Dot Recording Apparatus Head Inclination Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods cannot calculate the inclination of a recording head when an image sensor is mounted in the recording head, as the sensor's inclination complicates the calculation of the head's position.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming multiple dot groups using different nozzle groups, capturing images with an image sensor, and statistically processing distances between these groups to calculate the recording head's inclination, while accounting for the sensor's influence and maintaining consistent sub-scan orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image sensor is mounted in the recording head to capture dot group images, then the ability to detect dot positions is improved, but the calculation of recording head inclination becomes impossible because the sensor itself is inclined with the recording head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object (reflection plate or reference mark) as an intermediary between the recording head and the image sensor. This reference object remains stationary and provides a fixed reference frame, allowing the system to measure the recording head's inclination relative to the reference object rather than trying to calculate it directly from the inclined sensor's perspective. The reference object acts as a mediator that decouples the sensor's inclination from the measurement reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual reference frame by capturing images of reference objects at multiple positions and synthesizing a reference pattern that represents the ideal non-inclined state. This virtual copy of the reference system allows the calculation unit to compare actual dot positions against this standardized reference, effectively copying the reference frame into the processing system to overcome the physical inclination of the sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple nozzle groups are used to form dot groups for inclination calculation, then the accuracy of inclination measurement is improved, but the time required to complete the measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple reference objects at predetermined locations before the actual measurement process. The reference objects are placed in advance at known positions and orientations, so that when the image sensor captures images, the calculation unit can immediately use these pre-positioned references to compute inclination without needing to search or establish references during measurement. This preliminary setup significantly reduces measurement time while maintaining high accuracy through multiple reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement process into segments by using multiple separate nozzle groups to form distinct dot groups, each associated with specific reference objects. Instead of using a single large measurement pattern, the system segments the measurement into multiple smaller, independent dot group formations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple measurement regions and reduces the total time required while improving accuracy through multiple independent measurements that can be statistically combined.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a dot recording apparatus in which a first dot group is formed using a first nozzle group, a second dot group is formed in a position that differs from that of the first dot group in either a main scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction, using a second nozzle group, a third dot group in which the position in the sub-scanning direction overlaps with at least a portion of the first dot group, is formed using a third nozzle group, of which the distance from the first nozzle group in a direction of the nozzle row is a first nozzle row distance, a fourth dot group in which the position in the sub-scanning direction overlaps with at least a portion of the second dot group, is formed using a fourth nozzle group, of which the distance from the second nozzle group in a direction of the nozzle row is a second nozzle row distance, which differs from the first nozzle row distance, and inclination of the main scanning direction and a nozzle row are calculated on the basis of a distance in the main scanning direction from the first dot group up to the third dot group, and a distance in the main scanning direction from the second dot group up to the fourth dot group.