Color Deviation Estimation in Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, accurately determining the relationship between actual and estimated color deviations is challenging due to complex internal structures and variations in temperature and humidity, leading to decreased signal-to-noise ratios and reduced estimation accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that calculates and corrects color deviations by forming and detecting a color deviation detection mark, using an estimating unit to set the estimated deviation close to the actual deviation, and adjusting the detection timing to improve estimation accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is performed frequently to correct color deviation, then color deviation accuracy is improved, but time consumption and toner consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor deviation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of color deviation using environmental information (temperature, humidity) and operational parameters before actual calibration is needed. This allows the system to predict and compensate for color deviation trends, reducing the frequency of full calibration procedures while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and operational parameters, using this feedback to dynamically adjust calibration timing and parameters. By analyzing the relationship between environmental factors and color deviation, the system optimizes calibration frequency based on actual conditions rather than using fixed intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If calibration is performed frequently to correct color deviation, then color deviation accuracy is improved, but toner consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor deviation accuracyVSAvoidtoner consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational data and environmental monitoring to self-diagnose and self-correct color deviation without requiring external calibration interventions. This self-service capability reduces the need for frequent manual calibration operations that consume toner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If estimation of color deviation is performed without calibration, then time consumption is reduced, but estimation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration timeVSAvoidcolor deviation estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces environmental information (temperature, humidity) and operational parameters as intermediary factors that mediate between physical conditions and color deviation. By modeling the relationship between these intermediaries and color deviation, the system achieves accurate estimation without direct calibration measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical calibration process with an information-based estimation system that uses environmental data and operational parameters to calculate color deviation. This substitution eliminates the need for physical calibration measurements while maintaining estimation accuracy through computational modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of moving object

If the image forming apparatus is made more compact, then device size is reduced, but internal structure complexity increases making color deviation correction more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidinternal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical correction mechanisms with an information-based estimation and correction system. Instead of using complex physical adjustment mechanisms to compensate for color deviation, the system uses computational modeling based on environmental data to predict and correct deviations software-based, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages the complexity of compact internal structures by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as laser irradiation position and timing based on estimated color deviation. By changing control parameters rather than physically adjusting complex internal components, the system maintains precision despite reduced device size and increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of color deviation estimation and correction, reducing the need for frequent calibration and minimizing consumable part consumption while maintaining superior image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a detecting unit for detecting reflected light upon irradiation of the formed color deviation detection mark with light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the amount of deviation being caused by thermal effect in the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8571451B2Image forming apparatus calculating an amount of deviation of an image forming position from a reference

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus is capable of more accurately detecting the relationship between an actual amount of color deviation and an estimated amount of color deviation. The image forming apparatus forms a color deviation detection mark at timing when the estimated amount of deviation reaches a threshold value. The timing is different from the timing when it is determined that it is necessary to perform normal calibration. The image forming apparatus determines the relationship between the actual amount of deviation of an image forming position from a reference and the estimated amount of deviation to set an estimating unit for estimating the amount of deviation.