Multi-Sensor Image Calibration via Overlapping Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately calibrating imaging sensors within the device, requiring external processing and increasing costs and complexity when trying to achieve high-quality image calibration.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a conveyor, imager, color measurer, and hardware processor that includes overlapping imaging ranges for adjacent sensors, allowing for calibration based on color measurement results and standard imaging patterns to compare and adjust sensor sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single imaging sensor is made longer to match the size of an image to be formed, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the cost increases and manufacturing yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging sensors arranged in parallel, each capturing a portion of the image. This segmentation allows standard-sized sensors to be used, improving manufacturing yield while collectively achieving full imaging coverage through the combination of multiple sensor outputs.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging sensors are aligned and imaging is performed in parallel, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging sensors are merged into a single integrated imaging unit with unified control. The control unit coordinates all sensors to work together as one system, simplifying adjustment procedures while maintaining full imaging coverage through parallel operation of the sensor array.
3Measurement precision
If adjustment is made to match characteristics in sensitivity among imaging sensors, then the image quality is improved, but external processing is required which increases burden
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs self-calibration using an inspection image with a known pattern. The control unit automatically adjusts sensor sensitivity characteristics by comparing the captured inspection image against the standard pattern, eliminating the need for external processing while ensuring high image quality through precise sensitivity matching.
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
Enables easier and more accurate calibration of imaging sensors within the apparatus, reducing external processing burdens and improving image quality without increasing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a color measurer that measures a color of the surface of the medium on the conveying path
Implementation Method 2
an imager that includes a plurality of imaging sensors and that images a surface of the medium on the conveying path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus performs the following. An imaging range imaged by each of the plurality of imaging sensors includes an overlapping portion between the imaging sensors adjacent in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction along the conveying path. A hardware processor performs a calibration operation of a first sensor based on a color measuring result of a predetermined inspection image measured within a standard imaging range of the first sensor among the plurality of imaging sensors, and a standard imaging result within the standard imaging range imaging an inspection image with a same pattern as the inspection image. The hardware processor compares imaging results by the plurality of imaging sensors in the overlapping portions and performs the calibration operation of another sensor different from the first sensor using the standard imaging result as a standard.