Image Forming Device Fold Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in accurately adjusting the fold and crease positions on paper due to variations in paper characteristics and orientation, leading to inconsistencies in fold and crease formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a post processor that uses an adjustment sheet with a reference mark and pattern to identify and adjust fold or crease positions based on image reading, employing a position identifying unit and position adjusting mechanism to align the fold or crease with a predetermined reference position, regardless of paper orientation on the platen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image reader reads the adjustment sheet with fixed orientation, then the reading process is simple, but the fold position accuracy deteriorates due to paper characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reading orientation adaptable rather than fixed. The image reader dynamically adjusts its reading direction based on the detected orientation of the adjustment sheet, allowing the system to handle different paper characteristics and orientations while maintaining accurate fold position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reading parameter (orientation) based on the adjustment sheet's characteristics. By detecting how the adjustment pattern appears and adjusting the reading orientation accordingly, the system optimizes measurement accuracy for different paper types and conditions
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment sheet is placed in fixed orientation on the platen, then the placement procedure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to paper characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment sheet performs self-service by containing orientation information within its design. The sheet itself indicates its correct orientation through the adjustment pattern, allowing the image reader to automatically determine the proper reading direction without external guidance or complex placement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment pattern is designed with asymmetric characteristics that allow the system to distinguish orientation. The pattern's unique features enable the image reader to detect whether the sheet is correctly oriented and adjust the reading direction accordingly, maintaining measurement accuracy across different placements
3Device complexity
If the system uses a predetermined reference position for folding, then the control is simple, but the fold position accuracy deteriorates due to paper characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting the actual position of fold lines or creases after post-processing and comparing them with the predetermined reference position. The position adjusting unit then uses this feedback information to calculate and apply corrections to the post-processing unit, ensuring accurate fold positions despite paper characteristic variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by first executing post-processing (folding or crease formation) based on a predetermined reference position, then measuring the actual results, and finally adjusting for any deviations. This two-stage approach allows the system to maintain simple initial control while achieving high precision through subsequent correction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes: a post processor that performs post processing for folding or forming crease on an adjustment sheet including a reference mark and an adjustment pattern filled in with black, across the adjustment pattern based on a predetermined reference position; an image reader that reads an image of the adjustment sheet under a condition that an orientation of the adjustment sheet is changed according to the post processing type or characteristics of the adjustment sheet which is placed on the platen so that the reference mark is in a predetermined direction; a position identifying unit that identifies a fold line or crease position based on the fold line or crease that appears in the adjustment sheet; and a position adjusting unit that adjusts a fold or crease position of the post processor based on a difference between the fold or crease position and the reference position.