus or ink
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed template approach to a dynamic adaptive approach. The optical sensor continuously detects the actual surface color of the colored print sheet, and the image processing unit dynamically adjusts color correction parameters based on real-time detection results, allowing the system to adapt to aging changes in the apparatus and ink while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor detects the actual surface color of the colored print sheet, compares it with reference values, and feeds this information back to the image processing unit. The image processing unit then adjusts color correction parameters based on this feedback, enabling continuous optimization of color representation despite aging changes
2Productivity
If color correction is based on previously registered surface color templates, then processing speed is maintained, but measurement precision of current surface color deteriorates due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the surface color using the optical sensor before color correction is applied. This preliminary action captures the current actual surface color state, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while enabling rapid subsequent processing based on the detected values
3Ease of operation
If automatic color adjustment uses fixed characteristics from past templates, then operational simplicity is maintained, but color density adjustment becomes improper due to aging changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting surface color changes and adjusting color correction parameters without user intervention. The optical sensor and image processing unit work together to self-correct for aging changes, maintaining both operational simplicity and adjustment accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures proper color representation of images on printed materials by dynamically adjusting color density based on detected surface colors, mitigating the impact of aging changes and ensuring consistent color output.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor arranged so as to face the transportation path and configured to detect a color of a test chart on a colored print sheet transported along the transportation path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a print engine, a sheet transportation unit, an optical sensor, and an image processing unit. The print engine is configured to physically print an image to be printed on a print sheet. The sheet transportation unit is configured to transport the print sheet along a predetermined transportation path. The optical sensor is arranged so as to face the transportation path, and configured to detect a color of a test chart on a colored print sheet transported along the transportation path. The image processing unit is configured to perform color correction of the image to be printed on the colored print sheet, on the basis of the detected color of the test chart on the colored print sheet so as to restrain color change of the image due to a surface color of the colored print sheet.