Image Forming Apparatus Magnification Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem type image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic processes face color misregistration due to variations in main scanning magnification, leading to potential moire interference when correcting these variations by inserting or deleting pixel pieces.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control device that acquires image data, generates exposure signals based on pixel values and pixel piece insertion/extraction information, and controls exposure by using adjustment blank pixel pieces to adjust the main scanning magnification without causing moire, by inserting or deleting pixel pieces on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pixel pieces are inserted or deleted to correct main scanning magnification variations, then manufacturing precision of image dimensions is improved, but moire interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel structure is divided into multiple pixel pieces (first pixel piece, second pixel piece, third pixel piece) within a single pixel. By selectively inserting or deleting specific pixel pieces (e.g., deleting the second pixel piece) rather than entire pixels, the patent achieves fine-grained control over main scanning magnification while maintaining image quality and avoiding moire interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pixel pieces within the same pixel are treated differently - some are deleted and others are retained based on their specific positions and functions. The first and third pixel pieces may be retained while the second is deleted, creating local variations in pixel structure that correct magnification errors without causing uniform pattern interference that leads to moire.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel pieces are inserted or deleted to correct main scanning magnification, then image dimension accuracy is improved, but image data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines the pixel structure as consisting of multiple pixel pieces (first, second, third pixel pieces) during image data generation. The control device stores and processes pixel piece insertion/extraction information in advance, determining which specific pixel pieces to delete or insert before actual image formation. This preliminary preparation simplifies real-time processing during exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and arrangement of pixel pieces on a pixel-by-pixel basis according to the specific main scanning magnification correction needs. The control device can flexibly determine whether to insert or delete pixel pieces for each pixel based on pre-stored correction information, allowing adaptive correction without fixed rigid processing routines.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling an image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire image data, and pixel piece insertion/extraction information indicating whether a pixel piece needs to be inserted into or extracted from each pixel of the image data, a generation unit configured to generate an exposure signal according to a pixel value indicating a pixel of interest in the image data and to pixel piece insertion/extraction information on the pixel of interest, and a control unit configured to control exposure by the apparatus according to the exposure signal. The generation unit causes the pixel of interest to be formed by a plurality of pixel pieces arranged in a direction in which the apparatus scans, presets at least one of the pixel pieces as an adjustment blank pixel piece, and deletes the piece when the width of the pixel of interest in the scanning direction is reduced.