Image Forming Apparatus Print Position Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-step printing processes involving different image forming apparatuses, misregistration issues arise due to changes in printing sheet size caused by moisture evaporation during the fixing process, leading to positional deviations between print positions across multiple printing steps.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image forming apparatus with a memory unit storing first and second correction information to adjust print positions, using first correction information for adjustments between the initial and secondary image forming apparatuses and second correction information for adjustments between the secondary and tertiary print positions, thereby correcting misregistration across multiple printing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple image forming apparatuses perform sequential printing on the same recording medium, then productivity is improved through multi-step printing processes, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misregistration between print positions across different apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-step printing capabilityVSAvoidprint position alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary registration by printing a test chart on the recording medium before the actual multi-step printing process. The test chart contains position information that is used to calculate correction parameters in advance, which are then stored and applied during subsequent printing operations to maintain precise alignment across different image forming apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the print position parameters by applying correction values derived from test chart analysis. The correction parameters adjust the coordinates where images are formed on the recording medium, compensating for dimensional changes and misregistration that occur during sequential printing by different apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If correction parameters are stored for both first and second correction information, then manufacturing precision is improved by correcting misregistration in both printing directions, but device complexity increases due to additional memory and control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional misregistration correctionVSAvoidcorrection information storage and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the correction information management into a unified memory structure where both first correction information (for correction by the second apparatus) and second correction information (for correction by the first apparatus) are stored together. This consolidated approach reduces the complexity of managing separate correction systems while enabling comprehensive bidirectional misregistration correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If test charts are used to generate correction parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved through accurate position measurement, but loss of time occurs during the test chart printing and measurement process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest chart processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test chart printing and measurement process is performed as a preliminary step before actual production printing. By completing the correction parameter generation in advance, the system eliminates the need for repeated testing during production runs, thereby reducing overall time loss while maintaining high measurement accuracy for position correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures accurate alignment and minimizes misregistration by generating and applying correction parameters based on test charts, allowing for precise positional adjustments across sequential printings by different image forming apparatuses, maintaining print quality across multiple printing steps.

Implementation Method 1

misregistration issues arise due to changes in printing sheet size caused by moisture evaporation during the fixing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10656582B2Image forming apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and test chart

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus as a first apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image onto a recording medium, a memory that stores first and second information, and a correcting unit that corrects an image formation position by the image forming unit in accordance with the first or second information. The first information is for correcting misregistration between a print position in the first apparatus and a print position in a second image forming apparatus as a second apparatus when an image is formed by the first apparatus and an image is subsequently formed by the second apparatus. The second information is for correcting misregistration between the print positions in the second and first apparatuses when an image is formed by the first apparatus, an image is subsequently formed by the second apparatus, and then an image is formed by the first apparatus.