Encoder Signal Compensation for Stable High-Resolution Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital printing devices face issues with jitter in encoder signals, leading to fluctuations in dot generation, which negatively affect print quality, especially at high speeds and resolutions, resulting in 'missing dots' and nozzle failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and compensator that determine and generate a compensated encoder signal to maintain target dot resolution while avoiding exceeding the maximum activation frequency of dot generators, by averaging and down-clocking encoder signals, thereby reducing jitter and ensuring stable print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If encoder signal is used for timing of dot generators at high print speeds and high dot resolutions, then print speed and dot resolution are improved, but jitter in encoder signal causes activation frequency to exceed maximum permissible frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining a compensated encoder signal in advance that accounts for jitter effects. The compensation value is calculated beforehand based on expected jitter characteristics, and this pre-calculated compensation is applied to the encoder signal before it is used for dot generator activation timing. This prevents frequency exceedances rather than reacting to them after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the encoder signal for jitter and dynamically adjusting the timing of activation pulses accordingly. The system measures the actual encoder signal characteristics and uses this feedback information to modify the activation frequency, ensuring it remains within maximum permissible limits while maintaining high print speeds and resolutions.
2Manufacturing precision
If encoder signal with jitter is used for dot generation, then target dot resolution is achieved on average, but temporary exceedance of maximum activation frequency causes missing dots and nozzle failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a compensation mechanism that anticipates and cushions against the harmful effects of encoder jitter. The compensation value acts as a buffer that absorbs the variations in encoder signal timing, preventing these variations from causing activation frequency to exceed maximum permissible levels. This cushioning effect maintains reliable dot generation while preserving target dot resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of the activation pulses based on the compensated encoder signal. By dynamically adjusting the activation timing according to the compensated signal, the system maintains the average dot resolution while ensuring that instantaneous activation frequency never exceeds the maximum permissible frequency, thereby preventing missing dots and nozzle failures.
3Reliability
If encoder signal is down-clocked to reduce activation frequency, then maximum activation frequency is not exceeded, but dot resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating compensation values that account for the relationship between encoder signal frequency and dot resolution requirements. This allows the system to maintain optimal dot resolution while ensuring activation frequency remains within permissible limits, avoiding the need for excessive down-clocking that would compromise resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method and a compensator via which the input edges of the encoder signal of an encoder may be transformed into a compensated encoder signal such that requirements with regard to a dot resolution of a printing device and with regard to a maximum activation frequency of the dot generators of the printing device are satisfied.