Patent ID: 8116646
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for forming an image indicated by image data on an intermediate transfer body; transfer means for transferring the image formed by the image forming means to a recording material; pattern forming means for forming a pattern for calibration on the intermediate transfer body; detection means for reading the pattern for calibration formed on the intermediate transfer body; condition altering means for altering image forming conditions based on a result read by the detection means; cleaning means for removing the pattern for calibration formed on the intermediate transfer body before performing the transfer by the transfer means; and blank identifying means for identifying a blank portion by comparing an area of the recording material and an area of the image indicated by the image data in the recording material; wherein when images are formed continuously over a plurality of recording materials, the pattern forming means forms the pattern for calibration in an area on the intermediate transfer body that corresponds to an area obtained by adding the identified blank to a space between successive recording materials.