Image Positioning via Nested Scanning and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image positioning devices struggle to accurately adjust the position of images on both sides of a recording medium due to limitations in grasping the medium's shape, particularly after the fixing process, leading to relative positional deviations and difficulties in producing high-accuracy printed media.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming device, a reading device, and circuitry to scan position detection marks on the recording medium, allowing for real-time calculation and adjustment of image positions on both sides based on scanned images, ensuring accurate alignment and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an external scanner is used to scan printed media for image positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the scanned image on the first face side cannot be obtained before the image is printed on the second face side
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device is nested within the image forming apparatus, allowing the scanning function to be integrated into the existing structure. This eliminates the need for external scanners while enabling precise measurement of the first face side before second face printing, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device scans the first face side of the recording medium before the image is printed on the second face side, obtaining the scanned image in advance. This preliminary action enables accurate calculation of correction values for second face printing, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image position is adjusted manually with highly dedicated skill, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image positioning by scanning position detection marks and calculating correction values without requiring manual intervention. The image forming apparatus self-adjusts the image position on the second face side based on scanned data, eliminating the need for highly skilled manual operation while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device scans the actual position of position detection marks on the recording medium and feeds this information back to the control device. The control device calculates correction values based on this feedback and adjusts the image position accordingly, replacing manual skill-based adjustment with automated feedback control to improve ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If the reading device is disposed inside the image forming apparatus, then the measurement precision is improved by enabling scanning before second face printing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device serves multiple functions: it scans position detection marks for image positioning, measures the recording medium shape, and provides data for correction value calculation. By making the reading device multi-functional, the patent improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the same hardware performs multiple measurement tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device is merged with the image forming apparatus, combining the scanning function with the printing system. This integration allows the reading device to scan the first face side before second face printing, improving measurement precision. The merging approach reduces the need for separate external scanning devices, balancing the increase in device complexity with functional integration.
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 adjusts image positions on both sides of the recording medium with high accuracy, reducing positional deviations and enhancing the precision of printed media production.
Implementation Method 1
The reading device is configured to scan the recording medium having a position detection mark on the recording medium as the image and generate a scanned image
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, in which an image forming method is performed, includes an image forming device to form an image on a recording medium, a reading device to scan the recording medium having a mark and generate a scanned image, and circuitry to calculate a correction value to adjust a position of the image to be formed on the recording medium, based on the scanned image. The circuitry calculates the correction value to adjust a position of an image to be formed on a second face of the recording medium based on a first scanned image generated from a first face of the recording medium, within a period from when the first scanned image is generated from the first face to when the image starts to be formed on the second face.