Varnish Image Positioning Correction in Image Forming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming systems where a toner image is formed on a recording material and then a varnish image is superposed on it, issues such as magnification deviation and movement deviation can occur, leading to positional shifts of the toner and varnish images.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image, a varnish image forming apparatus for forming a varnish image, an image reading portion for detecting the images, and a controller that corrects the image data based on detection data to ensure accurate positioning of subsequent images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a toner image is formed on a recording material and then a varnish image is superposed on it, then surface protection and gloss impartment are achieved, but magnification deviation and movement deviation occur leading to positional shifts of the images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositional accuracy of toner and varnish images

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by reading the toner image first, calculating its positional deviation from the reference position, and using this information to determine the correct positioning for the subsequent varnish image formation. This preliminary measurement and calculation step ensures that the varnish image is applied at the correct position despite any deviations in the toner image formation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the image reading portion to detect the actual position of the toner image, comparing it with the reference position, and using this feedback information to adjust and determine the precise positioning for varnish image formation. This closed-loop control ensures high positional accuracy between the two imaging processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnification deviation occurs between the toner image of the image data and the toner image formed on the recording material, then image size changes, but this causes positional shifts when superposing the varnish image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage size adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpositional alignment between toner and varnish images

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamic scaling factors to the varnish image data based on the actual magnification of the toner image. By calculating the ratio between the reference toner image size and the actual toner image size, the system dynamically adjusts the varnish image dimensions to ensure proper alignment and superposition, accommodating any magnification variations that occur during image formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If movement deviation occurs such that the toner image and varnish image shift in feeding direction or widthwise direction, then image positions shift on the recording material, but this compromises image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation process simplicityVSAvoidpositional accuracy in feeding and widthwise directions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical positioning methods with an information-processing approach. Instead of relying on precise mechanical alignment between the toner and varnish image forming apparatus, the system uses the image reading portion to detect actual toner image positions, calculates deviation amounts in both feeding and widthwise directions, and applies these corrections to the varnish image formation process, achieving high positional accuracy through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively corrects magnification and movement deviations, ensuring that the toner and varnish images are accurately positioned on the recording material, thereby maintaining image quality and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

an image reading portion for reading the toner image and the varnish image which are formed on the first recording material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a fixing device for fixing the toner image on the first recording material by applying heat and pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat and pressure fixing: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12216423B2Image forming system including varnish image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a fixing device, a varnish image forming apparatus, an image reading portion, and a controller. The controller corrects first image data depending on first detection image data of a toner image formed on a first recording material and read by the image reading portion, and then depending on the corrected first image data, a toner image is formed on a second recording material subsequent to the first recording material. The controller corrects second image data depending on second detection image data of a varnish image read by the image reading portion, and then depending on the corrected second image data, a varnish image is formed on the second recording material.