Image Forming Calibration Images with Density-Varied Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies face challenges in accurately acquiring printer characteristics due to sheet deformation caused by moisture, which affects the measurement of nozzle discharge variations and color correction, leading to density unevenness and impaired print quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a characteristic acquisition image with specific region arrangements and primer application to minimize moisture-induced sheet deformation, using a correction image that includes regions with varying densities and non-measurement areas to maintain accurate nozzle discharge characterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a characteristic acquisition image is printed to acquire nozzle discharge characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but sheet deformation occurs due to moisture absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle discharge characteristic measurementVSAvoidprint sheet deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The print sheet is divided into multiple regions with different ink densities (first region with low density, second region with medium density, third region with high density). This segmentation allows each region to absorb moisture at different rates, balancing the overall moisture distribution and suppressing sheet deformation while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the characteristic acquisition image are assigned different ink densities to create local variations in moisture absorption characteristics. The first region has lower ink density to reduce moisture absorption, while the third region has higher ink density to increase moisture absorption, thereby balancing the moisture distribution across the sheet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If ink is applied to the entire print sheet for characteristic acquisition, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sheet deformation increases due to excessive moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacteristic acquisition accuracyVSAvoidsheet deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different ink densities to different regions of the print sheet. The first region has lower ink density to minimize moisture absorption and prevent deformation, while the third region has higher ink density to ensure adequate moisture for measurement accuracy, thereby balancing measurement accuracy and deformation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The print sheet is segmented into multiple regions with varying ink densities. This segmentation allows the sheet to absorb moisture uniformly across different areas, preventing localized deformation while maintaining overall measurement accuracy for nozzle discharge characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If water-based ink is used for printing, then color correction is achieved, but sheet deformation occurs due to moisture content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor correction accuracyVSAvoidprint sheet deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The print sheet is divided into regions with different ink densities to segment the moisture absorption process. This allows water-based ink to provide accurate color correction while the segmented structure balances moisture distribution to prevent sheet deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the ink density parameter across different regions of the print sheet. By varying the ink density from the first region (low) to the third region (high), the moisture absorption characteristics are adjusted to balance color correction accuracy with sheet deformation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 acquisition of nozzle discharge characteristics, enhancing correction accuracy and improving print quality by reducing sheet deformation effects.

Implementation Method 1

A recording head for discharging liquid ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

when an image is printed on a print sheet using a water-based ink, the print sheet is deformed by moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12462133B2Image forming apparatus for forming stored image data on a print medium, image forming method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure stores image data of an image having a plurality of regions, the plurality of regions having stepwise different densities, including a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and the second region, and satisfying a relationship of a moisture amount in the first region<a moisture amount in the third region<a moisture amount in the second region, and forms the stored image data on a print medium.