Dynamic Inkjet Head Drive Correction for Sheet Density Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with density variations in check patterns recorded on sheets with quality variations, leading to unsolved image quality deterioration due to varying density information about recording heads.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a correction mode that repeatedly adjusts the drive condition for recording heads until density information converges within a predetermined threshold, with the option to change the threshold if density variations persist despite multiple corrections, indicating sheet quality variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the drive condition for recording heads is corrected based on density information from check charts, then density variations in images can be suppressed, but density variations in check patterns may vary sheet by sheet due to sheet quality variations such as recycled paper
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the threshold value for density convergence based on sheet type detection. When sheet quality variations are detected (e.g., recycled paper), the threshold is modified to accommodate variations while still achieving acceptable density uniformity. This dynamic adaptation allows the correction process to maintain effectiveness across different sheet types without failing due to inherent variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the threshold parameter for density convergence based on detected sheet characteristics. By modifying this critical parameter according to sheet quality, the system can achieve reliable density correction across varying sheet types. The threshold adjustment allows the correction algorithm to adapt to different printing conditions while maintaining consistent image quality.
2Device complexity
If the threshold value for density convergence is fixed, then the correction process is simple, but density information may not converge when sheet quality variations cause persistent variations
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold value transitions from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one that adapts based on sheet type detection. When variations persist despite multiple correction iterations, the system detects this pattern and adjusts the threshold accordingly, enabling convergence to be achieved even with sheet quality variations while maintaining manageable process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring whether density information converges within a specified number of correction iterations. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to adjust the threshold value or terminate the correction process. This feedback mechanism prevents infinite loops while ensuring convergence when possible, balancing simplicity with precision.
3Measurement precision
If repeated correction iterations are performed until density converges, then accurate density information is obtained, but the correction process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a limited number of correction iterations (e.g., up to 5 times) rather than continuing until absolute convergence. This partial action approach provides sufficient accuracy for practical purposes while significantly reducing the time required compared to exhaustive correction. The threshold adjustment mechanism compensates for this limited iteration count by allowing greater flexibility in convergence criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction process automatically determines when to stop based on whether density information converges within the specified number of iterations. The system self-evaluates the convergence status and decides whether to continue correcting or terminate, eliminating the need for manual intervention and optimizing the balance between accuracy and time consumption without external control.
Data Source
AI summary
In the inkjet recording apparatus, during execution of a correction mode, an image reading part reads a check chart for density measurement recorded on a sheet by a recording part, whereby a controller acquires density information about recording heads. The controller also repeatedly corrects a drive condition for the recording heads until the acquired density information about the recording heads comes to not more than a predetermined threshold value. When the drive condition for the recording heads has been corrected to a specified number of times, it is decided whether or not the density information about the recording heads has been converging toward a specified value each time the drive condition for the recording heads is corrected, where given that the density information about the recording heads has not been converging toward the specified value, the threshold value is changed.