Color Registration Sensor Light Control via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting the light amount of registration sensors for color registration, leading to misalignment issues and inefficiencies in detecting the optimal light level, especially in high reflectivity environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for swiftly adjusting the light amount of a registration sensor in a feedback manner, using PI or PID control to determine and set the optimal light level for color registration correction, by forming a predetermined mark on the image forming medium and continuously adjusting the light until stability is achieved, considering the average and maximum light values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PWM duty is changed in sequence to detect the amount of light of the registration sensor, then the amount of light can be detected, but it requires long time to detect the amount of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal PWM duty values in a lookup table during system initialization or calibration. During actual operation, the system simply retrieves the pre-computed optimal PWM duty from the table based on current operating conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming sequential PWM adjustment and light detection. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate light amount detection (improving measurement precision) while significantly reducing detection time (reducing loss of time).
2Measurement precision
If the amount of light of the registration sensor is increased to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but some registration patterns may not be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the PWM duty cycle parameter based on detected light levels and operating conditions. The system continuously monitors the light amount reflected from the transfer belt and modifies the PWM duty accordingly to maintain optimal detection conditions. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the light amount parameter in real-time to ensure both sufficient measurement precision for alignment error detection and adequate pattern recognition reliability.
3Reliability
If the amount of light of the registration sensor is decreased to improve pattern recognition, then reliability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the light amount detected from the transfer belt and using this information to adjust the PWM duty cycle. The system compares the detected light levels with target values and modifies the registration sensor's light output accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by automatically balancing the light amount to maintain both reliable pattern recognition and precise alignment error measurement under varying operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If sequential PWM duty change is performed to detect optimal light level, then the optimal light level can be found, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing optimal PWM duty values and storing them in a lookup table during system calibration or initialization. During actual operation, the system simply retrieves the pre-computed optimal PWM duty from the table based on current operating conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming sequential PWM adjustment and light detection. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate optimal light level detection (improving measurement precision) while significantly reducing the complexity of the control process (reducing device complexity).
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 enables swift and accurate color registration correction, reducing failure rates and retry rates, and ensures robust performance even under varying conditions such as different temperatures and humidity levels.
Implementation Method 1
The registration sensor projects light onto a registration pattern developed on an image forming medium and senses light reflected from the registration pattern, thereby measuring an error in alignment of images.
Data Source
AI summary
A color registration method includes determining whether color registration is needed or not, if color registration is needed, setting an optimal amount of light of the registration sensor in a feedback manner, forming a predetermined mark for color registration correction on an image forming medium, and performing color registration correction with respect to the formed mark using the set optimal amount of light.