Image Registration Correction in Color Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face productivity losses due to downtime caused by image registration correction processes, which are inefficient in accurately correcting the relative positions of color images and are affected by temperature changes, leading to misregistration and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a measurement unit to detect positional information, a correction unit to adjust image positions, and a control unit to optimize the timing of measurement image formation based on temperature data, allowing for high-accuracy color misregistration correction while minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image registration correction control is executed to correct color misregistration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent executes image registration correction control in advance before a print job is input to the image forming apparatus. By performing the correction beforehand, the apparatus ensures that color misregistration is corrected without causing downtime during actual printing operations, thus maintaining both high precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus automatically determines whether image registration correction is needed by detecting temperature changes and comparing them against threshold values. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or continuous monitoring, allowing the system to autonomously maintain color accuracy without impacting productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If first image registration correction control is executed to measure all color components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of image registration correction based on detected temperature changes. When temperature change is within a threshold, the system skips or simplifies the correction process; when temperature change exceeds the threshold, full correction is executed. This dynamic parameter adjustment reduces unnecessary downtime while maintaining precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and addresses only the critical color components that require correction based on temperature conditions. Rather than always measuring all color components, the system selectively performs measurements on relevant components, reducing the time required for correction while maintaining sufficient accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If image registration correction is executed before starting image formation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent executes image registration correction control as a preliminary action before a print job is input, but not necessarily before each printing operation. By performing correction in advance under specific temperature conditions, the system ensures image accuracy is established beforehand, eliminating the need to interrupt printing operations for correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic temperature detection and conditional correction execution rather than continuous correction. The system periodically checks temperature changes and executes correction only when necessary, creating a rhythm of operation that maintains precision without continuously impacting productivity
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
The solution enables accurate correction of color misregistration across all color components, reducing downtime and improving productivity by dynamically adjusting the timing and method of image registration adjustments based on temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
the optical scanning unit includes a light source, a rotational polygon mirror rotationally driven to deflect light beams emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the optical box of the optical scanning unit is thermally expanded when an interior temperature of the image forming apparatus is changed
Implementation Method 3
complex thermal expansion and deformation is caused within the optical box because of the anisotropic characteristics of glass fillers included in the materials of the optical box
Implementation Method 4
fixed to the recording sheet by heat or pressure from a fixing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a first image forming unit configured to form an image in a first color on the image bearing member, a second image forming unit configured to form an image in a second color different from the first color on the image bearing member, a measurement unit configured to measure positional information of measurement images formed on the image bearing member by the first and the second image forming unit, a correction unit configured to correct a position of an image formed on the image bearing member by the first and the second image forming unit based on the positional information, a detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the image forming apparatus, and a control unit configured to control timing for causing the first and the second image forming unit to form the measurement images based on the detected temperature.