Image Forming Apparatus Dimension Correction via Dual Computation Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting image dimensions and positions due to errors in paper transportation and image formation unit alignment, leading to misregistration and scaling issues during printing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an image reading section that generates dimension correction data by reading a dimension correction image with marks on the paper, allowing the image forming section to correct image data using computation modes that adjust based on distances between marks or paper edges, ensuring precise image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If dimension correction is performed based on distances between marks only, then computation is simplified, but correction accuracy deteriorates when paper cutting errors are present
Solution Approach 1:
The dimension correction computation is segmented into two distinct modes: a first computation mode that uses only distances between marks for simplified processing, and a second computation mode that incorporates both distances between marks and distances from paper edges to handle cutting errors. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate computation level based on the specific correction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used in dimension correction computation between two modes: the first mode uses only mark-to-mark distances, while the second mode uses both mark-to-mark distances and mark-to-paper-edge distances. This parameter change enables accurate correction even when paper cutting errors are present, while keeping the computation relatively simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If dimension correction image includes marks at multiple positions, then correction accuracy is improved, but image data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary dimensional information from the dimension correction image data - specifically the distances between marks and distances from marks to paper edges - rather than processing the entire image data. This extraction approach maintains high correction accuracy while significantly reducing data processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a dimension correction image that contains multiple marks positioned at specific locations, creating a reference pattern that can be read and measured. This copied reference pattern enables accurate dimension measurement without requiring complex processing of the entire image, as only the mark positions need to be detected.
3Ease of operation
If image formation unit alignment is not corrected, then device operation is simpler, but image position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting the positions of marks on the paper and computing the necessary alignment corrections. The image formation unit uses the dimension correction data to adjust its own operation, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures while maintaining high position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the dimension correction image is read, the mark positions are measured, and correction data is computed and stored. This feedback loop allows the image formation unit to automatically adjust its alignment based on the actual paper dimensions and mark positions, improving accuracy without complicating operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image reading section that reads an image on paper to generate image data, and an image forming section that forms on paper an image based on image data. The image forming section forms on paper a dimension correction image including marks. The image forming section includes a computation unit that performs computation using dimension correction image data, obtained by reading the dimension correction image, to generate dimension correction data, and a memory that stores the dimension correction data. The image forming section corrects image data using the stored dimension correction data and forms an image based on the corrected image data. The computation unit has a first computation mode of generating first dimension correction data based on distances between the marks and a second computation mode of generating second dimension correction data based on distances between edges of paper and the marks.