Image Forming Apparatus Color Correction via Branch Path Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining color reproducibility and stability, particularly due to variations in hue when forming images successively, which requires time-consuming initial and regular color corrections using offline colorimeters, leading to reduced productivity and increased sheet requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that manages the conveyance and reading of test images in a second conveyance path, allowing for efficient stopping and reading of test images without interrupting the main sheet flow, thereby reducing the number of sheets needed for color correction and enhancing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline colorimeters are used for color correction, then color measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical offline colorimeter measurement system with an optical sensor system that reads test images formed on sheets. The sensor detects color information optically as sheets pass through the conveyance path, eliminating the need for physical colorimeter measurement and enabling continuous, rapid color monitoring without stopping the image forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous color measurement by reading test images from sheets that are continuously conveyed through the system. The sensor operates continuously as sheets pass by, allowing color correction data to be collected without interrupting the image forming process, thus maintaining continuous productive action while monitoring color quality.
2Reliability
If regular color correction is performed to maintain hue stability, then color reproducibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates interruptions for color correction by implementing continuous online monitoring. Test images are read from sheets during normal conveyance, and color correction can be performed continuously without stopping the image forming process, maintaining both color reproducibility and high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test images as an intermediary medium for color measurement. Instead of directly measuring printed images or interrupting the process for colorimetry, test images are formed on sheets and conveyed past the sensor, serving as a mediator that enables indirect, continuous color monitoring without affecting production flow.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sheets are used for initial and regular color correction, then color correction accuracy is improved, but sheet consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the test image sheets multi-functional by using them for both color correction measurement and as part of the normal production output. The same sheets that carry test images for sensor reading also serve as printable media, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement sheets and reducing overall sheet consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the color correction measurement function with the normal printing function. Test images are formed on the same sheets used for production, combining the measurement and production processes into a single unified flow, thereby eliminating wasted sheets dedicated solely to color correction.
4Measurement precision
If test image reading is performed in the main conveyance path, then reading accuracy is improved, but sheet flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyance system into a main conveyance path for continuous sheet flow and a separate reading path for test image measurement. The sensor is positioned to read test images from sheets in the main path without requiring sheets to be diverted or stopped, maintaining continuous flow while enabling accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the test image pattern on the sheet as an intermediary that can be read optically without physical contact or interruption. The sensor reads the test image data from the moving sheet surface, allowing measurement to occur through an optical intermediary rather than requiring mechanical stopping or diversion of sheets.
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 solution enables accurate color correction with reduced sheet requirements and improved productivity by optimizing the stopping positions for test image reading, ensuring stable hue and efficient image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to read, in a second conveyance path branched from the first conveyance path, a test image formed on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image onto a sheet based on an image forming condition, a conveyance roller to convey the sheet in a first conveyance path, a sheet discharger to discharge the sheet conveyed in the first conveyance path, and a sensor to read, in a second conveyance path branched from the first conveyance path, a test image formed on the sheet. In addition, a tray receives the sheet discharged via the second conveyance path, and a controller generates the image forming condition based on a reading result of the sensor. The controller executes first control of controlling the image forming unit to form a first test image and second control of controlling the image forming unit to form a second test image.