Image Forming Apparatus Position Detection via Differential Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers face challenges in detecting positions with high precision due to errors in forming high-resolution patterns for position detection.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a conveyance section, image forming sections, a sensor, processing circuit, and control section, which form and detect patterns with specific widths and intervals on a transfer medium, generating differential signals and exclusive OR signals to accurately determine image formation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high resolution patterns for position detection are formed, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to formation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copied patterns (original pattern and inverted pattern) on the transfer medium. By forming both the original pattern and its inverted copy, the system can detect position through the relationship between these copies rather than relying on absolute precision of a single high-resolution pattern. This copying approach allows position detection to overcome manufacturing errors in individual patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple pattern types (original pattern and inverted pattern) to create a composite detection system. The position detection mechanism uses the composite information from both pattern types, where the inverted pattern serves as a reference that compensates for errors in the original pattern, enabling high-precision detection without requiring ultra-high manufacturing precision for each individual pattern.
2Measurement precision
If conventional position detection methods are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to formation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a relatively simple copying mechanism where an inverted pattern is created alongside the original pattern. This copying approach enhances measurement precision by providing a reference pattern for comparison, while maintaining device complexity at an acceptable level through the use of straightforward pattern duplication and inversion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detection system uses feedback from the inverted pattern to correct detection errors. By comparing the original pattern with its inverted copy, the system generates feedback information that compensates for formation errors, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex external correction mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution patterns are formed, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite detection system using both original and inverted patterns. This composite approach improves reliability by providing redundant detection pathways - if one pattern suffers from detection errors, the other pattern serves as a reliable reference, ensuring consistent and accurate position detection across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a copied inverted pattern, the system establishes a reliable reference that can be used to verify and correct detection results from the original pattern. This copying mechanism enhances detection reliability through cross-validation, reducing the impact of random detection errors while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 solution enables precise position detection, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional printers by allowing the image forming apparatus to detect positions with higher resolution than the original pattern, improving printing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor emits light with a spot diameter serving as the predetermined size to the pattern for position detection formed on the transfer medium conveyed by the conveyance section, and outputs a read signal corresponding to reflected light of the emitted light.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises a sensor which emits light with a spot diameter serving as a predetermined size to a pattern for position detection formed on a transfer medium conveyed by a conveyance section, and outputs a read signal corresponding to reflected light of the emitted light; a processing circuit which generates a differential signal obtained by differentiating the read signal output by the sensor, and outputs a signal obtained through an exclusive OR of the read signal and the differential signal obtained by differentiating the read signal; and a control section configured to specify a position at which a image forming section forms a image on the basis of the signal output by the processing circuit.