Test Chart for Image Position Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses require costly scanners or sensors to adjust image positions between front and back faces, increasing the overall cost and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A test chart with specific design elements, including straight-line indication images and scale images on both faces, allows for manual input of position errors, enabling the image forming apparatus to generate correction data and adjust printing positions without the need for external scanning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanner or sensor is used to detect register mark positions for image position adjustment, then image position accuracy between front and back faces is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from expensive external scanners/sensors and integrates it into the existing image forming apparatus's scanning mechanism. The line sensor that already exists in the apparatus is repurposed to detect register mark positions, eliminating the need for separate detection devices while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The line sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose and for detecting register mark positions. This universal application allows the same component to serve multiple functions, reducing overall device complexity while achieving accurate position detection for image registration adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If a scanner or sensor is used to scan the test chart for image position adjustment, then image position accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection capability from expensive external scanning devices and utilizes the image forming apparatus's own scanning mechanism. This eliminates the need to manufacture and integrate separate scanner or sensor components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to accurately detect image position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by using its own line sensor to detect register mark positions and automatically adjust image positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external detection equipment, reducing both manufacturing cost and system complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual input of position error values is used instead of automated detection, then device complexity is reduced, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and input operations with automated optical detection using a line sensor. The sensor automatically captures register mark positions, and the control unit processes the data to determine position deviations, eliminating the need for manual measurement while reducing operation time through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback by using the line sensor to detect register mark positions, comparing them against reference positions, and automatically generating adjustment values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual input operations and reduces operation time through rapid automated detection and calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A test chart includes an indication image along a primary scanning direction on a first face, the indication image having a straight-line shape; a folding back position image along a secondary scanning direction on a second face; and a first scale image that has a scale along the secondary scanning direction on the second face. Further, when the second face is folded back to the first face at the folding back position image, the indication image indicates a value on the scale of the first scale image such that the value corresponds to a position error in the secondary scanning direction between images on the first and second faces.