Image Forming Apparatus Sensor Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining measurement error in image forming apparatuses using optical sensors are complex and require expensive signal processing circuits, making them inefficient for accurate error detection.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that forms error detection marks on a carrier surface, using a sensor with a light-emitting and light-receiving element to measure these marks and determine measurement error, allowing for simple and precise correction of image-forming positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution sampling of detection waveform is performed to measure distortion amount, then measurement precision of sensor error is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive signal processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential measurement information needed for error determination, avoiding the need for complete high-resolution waveform analysis. By using a simple mark with known dimensions and measuring its detected position, the system obtains sufficient measurement precision without requiring complex signal processing circuits for full waveform analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex signal processing circuits with a simpler, more cost-effective measurement approach. The error detection mark serves as a disposable calibration element that provides the necessary measurement data without requiring ongoing complex processing, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution sampling and complex signal processing are used to determine measurement error, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the critical measurement data from the detection waveform - specifically the position of the error detection mark - rather than performing complete high-resolution waveform analysis. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically simplifying the calculation process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from analyzing the complete detection waveform at high resolution to measuring the position of a specific error detection mark with known dimensions. This parameter transformation simplifies the calculation while preserving the essential measurement precision needed for sensor error determination
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 approach enables straightforward determination of measurement error, improving the accuracy of image-forming position corrections without the need for complex signal processing, thus enhancing precision and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the light-receiving element being configured to receive light reflected off the carrier and output a light-reception signal corresponding to an intensity of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, an error detection mark is formed by using an image forming unit on the surface of a carrier along a detection line passing through an exposure position in a carrier moving direction. The error detection mark includes a first mark and a second mark spaced from each other by a fixed distance in the carrier moving direction. The error detection mark is measured by the sensor. A measurement error of the sensor for a registration mark is determined based on the measured values for the first mark and second mark. A registration mark is formed by using the image forming unit on the surface of the carrier on the detection line. The registration mark is measured using the sensor. Offset of an image-forming position is corrected based on the determined measurement error and a measured value for the registration mark.