Image Formation Correction for Tension-Induced Media Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image accuracy when forming images on mediums that deform under tension, as changes in medium deformation make it difficult to achieve the desired image size and correct image data.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit, a tension applying section, a transport unit, and units for acquiring image data, tension information, and elastic modulus, which calculates medium deformation and converts image data to account for tension-induced deformation, ensuring accurate image formation on deformed mediums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If image data is corrected based on fixed medium deformation parameters, then image formation is simplified, but image accuracy deteriorates when medium deformation changes due to ink application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed deformation parameters to dynamic parameter adjustment. The system calculates medium deformation in real-time based on actual tension values and ink application amounts, allowing the deformation correction to adapt as conditions change during the image formation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using variable deformation correction values that depend on ink application amount. As the ink application amount changes, the system recalculates the deformation correction, ensuring that the correction parameters continuously adapt to match the actual physical state of the medium.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to the medium to maintain it flat, then medium stability improves, but medium deformation increases making image formation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and applying deformation correction to the image data before formation. The system anticipates the deformation that will occur under tension and ink application, and compensates for it in advance by adjusting the image data, thereby counteracting the harmful deformation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detected tension values and ink application amounts to dynamically adjust deformation correction. The system continuously monitors the actual conditions (tension and ink amount) and uses this feedback to recalculate and apply appropriate deformation corrections, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Productivity
If deformation correction is applied based on initial medium state, then processing speed increases, but image accuracy decreases when medium state changes during ink application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing deformation correction calculations at multiple discrete points during the image formation process. The system calculates correction values based on initial conditions, then recalculates based on ink application amount, and potentially again based on final tension measurements, applying corrections periodically as the process progresses.
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
The apparatus effectively suppresses image deformation caused by medium tension, allowing for precise image formation by considering the medium's deformation and applying appropriate corrections, resulting in consistent image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a relationship among the amount of deformation of a medium with respect to a product print pitch, the tension applied to a medium, the cross-sectional area of a medium, and the Young's modulus of a medium is disclosed as 'the amount of deformation of medium with respect to product print pitch=tension applied to medium×product print pitch/(cross-sectional area of medium×Young's modulus of medium)'
Implementation Method 2
the elastic modulus of the medium being calculated using the image forming liquid-application amount-information
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an image forming apparatus and an image forming method in which the deformation of an image caused by the deformation of a medium is suppressed in the image formation on a medium to which tension is applied. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming liquid-application amount-information acquisition unit that acquires information about the amount of applied image forming liquid, a tension-information acquisition unit that acquires information about tension applied to a medium, an elastic modulus acquisition unit that acquires an elastic modulus of the medium calculated using the information about the amount of applied image forming liquid, a medium deformation amount-calculation unit that calculates the amount of deformation of the medium using tension information and the elastic modulus, and an image conversion section that converts the image data into converted image data, which represents a converted image to be formed on the medium in a state where the tension is applied. The image forming apparatus forms an image on the medium, to which the tension is applied, on the basis of the converted image data.