Patent ID: 8971739
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image forming units configured to form images of different colors, wherein a predetermined image forming unit of said plurality of image forming units is further configured to form a first pattern and a second pattern on an intermediate transfer member; a detection unit configured to detect patterns formed by said plurality of image forming units, wherein said detection unit includes: an emission control unit configured to alternatively control said first light emitting unit and said second light emitting unit to emit light; a specifying unit configured to specify a difference between an elapsed time until said detection unit detects the first pattern based on light emitted from said first light emitting unit after said first light unit starts lighting, and an elapsed time until said detection unit detects the second pattern based on light emitted from said second light emitting unit after said second light emitting unit starts lighting; and a color misalignment correction unit configured to correct misalignment between color images to be formed by said plurality of image forming units in response to the specified difference and detection results of the patterns formed by said plurality of image forming units, wherein said emission control unit turns on said first light emitting unit a predetermined time after formation of the first pattern starts, and turns on said second light emitting unit the predetermined time after formation of the second pattern starts.