Droplet Ejecting Apparatus Curl Prediction and Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting the curl of recording media after image formation by droplet ejecting apparatuses are inaccurate due to the difference in curl mechanisms between uniform and local ink coating, leading to insufficient correction and increased time and energy in correcting curl.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that estimate curl degree by calculating the ejected-liquid droplet number and associated amount, using liquid-curl correlation information to accurately predict and correct curl, incorporating a treatment liquid to coagulate or precipitate ink, thereby reducing curl occurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the curl state is predicted based only on liquid amount and position, then the prediction method is simple, but the prediction accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by considering the positional information of each droplet on the recording medium. Instead of treating all droplets uniformly, the system evaluates the curl contribution of each droplet based on its specific location, recognizing that droplets at different positions have different effects on curl generation. This allows accurate prediction while maintaining reasonable computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new parameter - the number of droplets - in addition to the existing liquid amount and position parameters. By changing the parameter set from {liquid amount, position} to {liquid amount, position, droplet number}, the prediction accuracy is improved without excessive complexity increase, as the droplet number can be directly counted from the ejection data.
2Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble ink is used for image formation, then the ink is easy to apply, but curl occurs in the recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by predicting the curl degree before it fully develops, and then taking corrective actions such as adjusting the recording medium characteristics or modifying the ejection conditions in advance. The system calculates the expected curl based on droplet number, liquid amount, and position, then preemptively counteracts it by selecting appropriate recording mediums or adjusting processing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the predicted curl degree is used to adjust the recording process. The system continuously monitors the relationship between droplet ejection patterns and resulting curl, then uses this information to optimize subsequent printing operations, reducing curl occurrence while maintaining the ease of using water-soluble ink.
3Productivity
If inaccurate curl prediction is made, then the correction process takes more time and energy, but the initial prediction is faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing accurate curl prediction before the recording medium undergoes curling. The system calculates the curl degree based on droplet number, liquid amount, and position information from the image formation process, allowing corrective measures to be planned in advance. This prevents the need for time-consuming trial-and-error correction processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of dealing with a curl of a recording medium caused by ejection of a liquid by a droplet ejecting apparatus to the medium, including the steps of: calculating (1) an ejected-liquid amount ejected to an evaluation region defined on the medium and (II) an ejected-liquid associated quantity which is one of (a) an ejected-liquid-droplet number ejected to the evaluation region and (b) an ejected-area associated quantity which is one of an area of unit regions in the evaluation region to which the liquid is ejected; and a ratio of the area of the unit regions to an area of the evaluation region, and estimating at least one of a curl degree of the medium caused by ejection of the liquid thereto; and a correction degree necessary for restraining the curl, on the basis of a position of the evaluation region; and the calculated ejected-liquid amount and ejected-liquid associated quantity.