Provided is an image forming apparatus configured to perform high-quality image formation regardless of an accuracy of mounting surface emitting element array chips. The image forming apparatus includes: an image data generating portion (401) configured to generate pixel data equivalent to 2,400 dpi; a joint correcting portion (1702) configured to correct a misregistration amount at a joint between a predetermined surface emitting element array chip and a surface emitting element array chip arranged adjacent to the predetermined surface emitting element array chip; and a resolution converting portion (1702) configured to convert a resolution of the pixel data from 2,400 dpi to 1,200 dpi. The joint correcting portion (1702) is configured to correct the misregistration amount at the joint with respect to pixel data obtained after the resolution thereof is converted by the resolution converting portion 1702.

An image forming apparatus includes a port to permit a imaging unit to be installed. A solid head unit has a base, a lifting mechanism, a print head, and a first guide. The lifting mechanism moves the print head up and down. The first guide includes a first guide rail facing the print head that limits the movement of the print head to a first range when the print head and a second, greater range when the print head is raised. The imaging unit includes a photoconductive drum in a drum case that includes a projection facing the solid head unit. The projection is configured to insert into a hole in the print head when the print head is raised.

An image forming apparatus includes a port to permit a imaging unit to be installed. A solid head unit has a base, a lifting mechanism, a print head, and a first guide. The lifting mechanism moves the print head up and down. The first guide includes a first guide rail facing the print head that limits the movement of the print head to a first range when the print head and a second, greater range when the print head is raised. The imaging unit includes a photoconductive drum in a drum case that includes a projection facing the solid head unit. The projection is configured to insert into a hole in the print head when the print head is raised.

A method for correcting in-track position errors in a digital printing system having a linear printhead includes printing a test target including a plurality of alignment marks. A data processing system is used to automatically analyze a captured image of the printed test target to determine a measured in-track position for each of the alignment marks. The measured in-track positions for the alignment marks are compared to reference positions to determine measured in-track position errors. An in-track position correction function is determined responsive to the measured in-track position errors, wherein the in-track position correction function specifies in-track position corrections to be applied as a function of cross-track position. A corrected digital image is determined by resampling an input digital image responsive to the in-track position correction function.

A digital printing system having a linear printhead includes corrections for in-track position errors. A data processing system implements a method for determining an in-track position function which includes printing a test target including a plurality of alignment marks, automatically analyzing a captured image of the printed test target to determine a measured in-track position for each of the alignment marks, comparing the measured in-track positions for the alignment marks to reference in-track positions to determine measured in-track position errors, and determining an in-track position correction function responsive to the measured in-track position errors. The in-track position correction function specifies in-track position corrections to be applied as a function of cross-track position. A corrected digital image is determined by resampling an input digital image responsive to the in-track position correction function.

An optical print head including light emitting elements, drivers, setters, a detector, and a generator. The detector is for detecting a noise component superimposed on a luminance signal, on transmission circuitry for transmitting the luminance signal from a setter to a driver, in a state in which the setter is outputting the luminance signal. The generator, for each light emitting element due to emit light in a line subsequent to a line for which the detector detected the noise component, generates and causes a setter corresponding to the light emitting element to output an adjusted luminance signal such that the light emitting element emits a light emission amount according to image data in a state in which the noise component detected by the detector is superimposed on the adjusted luminance signal.

An optical PH includes: a plurality of current-driven light emitting elements that are arranged in a line-shaped region; a controller that outputs a control voltage instructing an amount of a drive current to be supplied to each of the light emitting elements; and a plurality of drivers that correspond one-to-one with the light emitting elements, and each supply the drive current to a corresponding one of the light emitting elements, wherein the drivers each operate as one of: a high-voltage referring driver that supplies the drive current according to a voltage difference between the control voltage and a reference voltage higher than the control voltage; and a low-voltage referring driver that supplies the drive current according to a voltage difference between the control voltage and a reference voltage lower than the control voltage.

Systems and methods for printing data on a substrate including a color-changeable material are provided. One system includes a processing circuit and a device including an energy source. At least a portion of a printed publication is printed on the substrate using a commercial printing press based on fixed data. The device including the energy source is configured to add variable data to the substrate. The processing circuit is configured to receive the variable data and to control the energy source to change a color of the color-changeable material based on the variable data to provide at least a portion of the printed publication. The processing circuit is configured to control the energy source to change the color of the color-changeable material in-line with a flow of the substrate through one of a printing line, a finishing line, or a packaging line of the commercial printing press.

An image forming apparatus includes a light emitting chip and at least one processor. The light emitting chip includes a plurality of light emitting elements, a DAC outputting a voltage corresponding to a setting value, and a circuit unit that supplies a current to the plurality of light emitting elements based on the voltage. At least one processor is configured to set the setting value such that one light emitting element included among the plurality of light emitting elements emits light of a predetermined amount, and correct image data pieces that respectively correspond to the plurality of light emitting elements based on first correction data for correcting amounts of light respectively emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements. The circuit unit supplies a current to each of the plurality of light emitting elements based on the corrected image data pieces.

An optical print head comprises a first light emitting element row, a second light emitting element row, a lens array, a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit. The first light emitting element row includes the arrangement of first light emitting elements. The second light emitting element row includes second light emitting elements arranged in parallel with the first light emitting element row. The lens array concentrates light emitted by the first light emitting elements and the second light emitting elements. The first drive circuit drives each first light emitting element with an identical first current value. The second drive circuit drives each second light emitting element with an identical second current value different from the first current value.