Image Forming Apparatus Front Back Registration Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, particularly electrophotographic systems, face challenges in maintaining accurate front/back registration due to sheet deformation and cutting variations, leading to reduced adjustment accuracy and image quality, as they require frequent adjustments of geometric characteristics which are time-consuming and skill-dependent.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that determines adjustment values for geometric characteristics based on reading results from a test image, excluding abnormal data and using a specified number of valid readings to calculate precise adjustments, thereby maintaining image quality and reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reading results with fluctuation amount equal to or less than a threshold value are selected for calculating the adjustment amount, then the reading error is reduced, but the number of samples is reduced, resulting in decreased adjustment accuracy of geometric characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading results into two categories: those with fluctuation amounts within the threshold (normal readings) and those outside the threshold (abnormal readings). By separating and selectively processing only the normal readings, the system eliminates erroneous data while maintaining a sufficient sample size for accurate adjustment calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the fluctuation amount of test image positions is continuously monitored and compared against a threshold. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines which reading results to include in the adjustment calculation, ensuring high precision without sacrificing sample adequacy.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of front/back registration accuracy is performed by a skilled technician, then the registration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and skill dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the image forming apparatus to automatically perform front/back registration adjustment without requiring skilled technicians. The system self-diagnoses reading errors, automatically selects valid reading results, and calculates adjustment amounts, thereby eliminating manual intervention and reducing adjustment time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated computational system. Instead of technicians physically adjusting components, the system uses algorithms to calculate adjustment amounts based on reading results, substituting human skill with automated intelligence.
3Manufacturing precision
If geometric characteristics are adjusted frequently to maintain front/back registration accuracy, then the image quality is maintained, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors reading results and performs adjustment calculations only when necessary, based on the fluctuation amounts. This self-service approach maintains image quality without requiring frequent manual operations, thereby simplifying the operational process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the adjustment amount based on the calculated fluctuation amounts of test image positions. By changing the adjustment parameters adaptively rather than using fixed frequent adjustments, the system maintains image quality while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, a conveyance unit to convey the sheet having the image formed thereon to a conveyance path and a reading unit to read a test image of a sheet conveyed to the conveyance path. In addition, a controller determines an adjustment value for adjusting a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed by the image forming unit based on a reading result of the reading unit, controls the image forming unit to form the test image, controls the reading unit to read the sheet having the test image formed thereon, and determines an adjustment value for adjusting a geometric characteristic of an image to be formed by the image forming unit based on a reading result of the reading unit.