Image-forming apparatus and image-forming method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the desired image size when forming images on media deformed by tension, as changes in the medium's deformation due to ink application make it difficult to accurately correct image data and achieve the intended image size.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit, a tension applying section, a transport unit, and data acquisition sections to calculate and adjust for medium deformation, using elastic modulus and Young's modulus data to convert image data and control image formation based on the medium's deformation state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image data is corrected based on the deformation ratio of the medium, then the image size can be adjusted for deformed medium, but the image size becomes inaccurate when the deformation changes due to ink application
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the initial deformation state of the medium before ink application and using this information to pre-correct the image data. By anticipating the deformation changes that will occur during ink application, the system adjusts the image data in advance to compensate for these changes, ensuring accurate image dimensions despite the medium's deformation variability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the deformation state of the medium and adjusting the image data accordingly. The deformation information is fed back into the image processing system, which then modifies the image data to maintain accurate image dimensions even as the medium deforms during the printing process
2Stability of the object's composition
If tension is applied to the medium during image formation, then the medium can be stabilized for printing, but the medium deforms when tension is removed causing image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by calculating the expected deformation that will occur when tension is removed from the medium. The image data is pre-corrected with opposite deformation characteristics, so that when the medium returns to its undeformed state, the image maintains its intended shape and dimensions without distortion
3Quantity of substance
If the amount of ink applied to the medium is increased, then the image coverage is improved, but the medium deformation changes making image correction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the deformation effect of the intended ink application amount in advance and uses this information to pre-correct the image data. By anticipating how different ink amounts will affect medium deformation, the system adjusts the image dimensions beforehand to ensure accurate final image dimensions regardless of the ink quantity applied
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the image data based on the calculated deformation caused by ink application. The deformation amount is determined as a parameter that varies with ink quantity, and the image data is modified accordingly to maintain dimensional accuracy across different ink application scenarios
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
The apparatus effectively suppresses image deformation caused by tension, ensuring accurate and desired image formation by calculating and accounting for medium deformation, even in non-linear cases, thereby maintaining image quality and size consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a medium to which tension is applied and that is deformed
Implementation Method 2
an ink jet recording head that forms an image on the medium with ink
Implementation Method 3
a transport unit that allows the medium and the image forming unit to be transported relative to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided an image forming apparatus and an image forming method in which the deformation of an image caused by the deformation of a medium is suppressed in the image formation on a medium to which tension is applied. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming liquid-application amount-information acquisition unit that acquires information about the amount of applied image forming liquid, a tension-information acquisition unit that acquires information about tension applied to a medium, an elastic modulus acquisition unit that acquires an elastic modulus of the medium calculated using the information about the amount of applied image forming liquid, a medium deformation amount-calculation that calculates the amount of deformation of the medium using tension information and the elastic modulus, and an image conversion section that converts the image data into converted image data, which represents a converted image to be formed on the medium in a state where the tension is applied. The image forming apparatus forms an image on the medium, to which the tension is applied, on the basis of the converted image data.