Inkjet Printing With Embedded Marks for Alignment and Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers require separate test patterns and media for high-precision printing, leading to downtime and inefficiencies in achieving precise bidirectional and sub-scanning adjustments, as well as density control.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that forms an intermediate image with a detectable mark portion during a given pass, allowing for real-time detection and adjustment of landing positions, bidirectional alignment, and density without the need for separate test patterns, using a recording head and detection unit to control main and sub-scanning movements and liquid ejection across multiple passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate test patterns are used for high-precision printing adjustment, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to downtime during test pattern formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test pattern formation with the actual print image formation by incorporating a mark portion (test pattern) into the print image itself. This allows the detection unit to measure landing positions, bidirectional alignment, and density while the printer is producing actual output, eliminating separate test pattern downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by forming the mark portion during normal print operations rather than requiring separate test printing. The detection unit continuously monitors the mark portion in the print image, allowing adjustment parameters to be obtained without interrupting the printing workflow.
2Measurement precision
If separate test patterns are used for adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate test pattern requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test pattern (mark portion) with the print image, eliminating the need for separate test pattern generation systems. The same recording head and detection unit used for normal printing are utilized for measurement, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording head and detection unit serve dual purposes: they both form and measure the print image under normal operation. The mark portion embedded in the print image allows the detection unit to perform measurement functions without requiring dedicated test pattern equipment.
3Measurement precision
If separate test patterns are used for density adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to additional ink consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges density measurement with normal print production by embedding the mark portion in the print image. The detection unit measures density of the mark portion during regular printing operations, eliminating the need for separate test pattern printing that would consume additional ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The print image itself serves the dual function of being the final output and the measurement target. The mark portion within the print image enables the system to self-measure density and other parameters without requiring external test patterns or additional material consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces liquid and media consumption, and printing time by eliminating the need for test patterns, while achieving high-precision bi-directional and sub-scanning adjustments, and density control in a single pass process.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that detects a state of the liquid landed on the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a recording head, a control unit, and a detection unit. The control unit performs control to form an intermediate image on a medium. The intermediate image includes a mark portion detectable by the detection unit and is formed by a given pass among a plurality of passes, based on an input image. The control unit performs control to form, on the medium, a remaining image that is a print image excluding the intermediate image. The remaining image is formed in a pass subsequent to the given pass. The detection unit detects a state of the mark portion. The control unit can execute processing based on the state of the mark portion detected by the detection unit.