Spectral Characteristic Acquisition Device for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full-color image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high image quality and color reproducibility due to limitations in spectral characteristic acquisition and calibration, particularly in efficiently acquiring and calibrating spectral characteristics across wide image areas without requiring expensive light sources or complex calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A spectral characteristic acquisition device that includes a color data acquirer with spectral sensors, a conveyer system for object and calibration mark movement, and a controller for estimating and calibrating spectral characteristics using a conversion matrix, allowing for simultaneous acquisition and calibration of spectral data across wide areas without the need for expensive light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional spectral characteristic acquisition device uses a stationary sensor and illumination system to measure color data, then the measurement precision can be maintained, but the productivity is low due to sequential measurement requirements and the inability to efficiently acquire data across wide image areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor assembly movable relative to the object. The first conveyer moves the color data acquirer in a direction intersecting the object conveyance direction, enabling the sensor to scan across wide image areas dynamically. This dynamic configuration allows simultaneous acquisition of spectral characteristics from multiple positions, significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through controlled movement and systematic data collection
2Measurement precision
If expensive light sources are used to illuminate the object for spectral measurement, then the measurement precision and coverage area improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through the coordinated conveyance of the object and the color data acquirer. The first conveyer moves the sensor assembly in a direction intersecting the object conveyance direction, creating a systematic scanning pattern. This periodic scanning approach allows comprehensive spectral measurement across wide areas without requiring expensive wide-area illumination sources, as the sensor sequentially samples different positions with controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs calibration color marks with known spectral characteristics as reference copies for calibration. These calibration marks serve as standardized references that can be repeatedly measured and used to calibrate the spectral characteristic calculator, eliminating the need for complex illumination systems while maintaining measurement accuracy through reference-based calibration
3Productivity
If a stationary calibration system is used for spectral characteristic calibration, then the calibration precision can be maintained, but the productivity decreases due to separate calibration procedures requiring additional time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration process with the spectral characteristic acquisition process. The calibration color mark is conveyed together with the object on the second conveyer, and the color data acquirer measures both the object and calibration mark during the same conveyance operation. This combined approach allows simultaneous acquisition of object spectral data and calibration reference data, improving productivity while maintaining calibration precision through integrated measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the calibration process. The spectral characteristic calculator uses the measured color data from the calibration color mark with known spectral characteristics to calculate and apply calibration corrections. This feedback mechanism ensures that the spectral measurements remain accurate while enabling efficient calibration that can be performed during normal operation, improving both productivity and precision
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 high-accuracy spectral characteristic acquisition and calibration across wide image areas, improving color reproducibility and reducing costs by using a conveyer system to move sensors and calibration marks, thus enhancing image quality in full-color image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spectral sensors receiving light reflected from an object irradiated with light and acquiring color data of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral characteristic acquisition device according to one aspect of the disclosed technique includes: a color data acquirer comprising a plurality of spectral sensors receiving light reflected from an object irradiated with light and acquiring color data of the object; circuitry configured to estimate a spectral characteristic of the object on a basis of the color data and calibrate the spectral characteristic calculator on a basis of the color data obtained from a calibration color mark having a color mark of a known spectral characteristic; a first conveyer configured to convey the object in a predetermined conveyance direction and conveying the color data acquirer in a direction intersecting the predetermined conveyance direction; and a second conveyer configured to convey the calibration color mark in the predetermined conveyance direction.