Color Deviation Correction in Image Forming Apparatus via Pattern Magnification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting for deviations in image formation due to variations in the magnification of toner patterns on the secondary transfer belt, which can result from changes in the conveyance speed of the belt, leading to color misregistration issues.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus and method that includes a system to detect patterns on the secondary transfer belt using sensors, calculate deviations based on pattern magnification, and adjust image formation parameters to correct for these deviations, ensuring accurate image alignment and registration across different magnifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the conveyance speed of the secondary transfer belt is adjusted to improve image formation accuracy, then the linear velocity precision is improved, but the magnification of the toner pattern changes causing color misregistration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation accuracyVSAvoidmagnification of toner pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the actual magnification of the toner pattern using an imaging device, compares it with the target magnification, and feeds back correction information to adjust the conveyance speed of the secondary transfer belt. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by continuously compensating for magnification changes while maintaining precise conveyance control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the conveyance speed parameter of the secondary transfer belt based on detected magnification deviations. By adjusting the conveyance speed in real-time according to actual pattern magnification, the system maintains accurate image formation without fixed magnification errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the linear velocity of the secondary transfer belt is finely adjusted to improve detection accuracy, then the conveyance speed precision is improved, but the pattern density varies causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddensity of toner pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an imaging device to detect both the position and density characteristics of the toner pattern, then feeds back correction signals to adjust the conveyance speed. This feedback loop compensates for density variations caused by fine velocity adjustments, maintaining accurate measurement despite changes in pattern density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with optical imaging detection. By using an imaging device to capture the toner pattern and calculate magnification from image data, the system avoids measurement errors that would result from direct mechanical sensing of density variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the magnification of the toner pattern is changed to adapt to different image formation conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the amount of deviation in color increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to magnification changesVSAvoidcolor registration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the actual magnification of the toner pattern and calculates the deviation from the target value. Based on this feedback, it determines correction amounts for each color channel and adjusts the conveyance speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different magnification conditions while maintaining accurate color registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different correction amounts to different color channels based on their specific deviation characteristics. By calculating and applying localized corrections for each color rather than a uniform adjustment, the system maintains color registration accuracy while adapting to magnification changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11934133B2Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming method for correcting amount of deviation in color of image
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 RICOH CO LTD
  • US11934133B2 patent drawing
  • US11934133B2 patent drawing
  • US11934133B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device and circuitry. The image forming device forms an image. The circuitry corrects an amount of deviation based on a pattern formed by the image forming device, changes a magnification of the pattern, and calculates the amount of deviation based on the magnification.