Paper Feed Selection for Print Density Adjustment Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with print density nonuniformity due to uneven drum shape and electrical resistance, particularly affecting user-defined size sheets, as they lack automatic selection for suitable sheets to print adjustment images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that automatically selects the most suitable paper feed unit based on size and type, ensuring sufficient length in both scanning directions, and adjusts print density using visual, densitometer, or scanner corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional automatic sheet selection function is used, then regular size sheets are automatically selected for printing adjustment images, but user-defined size sheets are not selected even when suitable, resulting in reduced adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet selection criteria are made dynamic by evaluating multiple factors including sheet size, sheet holding unit capacity, and adjustment image requirements. The system adapts its selection logic based on the specific conditions rather than using fixed rules, enabling it to handle both regular and user-defined size sheets appropriately
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection parameters from simple regular-size matching to a comprehensive evaluation that includes user-defined size sheets. By modifying the selection criteria to consider sheet length in the main scanning direction and available capacity, the system expands its adaptability while maintaining accurate automatic selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined size sheets are used for printing adjustment images, then sheet variety is increased, but if the sheet is too small, the adjustment image does not fit, resulting in degraded adjustment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of sheet suitability before printing the adjustment image. It calculates whether each user-defined size sheet has sufficient length in the main scanning direction to accommodate the adjustment image, and pre-determines the most suitable sheet holding unit, preventing selection of unsuitable small sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual judgment of sheet suitability with an automated calculation mechanism. By computing the relationship between sheet dimensions and adjustment image requirements, the system objectively determines the most suitable sheet, ensuring both variety in sheet selection and precision in adjustment accuracy
3Measurement precision
If manual sheet selection is required for adjustment images, then selection accuracy is improved, but user convenience is reduced due to additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting the most suitable sheet holding unit based on pre-established criteria. It evaluates user-defined size sheets, calculates suitability based on sheet length and capacity, and autonomously makes the selection without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining both accuracy and convenience
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism selects a sheet holding unit storing a sheet having a length equal to or larger than a predetermined value in the main scanning direction at the time of printing from among a plurality of sheet holding units storing a plurality of sheets, thus improving convenience in printing an adjustment image. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus includes determining whether a length of a sheet stored in each of a plurality of sheet holding units in a main scanning direction at a time of printing is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, selecting at least one sheet holding unit from among sheet holding units determined to be storing a sheet having a length equal to or larger than the predetermined value, conveying a sheet from the or one of the selected sheet holding unit, and printing an adjustment image on the conveyed sheet.