Controller Chip Color Mis-registration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for correcting color mis-registration in color laser printers often result in toner and paper wastage, as they rely on hardware adjustments rather than software-based solutions, which are not effective in maintaining precise toner overlap across multiple photo conductors.
Innovation Solution
A controller chip and image forming apparatus that detect edge information in color image data, analyze it to determine necessary corrections, and adjust pixel values to perform color mis-registration correction, minimizing wastage by extending color images in the direction of surrounding pixels based on edge direction and type analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hardware fixes are employed to correct color mis-registration by adjusting operating time of transferring units, then color mis-registration can be corrected, but toner and paper are inevitably wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based correction mechanisms (mechanical adjustments of transferring units) with software-based image processing. The controller chip analyzes edge information in color image data and performs digital correction by extending color images in the direction of surrounding pixels based on edge direction and type analysis, eliminating the need for physical hardware adjustments that consume toner and paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or representation of the edge information from color image data and performs correction operations on this digital representation. By working with extracted edge information rather than directly adjusting physical transferring units, the system can correct mis-registration without consuming additional toner or paper resources.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional hardware adjustment methods are used, then color mis-registration can be corrected, but image quality deteriorates due to white gaps or halo effects between edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different correction strategies based on local characteristics of edge information. By analyzing edge direction and type at each location and extending color images selectively in the direction of surrounding pixels, the system performs localized correction that maintains image quality while correcting mis-registration, avoiding the uniform adjustments that cause white gaps or halo effects.
3Loss of substance
If software-based correction is implemented by analyzing edge information and adjusting pixel values, then toner and paper wastage is minimized, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction process into distinct stages: edge information detection from color image data, analysis of edge direction and type, determination of extension direction based on surrounding pixels, and selective extension of color images. This segmentation of the processing workflow manages complexity by breaking down the overall task into manageable, sequential operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to perform color mis-registration correction in an image forming apparatus includes detecting a plurality of color image data from print data, detecting edge information of each color image pixel for each of the color image data, and comparing the detected edge information and determining whether to perform color mis-registration correction. If it is determined to perform the color mis-registration correction, the method includes comparing a value of a pixel which constitutes each color image and setting a correction value, and if a correction value for entire pixels of the each color image is set, performing color mis-registration correction for the plurality of color image data according to the set correction value. Accordingly, color mis-registration correction may be performed effectively and stably.