Image Formation Position Adjustment in Ink-Jet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses like ink-jet printers, deviations in sheet conveyance position due to design tolerances, assembly tolerances, and conveyance noise lead to improper image formation, as the image formation position is fixed and not adjusted according to the sheet's actual position.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an imaging unit that takes an outline of the sheet, a generation processing part that superimposes the outline on a target image to adjust its position, and a printing processing part that ensures the image center aligns with the sheet center, using adjustment images and test processing to fine-tune the relative positions and conveyance time to eliminate margin regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image formation position is fixed based on the printing unit's disposed position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to sheet conveyance position deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the image formation position adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the image formation position based on the actual sheet conveyance position detected by the image sensor, allowing the printing unit to adapt to variations in sheet positioning caused by conveyance noise and tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the image sensor to detect the actual position of the sheet and the printing unit, then using this detected position information to adjust the image formation position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the image is formed at the correct position despite variations in sheet conveyance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image formation position is adjusted to compensate for sheet conveyance deviations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the system to automatically detect and adjust the image formation position based on detected sheet and printing unit positions. The adjustment is performed autonomously without requiring manual intervention, with the system using its own detected position data to correct positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the image formation position parameter based on detected position deviations. The system changes the image formation position parameter dynamically according to the actual sheet conveyance position, allowing precise image placement without complex mechanical adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If test processing is performed with adjustment images to fine-tune relative positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by performing position detection and adjustment calculations before actual printing occurs. The image sensor detects positions in advance, and the control unit calculates and sets the appropriate image formation position before the printing unit operates, ensuring precision without requiring time-consuming adjustments during printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes operating a computer of an image forming apparatus, using, as a target image, an adjustment image including a center image representing a center thereof in a width direction, to: perform test processing of generating a print image by superimposing an outline image on an adjustment image after further shifting the outline image in the width direction by a first distance, and then executing printing processing; and adjust a relative position such that each of a difference between the first distance and a length in the width direction of a margin region lying along one lateral edge of a sheet, and a spaced-apart distance between the center of the sheet in the width direction and the center of the adjustment image in the width direction, represented by the center image formed on the sheet, becomes 0.