Color Registration Correction in Inkjet Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial inkjet printing systems face challenges in maintaining accurate color registration across multiple color planes due to physical properties of the print media, conveyance, ink application, and drying processes, leading to registration errors that restrict the range of suitable applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing color-to-color correction in inkjet printing systems involves determining color registration errors for each document and updating color plane correction values periodically or after each print job, allowing for precise alignment of color planes across multiple copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color registration errors are minimized by controlling physical properties of print media, conveyance, ink application, and drying, then manufacturing precision improves, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of color registration errors using test patterns printed on each document, then calculates and applies correction values before final printing. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to each document's specific characteristics without restricting the range of applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from measured color registration errors to dynamically adjust correction values for each document. By continuously measuring and correcting registration errors based on actual print conditions, the system maintains high precision while adapting to various print media and applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If color plane correction values are updated for each document, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the correction process by document, calculating and storing individual correction values for each document based on its specific registration errors. This segmentation allows precise correction for each document while managing complexity through organized, document-specific correction data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses test patterns as copies of the actual print content to measure registration errors. By printing and measuring correction patterns that replicate the document's characteristics, the system obtains accurate correction values without adding significant complexity to the main printing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If color registration errors are controlled through variable management, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial correction by focusing on the specific color planes and registration errors that need adjustment for each document, rather than recontrolling all printing variables. This selective correction maintains high precision while minimizing impact on printing speed and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for performing color-to-color correction while printing multiple copies of a print job having one or more documents includes printing one or more copies of the print job and determining at least one color registration error for at least one type of color registration error produced during the printing of the one or more copies of the print job. A color plane correction value is then determined for each document in the print job and for each color plane error produced during the printing of the one or more copies of the print job. One or more subsequent copies of the print job is printed using the color plane correction values, where the color plane correction values used for each document are the correction values determined for that document. The color plane correction values can be updated periodically, at select times, or after each copy is printed.