Image Processing Unit Orientation Correction for Sheet Dimension Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately adjusting printing positions due to variations in sheet dimensions caused by moisture content changes and grain direction, which affect expansion and contraction differently depending on the sheet's orientation and type.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a selection unit for choosing sheet type, an image processing unit for adjusting image data based on specific correction conditions for vertical and horizontal orientations, and a conveyance unit for conveying sheets accordingly, ensuring precise printing position adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single correction condition is used for all sheet orientations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to account for grain direction variations
Solution Approach 1:
The correction conditions are segmented into distinct sets for vertical and horizontal sheet orientations. The system divides the correction logic based on sheet conveyance direction, allowing separate optimization for each orientation while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization of correction data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate correction condition based on the detected sheet orientation. Instead of using a static single correction condition, the system adapts the correction parameters according to whether the sheet is conveyed vertically or horizontally, enabling precision optimization for each specific operating condition.
2Manufacturing precision
If printing position adjustment is performed for each sheet type, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple correction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The correction condition management system serves multiple functions: it stores correction data for different sheet types, determines sheet orientation, selects appropriate correction conditions, and applies them during printing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each sheet type into a unified management mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines sheet orientation and selects the appropriate correction condition without requiring manual intervention. The printing apparatus self-services by autonomously adapting correction parameters based on detected sheet properties, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure different correction conditions for each sheet type.
3Ease of operation
If sheet moisture content is allowed to change naturally, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to sheet dimension variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of sheet dimensions and determination of moisture content effects before actual printing. By measuring and calculating correction conditions in advance based on sheet properties and environmental factors, the system prepares compensation parameters that account for moisture-induced dimensional changes, ensuring precision is maintained despite natural moisture variation.
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
This solution enables high-precision printing position adjustments suitable for different sheet orientations, improving the accuracy and quality of printed materials by accounting for variations in sheet dimensions and grain direction.
Implementation Method 1
the moisture content of the sheet is decreased with time. Accordingly, the dimension of the sheet that has been housed in the container for a long term is reduced as compared with the dimension of the sheet immediately after unwrapping
Implementation Method 2
an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on image data, based on a correction condition that corresponds to the sheet type selected by the selection unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a selection unit configured to select a sheet type, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on image data, based on a correction condition that corresponds to the selected sheet type, a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet, and an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet, based on the image data, wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on the image data, based on a first correction condition that corresponds to a sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit in a first direction, and wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on the image data, based on a second correction condition that corresponds to a sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.