Image Forming Apparatus Correction Value Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses that use both manual and automatic correction values to calculate an actual correction value for image adjustment face difficulties in easily correcting the actual correction value, especially when the output image quality is poor, as it is challenging to determine whether the issue lies with the manual or automatic correction value.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is configured with an automatic acquiring unit to detect positional and density deviations, a manual acquiring unit to receive user inputs, and an image forming unit that determines the actual correction value based on both automatic and manual correction values, along with a changing unit that applies weights or changes correction values into past values, allowing for easier correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If both manual correction value and automatic correction value are used to calculate actual correction value, then image adjustment accuracy is improved, but difficulty in identifying and correcting problematic correction values increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage adjustment accuracyVSAvoiddifficulty in identifying problematic correction values

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction value system into distinct manual correction values and automatic correction values, each with independent storage and identification. This segmentation allows the system to track which correction value source is problematic and isolate issues to specific components rather than treating the correction system as a monolithic unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system detects image quality and feeds this information back to identify problematic correction values. When image quality deteriorates, the system can trace back which correction value (manual or automatic) caused the issue and provide targeted feedback for correction, enabling continuous improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual correction value is used, then user-specific adjustment needs are met, but reliability of correction value decreases when user input is erroneous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcorrection value reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating manual and automatic correction values differently in terms of reliability weighting. The system can identify when manual correction values are erroneous and apply different reliability assumptions to manual versus automatic sources, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on the quality and source of correction data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation layer that assesses the reliability of correction values before applying them. This intermediary layer can detect erroneous manual inputs and mediate between user intentions and actual correction application, potentially filtering out erroneous values while preserving valid user adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If automatic correction value is used, then correction consistency is improved, but adaptability to user-specific needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection value consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the correction value selection and weighting flexible rather than fixed. The system can dynamically adjust which correction values to use and their relative importance based on real-time conditions, allowing it to switch between manual and automatic sources as needed to balance consistency with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the system to modify correction value parameters such as weightings, selection criteria, and application methods. This enables the system to adapt correction parameters to different user needs and conditions while maintaining overall consistency through controlled parameter adjustment rather than rigid fixed rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8792149B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an automatic acquiring unit which forms a mark for detecting at least one of positional deviation and density deviation and acquire a degree of deviation by measuring the mark, a manual acquiring unit which receives a user input to acquire a correction value; an image forming unit which forms an image based on an actual correction value determined by an automatic correction value specified based on the degree of deviation and a manual correction value which is the correction value acquired by the manual acquiring unit, and a changing unit which executes at least one of a first changing process of applying a weight to at least one of the automatic correction value and the manual correction value and the second changing process of changing at least one of the automatic correction value and the manual correction value into a past correction value.