Color Misregistration Correction Using Temperature-Based Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting color misregistration due to heat-induced deformations of the laser scanner, especially when a heater is placed between the photosensitive member and the laser scanner, leading to increased errors between actual and estimated color misregistration amounts.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a controller that uses temperature sensors to detect temperature differences between the heater, exposure device, and external machine temperatures to predict and correct color misregistration by adjusting the relative position of images formed by different color units, employing specific detection conditions and prediction formulas based on these temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is placed between the photosensitive member and the laser scanner to prevent charge loss, then the photosensitive member can be effectively heated, but the laser scanner housing deforms due to heat causing increased color misregistration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple temperature sensors to detect temperature variations at different locations (inside housing, on photosensitive member, ambient) and dynamically adjusting the color misregistration correction based on these temperature parameters. The controller selects different correction formulas based on temperature conditions, changing the correction parameters adaptively to compensate for thermal deformation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (detection images) with a thermal-field-based prediction system. Instead of mechanically forming and reading detection images to measure color misregistration, the system uses temperature field detection and mathematical prediction formulas to calculate and correct color misregistration, substituting mechanical measurement with thermal sensing and computational correction.
2Measurement precision
If detection images are formed to detect color misregistration, then accurate color misregistration data can be obtained, but downtime increases due to frequent detection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature data as a proxy or copy of the actual color misregistration state. Instead of directly measuring color misregistration through detection images, the system copies the thermal state information from temperature sensors and uses prediction formulas to infer color misregistration, eliminating the need for physical detection image formation while maintaining correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by continuously monitoring temperature and automatically calculating color misregistration compensation. The apparatus serves itself by using its own temperature sensors and prediction algorithms to maintain accurate color alignment without requiring external detection operations, enabling continuous operation without downtime.
3Volume of moving object
If the distance between the heater and laser scanner is shortened to reduce apparatus size, then the overall size is reduced, but the laser scanner is more strongly influenced by heat causing greater color misregistration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by placing temperature sensors both inside the laser scanner housing and on the photosensitive member, continuously monitoring the thermal state. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust color misregistration correction values, compensating for the increased thermal influence on the laser scanner caused by the shortened distance between heater and scanner.
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 significantly reduces the error in color misregistration correction, improving the accuracy of image formation by using temperature data to anticipate and adjust for heat-induced positional shifts, thereby enhancing the precision of color alignment on the recording material.
Implementation Method 1
the photosensitive member is heated by a heater
Implementation Method 2
The laser scanner includes a deviation component and a drive source which drives the deviation component, in order to deflect the laser light from a light source
Implementation Method 3
The laser scanner scans the photoreceptor by the laser light deflected by the deviation component
Implementation Method 4
The drive source generates heat by driving a deviation component
Implementation Method 5
By generation of heat of the drive source, a change of a shape, a change of a position, and change of a posture may arise in the optical component
Implementation Method 6
a first temperature sensor provided in the housing; a second temperature sensor provided at an outside portion of the housing; a third temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus stores a plurality of candidate formulas in a memory. Each of the candidate formulas is a formula for calculating a prediction formula for calculating a predicted value of the color misregistration amount based on an external exposure device temperature, which is a temperature of the atmosphere around the exposure device, an external machine temperature, and a heater temperature of a heater which heats the plurality of image forming units. The CPU determines the prediction formula from the plurality of candidate formulas according to the external exposure device temperature, the external machine temperature, and the heater temperature. The CPU calculates the predicted value of the color misregistration amount using the determined predicted formula, and performs a color misregistration correction according to the calculated predicted value.