Liquid Ejecting Head Imaging for Angle, Speed, and Ejection-State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating the ejection characteristics of a liquid ejecting head, such as an ink jet printer, are limited in their ability to assess ejection angles and speeds, leading to potential defects in printed images due to uneven ink distribution, and require additional processes and ink consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition of positional information through imaging droplets ejected from multiple nozzles at different timings, followed by determining the ejection state based on this information, using a system comprising a liquid ejecting apparatus, a measuring apparatus, and an ejection state determining apparatus to analyze the stability and characteristics of ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurement methods are used to evaluate ejection angles, speeds, and non-ejection, then comprehensive ejection characteristics can be assessed, but the number of processes increases and ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (ejection angle, speed, and non-ejection detection) into a single image capture process. By capturing images of droplets from multiple nozzles at different timings and analyzing positional information together, the system evaluates comprehensive ejection characteristics without requiring separate measurement methods, thereby reducing the number of processes and ink consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurement methods are used to evaluate ejection angles, speeds, and non-ejection, then comprehensive ejection characteristics can be assessed, but ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single image capture and analysis process. By capturing droplet images from multiple nozzles at different timings and analyzing positional information comprehensively, the system evaluates ejection angles, speeds, and non-ejection issues simultaneously using the same ink droplets, thereby eliminating the need for additional ink consumption that would result from separate measurement methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If ejection state is not accurately determined, then defects such as unevenness or lack of ink dots occur in printed images, but comprehensive measurement methods are complex and require more processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement system that performs multiple evaluation functions (ejection angle, speed, and non-ejection detection) through a single image capture and analysis process. The image processing unit analyzes positional information of droplets from multiple nozzles at different timings to comprehensively determine ejection states, providing multi-functional capability without increasing system complexity or requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an ejection state of a liquid ejecting head having a plurality of nozzles that are arrayed in a second direction intersecting a first direction and from which liquid is ejected in the first direction includes: an acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of positional information items by capturing, at a plurality of timings, images of droplets ejected from the plurality of nozzles; and a determining step of determining the ejection state based on the plurality of positional information items.