Image Forming Apparatus Sheet Type Detection Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately calibrating image density and position due to environmental changes and sheet characteristics, leading to incorrect user instructions and potential damage from using auto document feeders with unreadable test patterns.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a feeder and reader system that automatically determines the sheet type and adjusts the reading process, preventing erroneous instructions by allowing the user to place the test chart on either the tray or platen based on type, ensuring accurate calibration and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ADF is used to convey the test chart for calibration, then the user workload is reduced, but the scanner may not be able to read the test pattern correctly due to slippage and other reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the conveyance speed parameter based on sheet type to improve reading accuracy. The control unit adjusts the conveyance speed according to the characteristics of different sheet types (recycled, unrecycled, coated, uncoated), preventing slippage and ensuring the test pattern is read correctly by the scanner while still using the ADF for automated operation.
2Extent of automation
If the ADF is used to read the test chart, then automation is improved, but calibration may fail and damage to the ADF may result from erroneous user instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sheet type detection to control ADF operation. The control unit detects the sheet type and provides feedback to determine whether to allow ADF conveyance or display a notification to the user. This feedback mechanism prevents erroneous instructions that could lead to calibration failure or ADF damage while maintaining automated calibration for suitable sheet types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of sheet type before allowing ADF operation. The control unit detects the sheet type in advance and takes preliminary action by either enabling ADF conveyance or displaying a notification to the user, preventing potential calibration failures and equipment damage before they occur.
3Measurement precision
If the conveyance speed is adjusted depending on sheet type, then reading accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it detects sheet type, determines appropriate conveyance speeds, controls ADF operation, and displays notifications to users. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the system achieves multi-functionality that improves reading accuracy across different sheet types while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a feeder having a tray and configured to convey a sheet, a reader including a platen, an image forming unit configured to form a test pattern, and a controller. The controller adjusts, based on a result of reading the sheet having the test pattern formed thereon, a quality of an image to be formed by the image forming unit. In a case where a sheet of a first type having the test pattern formed thereon is placed on the tray, the feeder conveys the sheet. In a case where a sheet of a second type having the test pattern formed thereon is placed on the tray, the controller is configured to display a notification representing that the sheet is not to be conveyed by the feeder.