Image Forming Apparatus Position Detection Using Job Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, the need to form a dedicated mark for detection reduces the usable image region on the recording medium, limiting user access to the image area.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that extracts an image for position detection from job image data and uses this image to determine correction amounts for the image forming position of subsequent image forming units, allowing for alignment without a dedicated detection mark, thus expanding the usable image region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated detection mark is formed on the recording medium, then position detection accuracy is improved, but the usable image region is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidusable image region

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by making the image data serve dual purposes: it contains both the user image content and the position detection information. The extraction unit identifies specific images within the job image data that can be used for position detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection marks while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts position detection information from within the existing image data rather than adding separate detection marks. The extraction unit selectively identifies and extracts specific images from the job image data that serve as position detection targets, thereby utilizing existing space efficiently without reducing the usable image region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a dedicated detection mark is formed on the recording medium, then image alignment is maintained, but the recording medium width is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignmentVSAvoidrecording medium width

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the image data universal by incorporating both user content and alignment reference information within the same data structure. The images formed from job image data serve as both the final output and the reference for position detection, eliminating the need for separate detection marks that would consume recording medium width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of user image content and position detection reference into a single integrated system. By using images from the job image data themselves as detection targets, the patent combines what were previously separate functions (image output and alignment reference) into one unified approach, maintaining image alignment without sacrificing recording medium width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If images from job image data are used for position detection, then the usable image region is expanded, but detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable image regionVSAvoiddetection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the image data to detect its own position information. The extraction unit automatically identifies suitable images within the job image data that can serve as detection targets, and the reading unit reads these self-selected images for position detection. This self-referential approach eliminates the need for external dedicated detection marks while managing complexity through automated image selection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Area of stationary object

If images from job image data are used for position detection, then dedicated detection marks are eliminated, but image formation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable image regionVSAvoidimage formation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing position detection using images that are already part of the job image data before final image formation. The extraction unit identifies detection target images in advance, and the reading unit reads these images to determine position correction amounts before the actual image formation process, thereby eliminating the need for separate detection mark formation steps and reducing overall image formation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20220055366A1Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.02.24 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: an extraction unit configured to extract an image for position detection from job image data; a first image forming unit configured to form the image for position detection on a recording medium; a second image forming unit disposed on a downstream in a feeding direction of the recording medium relative to the first image forming unit; a first detection unit configured to detect the image for position detection formed by the first image forming unit; and a determining unit configured to determine a correction amount of an image forming position of the second image forming unit based on a position of the image for position detection that is detected by the detection unit and a position of the image for position detection in the image data.