Inkjet Printer Optical Sensor Pattern Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in accurately detecting test patterns due to varying reflection characteristics of the recording medium, leading to inconsistent sensor outputs and degraded image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes recording heads, an optical detection part, a medium information acquisition processing part, a pattern image formation processing part, a pattern image detection part, and an image forming condition setting part, which sets pattern image formation positions based on the reflection characteristics of the recording medium to avoid forming test patterns at reflection characteristic boundaries, ensuring accurate detection and adjustment of ink ejection timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pattern image is formed on the recording medium without considering reflection characteristics, then the image forming process is simple, but the sensor output varies at boundaries of reflection characteristics causing inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring reflection characteristic information before forming the pattern image. The control part obtains sensor output values at multiple positions on the recording medium to identify reflection characteristic boundaries, then determines the pattern image formation position to avoid these boundaries. This preliminary detection and positioning ensures accurate pattern image detection without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the imaging process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pattern image is formed on a boundary between different reflection characteristics, then the recording process is straightforward, but the sensor output varies causing inaccurate timing adjustment for ink ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the pattern image formation position adaptive to local reflection characteristics of the recording medium. Instead of using a fixed or uniform positioning method, the control part determines the pattern image formation position based on locally measured sensor output values at multiple positions. This ensures that the pattern image is formed in a region with uniform reflection characteristics, avoiding boundaries where detection accuracy would deteriorate.
3Measurement precision
If the optical sensor detects the pattern image without considering reflection characteristics, then the detection process is simple, but the detection result is inaccurate due to variations at reflection characteristic boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing detection of reflection characteristics before the actual pattern image detection. The control part first obtains sensor output values at multiple positions to map the reflection characteristics of the recording medium, identifies boundaries, and determines a safe formation position for the pattern image. This preliminary mapping enables the subsequent pattern image detection to be performed under optimal conditions without requiring complex real-time compensation algorithms.
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 allows for precise detection of test patterns and accurate adjustment of ink ejection timing, thereby improving image quality by stabilizing sensor outputs across different reflection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection part that emits light onto a recording medium, receives reflected light that is the light reflected on a recording surface of the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes (a) recording heads, (b) an optical detection part that emits light, receives reflected light reflected on a recording medium, and generates a sensor output in correspondence with the reflected light, (c) a medium information acquisition processing part that sets a pattern image formation position where a test pattern image is formed on the recording medium based on reflection characteristics, the reflection characteristics being obtained from the sensor output of the optical detection part, (d) a pattern image formation processing part that forms the test pattern image at the pattern image formation position using the recording heads, (e) a pattern image detection processing part that detects the test pattern image at the pattern image formation position using the optical detection part, generating a detection result, and (f) an image forming condition setting part that sets an image forming condition based on the detection result.