Color Registration Correction in Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Color registration issues in image forming apparatuses arise due to misalignment of images at different speeds, leading to degraded image quality, as the correction amounts calculated at one speed are not accurate for other speeds, especially with paper type variations and component deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a sensor to measure images at multiple speeds, generating correlation data for relative position adjustments and prohibiting measurement image formation if the wrong recording material is housed, allowing for precise color registration correction across various speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If color registration correction is performed using correction amounts calculated at a single image forming speed, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to speed-dependent color registration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of color registration correction amounts based on the detected image forming speed. The system stores multiple correction amounts corresponding to different speeds and selectively applies the appropriate correction amount during image formation, allowing the correction mechanism to adapt dynamically to varying operating conditions without requiring complex real-time calculation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of correction amount based on image forming speed. By detecting the actual image forming speed and selecting a pre-calculated correction amount corresponding to that speed, the system adjusts the correction parameter to match operating conditions, thereby maintaining color registration accuracy across different speeds without increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If color registration correction is performed at multiple image forming speeds, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended measurement and correction periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary color registration measurements and calculations at multiple image forming speeds during the manufacturing or setup phase, storing the resulting correction amounts in memory. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly retrieve and apply pre-calculated correction amounts during operation, avoiding time-consuming real-time measurements and calculations while maintaining high color registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of correction data for different image forming speeds and stores them in a lookup table. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations, the system copies the appropriate pre-calculated correction amount from storage based on the detected speed, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy across multiple speeds
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate correlation data indicating a relationship between a relative position of a first image and a second image corresponding to a first speed and a relative position of the first image and the second image corresponding to a second image forming speed; a controller configured to, in a case where a image forming unit forms an image at the second speed, correct a relative position of the first image and the second image based on first information and on correlation data; and a prohibition unit configured to prohibit formation of the measurement image at the second speed in a case where a housing unit does not house a predetermined recording material corresponding to the second speed.