Image Forming Colorimetry for Photocurable Ink Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using photocurable ink face challenges in colorimetry accuracy due to color changes caused by photopolymerization initiators, as colorimetry is typically performed before the color change stabilizes, preventing effective color adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a colorimetry unit that performs colorimetry after a predetermined color change time has elapsed since light irradiation, utilizing a hardware processor to control the colorimetry process and ensure stability of colorimetric values by adjusting standby times based on ink type, environmental, and heating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If colorimetry is performed before the color change stabilizes, then productivity is improved by reducing waiting time, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unstable colorimetric values
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the completion of photopolymerization reaction before colorimetry. The controller monitors the reaction progress and triggers colorimetry only after the reaction is complete, ensuring accurate measurement while minimizing unnecessary waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection unit to determine when the photopolymerization reaction has completed. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically triggers the colorimetry operation at the optimal moment, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If colorimetry is performed after the color change stabilizes, then measurement precision is improved by obtaining stable colorimetric values, but productivity deteriorates due to increased waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit provides real-time feedback on the photopolymerization reaction progress. The controller uses this feedback to automatically determine when stabilization is complete, triggering colorimetry at the precise moment without requiring excessive waiting time or manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting reaction completion and triggering colorimetry without external intervention. This eliminates the need for manual timing or waiting, optimizing both accuracy and productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a colorimetric chart is formed with photocurable ink, then ease of manufacture is improved by using common imaging processes, but measurement precision deteriorates due to color change from photopolymerization initiator reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the problematic photopolymerization initiator reaction from the measurement process by detecting its completion. The colorimetry is performed after the reaction is complete, separating the manufacturing process from the measurement process to eliminate interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the photopolymerization reaction completion before colorimetry. This preliminary action ensures that the color change has stabilized, allowing accurate measurement of the final color without interference from ongoing chemical reactions.
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 approach improves colorimetry accuracy by stabilizing colorimetric values, preventing deterioration due to color changes, and allows for efficient color correction, even when using photocurable inks.
Implementation Method 1
The color change of the image is due to the reaction of a photopolymerization initiator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a colorimetry unit, and a hardware processor. The image forming unit forms an image on a medium with a photocurable ink. The colorimetry unit performs colorimetry of a colorimetry chart formed on the medium by the image forming unit. The hardware processor causes the colorimetry of the colorimetry chart to be performed after elapse of a color change time since irradiation of the colorimetry chart with light.