Image Forming Apparatus Test Pattern Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in image formation due to frequent downtime caused by image adjustments, such as color misregistration correction, as they cannot perform normal image formation while adjustments are being made, leading to difficulties in setting image settings for the next page accurately when test patterns are formed outside the printing area.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a first image forming unit, a second image carrier, a test pattern generating unit, and an adjusting unit, which generates a test pattern group with a predetermined length in the moving direction of the second image carrier and adjusts image formation conditions based on the relationship between the test pattern length and the image area in the sub-scanning direction, allowing for timely and accurate setting of image settings for the next page.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a test pattern is formed outside the printing area in parallel with printing, then image adjustment can be performed without interrupting normal image formation, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine when to set image settings for the next page
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension (main scanning direction) for test pattern formation, separate from the traditional sub-scanning direction. By forming test patterns in the main scanning direction outside the printing area, the system can perform image adjustment without interfering with normal printing in the sub-scanning direction, thus maintaining productivity while enabling accurate timing determination through the relationship between test pattern length and image area length.
2Productivity
If the size of printing image in the main-scanning direction is limited to prevent overlapping with test pattern, then test pattern can be formed in parallel, but the printing image size is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image formation process into two independent dimensions: sub-scanning direction for normal printing and main scanning direction for test pattern formation. This segmentation allows both processes to occur in parallel without interfering with each other, eliminating the need to restrict printing image size while maintaining the ability to form test patterns simultaneously.
3Reliability
If image adjustment is performed frequently, then image quality can be maintained, but downtime increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by performing image adjustment activities (test pattern formation and detection) in parallel with normal printing operations. The test patterns are formed in the main scanning direction outside the printing area, allowing image quality maintenance without interrupting the continuous flow of printing in the sub-scanning direction, thus eliminating downtime associated with frequent image adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit that forms toner images based on image data on first image carriers; a second image carrier, on which the toner images formed on the first image carriers are transferred; a second image forming unit that transfers the toner images transferred on the second image carrier onto a transfer medium; a test pattern generating unit that generates a test pattern group with a predetermine length in a moving direction of the second image carrier; and an adjusting unit that determines a method to adjust an image formation condition for the first image forming unit using the test pattern group, based on a relationship between the predetermined length and a length of an image area, in which a print image based on the image data is formed, in a sub-scanning direction corresponding to the moving direction of the second image carrier.