Image Correction for Duplex Media Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting and forming images on both surfaces of a recording medium due to external factors like temperature and humidity changes, requiring manual chart reading and resulting in paper wastage and misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a conveying device, image forming device, reading device, deformation amount calculation unit, and image correction unit that sequentially conveys and reads the recording medium, calculates deformation, and corrects images accordingly to ensure accurate alignment and size on both surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual chart reading is used for image adjustment, then image alignment between front and back surfaces can be corrected, but operator workload increases and adjustment accuracy is compromised due to external factor changes
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus automatically performs image adjustment by utilizing its own imaging and reading capabilities. The system forms a test image, reads it back, calculates deformation amounts, and adjusts subsequent images without operator intervention, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating manual chart reading
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the reading device reads the actually formed image, the deformation amount calculation unit calculates the deformation based on the read image, and the image correction unit uses this feedback to correct subsequent images. This closed-loop feedback ensures continuous improvement of image alignment accuracy
2Measurement precision
If dedicated chart is output before actual printing for correction, then image misalignment can be calculated, but paper is wasted and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging by forming a test image on a recording medium that is then read by the reading device. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate deformation amounts before actual printing, enabling pre-correction of imaging parameters without wasting paper on separate correction charts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the correction chart output function with the normal imaging function. Instead of separately outputting a dedicated correction chart, the system uses the normal imaging mechanism to form a test image that serves both as a test pattern and a usable image, eliminating the need for separate correction paper
3Adaptability or versatility
If external factors like temperature and humidity are allowed to change, then environmental adaptability is maintained, but image alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters based on actual measured deformation. By calculating deformation amounts from read images and correcting subsequent images based on these measurements, the system adapts to environmental changes (temperature, humidity) in real-time, maintaining precision despite varying external conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the system continuously monitors actual image formation through the reading device and adjusts imaging parameters based on measured deformation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to environmental changes during operation, maintaining image alignment precision across varying conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes a conveying device (110), an image forming device (120), a reading device (130), a deformation amount calculation unit (81), and an image correction unit (82). The conveying device (110) conveys successive recording media that includes preceding and following recording media. The image forming device (120) forms an image on each of front and back surfaces of the preceding recording medium. The reading device (130) reads an outer shape of the preceding recording medium. The deformation amount calculation unit (81) calculates an amount of deformation of the preceding recording medium based on the outer shape of the preceding recording medium. The image correction unit (82) corrects at least one of front and back images based on the amount of deformation, to cause the image forming device (120) to form the front and back images on front and back surfaces, respectively, of the following recording medium.