Dynamic Threshold Switching for Color Registration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately switching thresholds for color registration detection due to variations in pattern formation positions and conveyance speeds, leading to potential inaccuracies in color registration calculations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that dynamically adjusts and switches thresholds based on the edge timing of sensor output values, ensuring accurate color registration calculations by setting appropriate thresholds for each color pattern, thereby optimizing the timing of threshold switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed thresholds are used for detecting color patterns, then the detection process is simple, but detection accuracy deteriorates when pattern formation positions or conveyance speeds vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed thresholds to dynamically switching thresholds. The controller switches thresholds based on the detected color pattern type (yellow, magenta, cyan, or black), allowing the detection system to adapt to varying pattern formation positions and conveyance speeds while maintaining high measurement precision for color registration detection.
2Measurement precision
If thresholds are switched frequently to adapt to different color patterns, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific threshold values to specific color patterns (yellow, magenta, cyan, black). Instead of using a single universal threshold or complex adaptive algorithm, the system uses locally optimized thresholds tailored to each color pattern's characteristics, simplifying the control logic while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If threshold switching timing is optimized for accurate detection, then color registration calculation accuracy improves, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining threshold values for different color patterns and preparing the threshold switching timing based on the detected color pattern type. This allows the system to switch thresholds in advance or at the optimal moment without delays, maintaining both high accuracy and efficient detection timing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise switching of thresholds at suitable times, ensuring accurate detection of color registration positions and reducing downtime by maintaining accurate color registration calculations despite variations in pattern formation and conveyance speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect color patterns formed on the image bearing member by the plurality of image forming units
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is capable of switching thresholds for deciding a color registration amount from a pattern image. A controller controls image forming units to form first and second color patterns of different colors on a rotational image bearing member. The second color pattern is formed at an upstream side of the first color pattern in a rotational direction of the image bearing member. The controller controls a sensor to detect the color patterns. A comparator compares a detection result by the sensor with a threshold, and outputs an output value according to a comparison result. The controller controls the color registration according to the output value. The controller sets a second threshold for the second color pattern based on an edge timing of the output value from the comparator according to the comparison result between the detection result about the first color pattern and a first threshold.