Test Pattern Analysis for Conveying Error Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test pattern formation methods in image forming systems are inefficient in quickly forming test patterns and accurately determining control errors, particularly conveying errors in sheet handling, which hinders the improvement of image quality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an image acquiring device and a controller that analyzes an image containing a test pattern with intersecting first and second patterns, where the controller calculates the widths of overlapping images and detects intersecting positions based on brightness distribution, using a model pattern to compensate for errors and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test pattern formation methods are used, then test patterns can be formed, but it is difficult to form them quickly and determine control errors at high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The test pattern is divided into multiple sets, each containing a first pattern and a second pattern with different orientations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple measurement regions, improving both formation speed and measurement accuracy through statistical analysis of multiple samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension by forming patterns at different angles (e.g., 0 degrees and 45 degrees). This dimensional change enables more robust error determination by analyzing pattern intersections from multiple orientations, improving accuracy without requiring slower minute conveyance
2Measurement precision
If minute sheet conveyance is used to form test patterns, then conveying error can be determined accurately, but test pattern formation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using minute physical conveyance to create measurement patterns, the patent uses the recording head to directly form multiple sets of patterns at different positions and orientations on the sheet. This copying approach eliminates the need for repeated minute conveyance operations while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple patterns are pre-formed on the sheet in different orientations and positions before analysis. This preliminary action allows the conveying error to be determined through image analysis of the pre-formed patterns rather than through time-consuming iterative conveyance and measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured to acquire image data containing a test pattern including first and second patterns intersecting with each other. Pixels corresponding to the test pattern are determined by comparing brightness of each pixel with a threshold value, and widths of an overlapped image of the first and second patterns in an orthogonal direction at a plurality of different positions in the reference direction are calculated. Intersecting positions of the first pattern and the second pattern in the test pattern is detected based on a distribution of widths at the plurality of different positions. The test pattern has a model pattern having a set width in the orthogonal direction separate from the first and second patterns. The pixels corresponding to the test pattern are determined based on a threshold value, and widths at the plurality of positions of the overlapped image in the reference direction are calculated.