Automated Image Positional Deviation Detection in Series Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems with two devices connected in series, image misalignment on a sheet surface is difficult to detect and correct, as it relies solely on visual inspection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first image forming device, a second image forming device, and an image reading device with hardware processors to form reference images and determine positional deviations, allowing for automated detection and correction of image misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two image forming devices are connected in series to improve productivity and reduce printing cost, then productivity is improved and printing cost per sheet is reduced, but image misalignment occurs and is difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by forming reference images in different colors (first reference image in first color, second reference image in second color) to enable easy detection of image misalignment. The color difference allows the reading device to distinguish and measure positional deviations between images formed by different image forming devices, directly addressing the detection difficulty while maintaining the productivity benefits of using two devices in series.
2Productivity
If two image forming devices are connected in series to share printing process, then printing cost per sheet is reduced, but image misalignment occurs and relies on visual inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated optical measurement system. The reading device with hardware processor automatically reads and measures the positions of colored reference images, substituting the mechanical/manual checking process with an automated electronic system that provides precise quantitative measurement of image alignment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces colored reference images as intermediaries between the two image forming devices and the quality check process. These reference images serve as measurable markers that mediate the alignment verification, allowing the reading device to accurately determine positional deviations without requiring direct visual comparison of the actual printed content, thus facilitating automated quality control.
3Device complexity
If visual inspection is used to check image alignment, then no additional equipment is needed, but detection precision is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming reference images with specific colors at predetermined positions before the actual printing process. These pre-formed colored reference images serve as measurement markers that enable precise automated detection of image positional deviations, significantly improving measurement precision while the added complexity is minimal since the reference images are formed as part of the normal printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming system including a first image forming device, a second image forming device; and an image reading device. A first hardware processor of the first image forming device causes a first image former of the first image forming device to form a first reference image on a first face of a sheet. A second hardware processor of the second image forming device causes a second image former of the second image forming device to form a second reference image different from the first reference image on the first face of the sheet. A third hardware processor of the image reading device determines whether an image positional deviation is present based on the first reference image and the second reference image that are formed on the first face of the sheet and that are read by the image reading device.