Color Misregistration Detection Using Multi-Color Test Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face detection errors due to misalignment of sensors when detecting color misregistration, as they are not designed to account for non-ideal installation positions, leading to inaccuracies in measuring color misregistration between toner images of different colors.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus forms a test image group with specific patterns using toners of different colors, including line segments arranged at different positions in the width direction, allowing optical sensors to detect misregistration accurately even if misaligned, by using a combination of specularly and diffusely reflected light to correct for detection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed at nominal positions as designed, then detection accuracy is improved, but installation precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values in a lookup table that compensates for sensor misalignment. Instead of requiring perfect sensor installation, the system proactively prepares correction data for various possible misalignment positions, allowing the detection system to achieve accurate color misregistration measurements even when sensors are not installed at their nominal positions.
2Reliability
If multiple test images with different color combinations are formed, then detection robustness is improved, but image formation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the test image group into multiple distinct test images, each with specific color combinations (yellow-yellow, magenta-magenta, cyan-cyan, yellow-magenta, magenta-cyan). This segmentation allows the system to detect color misregistration for different color pairs separately, making the detection process more robust to sensor misalignment while keeping each individual test image relatively simple in structure.
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 solution reduces detection errors in color misregistration, ensuring accurate alignment and density correction of toner images, even when sensors are not perfectly aligned, thereby improving the overall quality of color images formed.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect the test image group carried by the image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can obtain an amount of color misregistration based on a plurality of test images. Among these test images, the first test image has one line segment of a first color and another line segment of the first color. The second test image has one line segment of the first color and another line segment of a second color or has one line segment of the second color and another line segment of the first color. The third test image has one line segment of the second color and another line segment of the second color. The fourth test image has one line segment of the second color and another line segment of a third color or has one line segment of the third color and another line segment of the second color. The fifth test image has one line segment of the third color and another line segment of the third color.