Apparatus and method for measuring and correcting image transfer smear

Abstract

An apparatus and method for detecting and reducing image transfer smear is provided. A pattern consisting of a sequence of toner characters or marks separated by spaces is written and developed on a photoreceptive member and then transferred to an intermediate medium. As the pattern is transferred to the intermediate medium, the velocity of the photoreceptor is varied. A photodetector is used to detect the transferred pattern on the intermediate medium and generate a signal indicative thereof. As the detector senses the absence of toner, the signal generated is greater when the space between the toner characters is largest. By monitoring when the signal is greatest and determining the corresponding velocity of the photoreceptor at that time, the best velocity match between the photoreceptor and intermediate transfer medium can be determined and set.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.