Duplex Alignment Mark Placement for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high accuracy duplex alignment without producing a waste sheet, as traditional methods rely on dedicated charts or trim marks that can lead to measurement inaccuracies due to distortion or improper placement.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a trim mark adder, a duplex alignment mark adder, and a hardware processor to form trim marks and duplex alignment marks in specific positions on the sheet, allowing for accurate duplex alignment without waste by scanning these marks for correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If trim marks are used for duplex alignment, then waste sheet can be eliminated, but measurement accuracy degrades due to long distance from sheet edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment marking system into two distinct types of marks: trim marks positioned at the trimming position and duplex alignment marks positioned in the margin area closer to the sheet edge. This segmentation allows each type of mark to serve its specific function optimally - trim marks for indicating cut position and duplex alignment marks for accurate distance measurement without being too far from the edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces duplex alignment marks as intermediary elements that facilitate accurate measurement between the sheet edge and the trimming position. These marks act as mediators that enable the scanning section to perform precise distance measurements for duplex alignment without requiring the measurement to extend too far from the sheet edge, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while still eliminating waste sheets.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated chart is used for duplex alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but waste sheet is produced in every alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of trim marks and duplex alignment marks into a single marking system that is added to the image data. Both types of marks are formed on the same sheet during normal image formation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated alignment chart. This integration allows the system to achieve accurate duplex alignment without producing additional waste sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional marking system where the same image formation process serves both trimming purposes and duplex alignment purposes. The trim marks indicate the trimming position while the duplex alignment marks in the margin area enable accurate distance measurement for alignment. This universal system eliminates the need for separate dedicated alignment charts.
3Measurement precision
If duplex alignment mark is formed in margin area, then measurement accuracy is maintained without waste sheet, but mark placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding duplex alignment mark information to the image data before image formation. The marking section automatically positions these marks in the margin area between the sheet edge and the trimming position during the normal image formation process. This preliminary placement ensures accurate measurement positions are predetermined and eliminates the need for complex post-processing or separate alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a trim mark adder, a duplex alignment mark adder and a hardware processor. The image forming device is capable of forming an image on both sides of a sheet based on an image data. The trim mark adder adds trim mark information to the image data so that a trim mark is formed at a trimming position of the sheet. The duplex alignment mark adder adds duplex alignment mark information to the image data so that a duplex alignment mark is formed in a margin area between an edge of the sheet and the trimming position on both sides of the sheet. The hardware processor performs a duplex alignment of the image data based on a result of scanning the duplex alignment mark.