Color Registration Sensor for Auto Color Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto color registration methods in image forming apparatuses, such as color laser printers, face challenges in accurately positioning color images due to misalignment errors, especially in single-pass color image forming apparatuses, and require additional scanning operations or cannot be applied to printers without scanners.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes a printing unit for printing color patterns with reference and inspection patterns, a color registration sensor to detect positions, and a controller to set X and Y offsets based on measured distances without additional scanning, allowing precise image positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional auto color registration methods are used, then color image positioning can be improved, but additional scanning operations are required which increase device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test pattern inspection function from the scanning operation. Instead of requiring a separate scanning process, the system inspects the test pattern directly during the normal printing process by detecting light reflected from or transmitted through the printed test pattern on the paper, thereby eliminating the need for additional scanning hardware and operations while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the color registration inspection function with the normal printing process. The test pattern is printed along with the actual image, and the same paper path and timing are used for both printing and inspection, combining multiple functions into a single integrated process that reduces device complexity and operation time
2Measurement precision
If conventional auto color registration methods are used, then color image positioning can be improved, but time consumption increases due to additional scanning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by performing test pattern inspection during the normal paper transport and printing process without interrupting or pausing the operation. The inspection occurs continuously as the paper moves through the printer, eliminating idle time and maintaining productive workflow while achieving accurate color registration
Solution Approach 2:
The test pattern is printed preliminarily along with the actual image content, and the inspection is performed during the same paper transport cycle. This preliminary integration of inspection into the printing process eliminates the need for subsequent separate scanning operations, reducing total time consumption
3Measurement precision
If conventional auto color registration methods are used, then color image positioning can be improved, but the method cannot be applied to printers without scanners reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal color registration inspection method that works across different printer types. By using the existing paper transport mechanism and simple optical detection instead of scanner-dependent methods, the system achieves accurate color registration in both scanners-equipped and scannerless printers, greatly enhancing adaptability and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple optical detection system as an intermediary between the printed test pattern and the control system. This intermediary uses light reflection or transmission detection that can be implemented without scanners, serving as a universal mediator that enables color registration functionality across diverse printer architectures
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
Enables accurate color image positioning without additional scanning, improving the convenience and effectiveness of auto color registration, especially in printers without scanners, by directly inspecting test patterns on the paper and adjusting offsets for correct image alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The color registration sensor 60 receives light reflected from each of the color patterns
Implementation Method 2
sensing light reflected from or transmitted through the printed test pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, and a method for performing an auto color registration. The method includes inspecting a test pattern printed on a paper. A distance between two predetermined points in the test pattern is measured. An X offset in a horizontal direction, and a Y offset in a vertical direction paper transfer direction, are correctly set.