Dual Skew Correction in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate skew correction while minimizing margins between images, as existing methods either lack high-resolution mechanical corrections or result in image loss due to data tilting during image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a dual correction system, utilizing both mechanical and image processing mechanisms to adjust skew, where a first skew correction controller handles mechanical adjustments and a second skew correction controller performs high-resolution image processing to minimize residual color shift and margin creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If skew correction is performed by image processing alone, then high correction resolution (μm level) is achieved, but image size must be extended causing margins between pages
Solution Approach 1:
The skew correction function is segmented into two parts: mechanical skew correction for coarse adjustment and image processing skew correction for fine adjustment. This division allows each method to operate within its optimal range, avoiding the need to extend image size while achieving high precision correction.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical skew correction is performed preliminarily before image processing skew correction. By pre-adjusting the skew mechanically, the subsequent image processing only needs to handle residual minor corrections, preventing image size extension and margin creation.
2Area of stationary object
If skew correction is performed by mechanical mechanism alone, then no margins are created between pages, but correction resolution is insufficient compared to image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical skew correction and image processing skew correction into a hybrid system. The mechanical mechanism provides initial correction without margins, while image processing adds fine-resolution adjustment, combining the advantages of both methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Different correction methods are applied to different levels of correction needs: mechanical correction handles the bulk of skew adjustment where high resolution is not critical, while image processing handles the residual minor skew where high resolution is essential. This local differentiation optimizes both precision and margin reduction.
3Area of stationary object
If hybrid correction is used with mechanical mechanism first, then margins are reduced, but system complexity increases compared to single method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical correction system with image processing capabilities. Instead of relying solely on complex mechanical mechanisms for high-precision correction, the system uses software-based image processing to achieve the same goal, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving both correction accuracy of skew correction and minimization of a margin between images. A color shift amount calculator that calculates a color shift amount, and a first skew correction controller and a second skew correction controller that control skew correction of color shift are included. The first skew correction controller controls first skew correction by a mechanical operation by the image former on the basis of a first color shift residual target value set in advance. The second skew correction controller controls second skew correction, by image processing, of the color shift after the control by the first skew correction controller on the basis of a second color shift residual target value set in advance.