Image Formation Position Adjustment for Continuous Paper Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate image positioning on continuous paper due to shrinkage caused by heat during the fixing process, leading to inconsistent image intervals and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a detector to identify marks on continuous paper, an image former to form images based on detected marks, and a controller that adjusts the image formation position according to the image formation state, using set values to account for potential shrinkage and ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an image is formed on continuous paper using heat fixing, then the image is fixed onto the paper, but the continuous paper shrinks due to heat causing position misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the mark position on the continuous paper before the heat fixing process, and pre-calculating the corrected image formation position based on expected shrinkage. This allows the system to compensate for shrinkage effects before they occur, ensuring accurate image positioning despite the subsequent paper contraction during heat fixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a detection device to monitor the actual position of marks on the continuous paper, and using this detected information to adjust and correct the image formation position. The control device receives detection results and modifies the imaging parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for shrinkage-induced position deviations.
2Device complexity
If image formation is performed based on shrunk position after fixing, then the process is simplified, but images cannot be formed at appropriate positions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for shrinkage to occur and then adjusting, the system performs preliminary detection of mark positions and pre-calculates the corrected image formation positions before heat fixing. This preliminary action maintains positioning accuracy without requiring complex post-fixing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image formation position based on detected mark positions and expected shrinkage characteristics. The control device modifies positioning parameters dynamically, adjusting where images are formed on the paper to compensate for anticipated shrinkage, thereby maintaining accuracy without increasing overall process complexity.
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
Enables accurate and consistent image formation at appropriate positions even when continuous paper shrinks during the heat-fixing process, maintaining uniform image intervals and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a detector that detects a mark on the continuous paper conveyed by the conveyer
Implementation Method 2
an image former that is provided on a subsequent stage side of the detector and forms an image on the continuous paper
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an image forming apparatus (1) capable of forming an image at an appropriate position. An image forming apparatus (1), includes: a conveyer (21) that conveys continuous paper (P) through a conveying path (22); a detector (5) that detects a mark (M) on the continuous paper (P) conveyed by the conveyer (21); an image former (23) that is provided on a subsequent stage side of the detector (5) and forms an image on the continuous paper (P); and a controller (101) that causes the image former (23) to start forming an image according to a position setting for forming an image on the continuous paper (P) using the image former (23) after a mark (M) on the continuous paper (P) is detected. The controller (101) adjusts the position setting on the basis of a start position determined according to an image formation state.