Dynamic Test Image Segmentation for Printer Margin Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses do not adequately utilize the margin of a recording medium for forming test images, leaving unused areas blank.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that determines the size of the margin and forms a test image corresponding to that size, using a combination of pattern images that can be divided or adjusted to fit the available space, ensuring the margin is fully utilized without interrupting regular image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a test image is formed in the margin of a recording medium, then nozzle abnormalities can be detected, but the margin area is not fully utilized leaving blank spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The test image is divided into multiple segments (first test image and second test image) that are distributed across different recording media. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of test patterns to fully utilize margin spaces while maintaining detection capability for nozzle abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the size and position of test images based on the actual margin dimensions of each recording medium. By adaptively adjusting test image parameters to match available margin space, the system achieves complete margin utilization without leaving blank areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If the test image size is fixed, then the test pattern is simple to generate, but the margin space is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The test image size is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit determines test image dimensions based on the actual margin size of each recording medium, allowing the test pattern to adapt to available space while maintaining generation simplicity through automated size determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the size parameter of test images according to the margin dimensions of different recording media. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves complete margin utilization without complicating the test image generation process.
3Reliability
If test images are formed in all margins, then complete nozzle coverage is achieved, but recording medium cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complete test image is segmented across multiple recording media. By distributing different portions of the test pattern across several media, the system achieves comprehensive nozzle coverage while using only the necessary margin space on each medium, thereby reducing overall recording medium consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The margin area of recording media serves dual purposes: it maintains its original function as a non-printing margin while simultaneously serving as the test image formation area. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate test media, reducing overall recording medium usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is provided with an image-forming unit (30) for forming an image on a recording medium (P), and a control unit (100) for controlling the formation by the image-forming unit (30) of a test image used for adjustment of the image-forming unit (30) in a blank space portion (R) in which an image is not formed on the recording medium (P), the control unit (100) specifying the size of the blank space portion (R), and forming a test image corresponding to the size of the blank space portion (R) in the blank space portion (R). The test image is thus formed adequately utilizing the blank space of the recording medium.