Dual-Side Mark Inspection for Sheet Misalignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for adjusting print positions on both sides of a sheet struggle to accurately measure and correct misalignment, leading to suboptimal image formation and quality.

Innovation Solution

A novel inspection apparatus and image forming system that utilize processing circuitry to acquire read image data, search for marks on both sides of a conveyance medium, calculate misalignment amounts, and adjust subsequent print positions accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If adjustment marks are printed on both sides of the sheet to measure misalignment, then the ability to detect misalignment is improved, but the complexity of the device and process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment detection accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the printed adjustment marks themselves as the measurement target, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices. The marks serve dual purposes: as alignment references during printing and as measurement targets for detecting misalignment, allowing the system to self-measure without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures images of the printed adjustment marks using an imaging device and processes these image copies to calculate misalignment. By working with digital copies of the marks rather than directly measuring physical positions, the system simplifies the measurement process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If misalignment measurement is implemented to improve image formation quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the time required for measurement and adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage formation precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Adjustment marks are printed on both sides of the sheet during the normal printing process before misalignment detection occurs. This preliminary printing of marks integrates the measurement preparation into the existing workflow, eliminating the need for separate measurement preparation steps and reducing overall time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously performs misalignment measurement and adjustment by processing images of the printed marks in real-time. The measurement and adjustment process is integrated into the continuous printing workflow, allowing multiple sheets to be measured and adjusted sequentially without interrupting the overall production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12272081B2Inspection apparatus, image forming system, misalignment measurement method and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 RICOH CO LTD
  • US12272081B2 patent drawing
  • US12272081B2 patent drawing
  • US12272081B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An inspection apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires read image data obtained by reading an image printed on both sides of a conveyance medium. The processing circuitry searches for marks printed on both sides of the conveyance medium in the read image data. The processing circuitry outputs information indicating a misalignment amount of both sides of the conveyance medium based on positions where the marks are printed.