Image Forming Condition Adjustment with Non-Print Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently adjusting image forming conditions during normal printing processes, particularly when the detection image forming process is incomplete due to premature termination of the normal process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a second image processing portion that executes a detection image forming process outside the print area on the transfer object, allowing for conditional switching based on predetermined criteria to either continue or halt the detection process, thereby ensuring comprehensive condition adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection image forming process is executed during the normal image forming process, then the image forming conditions can be adjusted timely, but the normal image forming process may be delayed or interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image forming area into a print area and a non-print area. The detection image is formed specifically in the non-print area, separating the detection function from the normal printing function. This allows the detection image forming process to occur without interfering with the normal image forming process in the print area, thus maintaining productivity while enabling timely quality adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms a detection image in the non-print area that extends beyond the normal print area. This partial detection image formation allows quality detection to occur during the normal printing process without requiring complete interruption, balancing the need for timely adjustment with maintaining normal printing productivity.
2Reliability
If the detection image is formed in the print area, then the detection can be performed during normal printing, but the print area is occupied and printing quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transfer object into a print area and a non-print area, assigning different functions to each. The print area is dedicated to forming the actual print image with high quality requirements, while the non-print area is used for forming the detection image. This spatial segmentation ensures that detection activities do not compromise print image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different areas of the transfer object. The print area maintains high quality standards for the final output, while the non-print area accepts lower quality standards since it is used solely for detection purposes. This local quality differentiation allows detection image formation without compromising overall print quality.
3Measurement precision
If the detection image forming process is always completed, then accurate condition adjustment is achieved, but the process time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs detection image formation in the non-print area during the normal image forming process, which is a preliminary action that occurs concurrently with normal printing. This allows detection to begin early without waiting for the complete printing process, reducing detection time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for condition adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms a detection image that extends into the non-print area beyond what would be needed for normal printing. This excessive action in the non-print area provides sufficient detection data for accurate condition adjustment without requiring the complete formation of a full-size detection image, thus reducing detection time while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a first image processing portion, and a second image processing portion. The second image processing portion, when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, executes a detection image forming process in which a detection image that is used for adjusting an image forming condition in the image forming portion, is formed by the image forming portion in an area outside a print area on a transfer object. In a case where, after the detection image forming process is started during execution of a normal image forming process, the normal image forming process ends before the detection image forming process ends, the second image processing portion switches between continuing and not continuing the detection image forming process in accordance with a predetermined switch condition.