Image forming apparatus, pattern position determining method, and image forming system

An image forming method for an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit including a light emitting element for emitting light to a record medium, and a light receiving element for receiving reflected light reflected on the record medium, and reads a test pattern which includes a line and is formed on the record medium by discharging a droplet and adjusting a discharge timing of the droplet, the image forming method comprising:

• printing the test pattern and a uniform pattern, which is read from a print data storing unit configured to store print data of the uniform pattern which has a color different from a color of the test pattern and is to be provided in an area including the test pattern so that the test pattern contacts the uniform pattern on the record medium;
• causing, by a relatively moving unit, the record medium or the reading unit to move relative to the reading unit or the record medium;
• obtaining, by a first detection data obtaining unit, first detection data received as the reflection light by the light receiving element while the light moves and impinges on the test pattern;
• performing, by a position detecting unit, a calculation for determining a position of the line in order to detect a position of the test pattern;
• obtaining, by a second detection data obtaining unit, second detection data received as the reflection light by the light receiving element while the light moves and impinges on the record medium after the uniform pattern contacting the test pattern is formed and before the test pattern is formed;
• subtracting, by a subtracting unit, a value substantially the same as a local minimum value of the first detection data from the first detection data and from the second detection data in order to obtain subtracted first detection data and subtracted second detection data;
• and
• calculating, by a signal correcting unit, a ratio between the first subtracted detection data and the second subtracted detection data in order to align local maximum values of the first detection data so as to be substantially constant.

An image forming system comprising:

• a print data storing unit configured to store print data of a uniform pattern which has a color different from a color of a test pattern and is to be provided in an area including the test pattern;
• and
• an image forming apparatus discharging a droplet including
• a reading unit including a light emitting element for emitting light to a record medium, and a light receiving element for receiving reflected light reflected on the record medium,
• a pattern forming unit configured to print the test pattern and the uniform pattern so that the test pattern contacts the uniform pattern on the record medium,
• a relatively moving unit configured to cause the record medium or the reading unit to move relative to the reading unit or the record medium,
• a first detection data obtaining unit configured to obtain first detection data received as the reflection light by the light receiving element while the light moves and impinges on the test pattern,
• a position detecting unit configured to perform a calculation for determining a position of a line forming the test pattern in order to detect a position of the test pattern, and
• a second detection data obtaining unit configured to obtain second detection data received as the reflection light by the light receiving element while the light moves and impinges on the record medium after the uniform pattern contacting the test pattern is formed and before the test pattern is formed;
• a subtracting unit configured to subtract a value substantially the same as a local minimum value of the first detection data from the first detection data and from the second detection data in order to obtain subtracted first detection data and subtracted second detection data;
• and
• a signal correcting unit configured to calculate a ratio between the first subtracted detection data and the second subtracted detection data in order to align local maximum values of the first detection data so as to be substantially constant.