Image Processing Unit Resolution Mode Switching Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming productivity decreases when high resolution is maintained by halving tone information in the main scanning direction and process speed is reduced, and image adjustment processing in high resolution mode is hindered by processing delays due to resolution switching and distribution of image data in the sub-scanning direction.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that includes an image processing unit, an image forming unit, and a controller to manage different resolution modes, allowing for continuous high resolution image formation without switching to normal resolution for test image processing, thereby avoiding processing delays and maintaining intended image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If distribution processing is performed on test image data to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the test image cannot be formed as intended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidtest image formation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different image processing treatments to different types of images: test image data is processed without distribution processing to ensure accurate formation, while normal image data undergoes distribution processing to achieve high resolution. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each image type to receive the appropriate processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying distribution processing uniformly to all images to achieve high resolution, the patent inverts the approach by specifically excluding test images from distribution processing while applying it to normal images. This inversion ensures test images are formed accurately while normal images achieve high resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If resolution mode switching is performed for test image processing, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage adjustment accuracyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the image processing unit universally capable of handling both test images and normal images in high resolution mode without requiring mode switching. By implementing this multi-functionality, the system can process test images accurately while maintaining high resolution, eliminating the time loss associated with resolution mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous high resolution image formation without interrupting the process for mode switching. The image processing unit continuously processes both test and normal images in high resolution mode, ensuring uninterrupted operation and eliminating processing delays that would occur with mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If high resolution image formation is maintained by halving process speed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidimage forming productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the processing parameters by implementing distribution processing that disperses image data in the sub-scanning direction rather than simply halving the process speed. This parameter change allows high resolution image formation while maintaining normal process speed, thus preserving productivity while achieving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10295928B2Image forming apparatus for forming images in multiple resolution modes

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image processing unit configured to perform image processing corresponding to an image forming mode on image data; a controller configured to control the image processing unit to perform the image processing corresponding to the image forming mode on measurement image data, control an image forming unit to form the measurement image based on the measurement image data, to control a measurement unit to measure the measurement image, and to control an image forming condition based on a measurement result. In a case where the measurement image is formed while the image forming apparatus consecutively forms a plurality of images in the second image forming mode, the controller controls the image forming unit to form the measurement image without performing the image processing corresponding to the second image forming mode.