Image Recording Apparatus Carriage Movement Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face inefficiencies in reducing carriage movement distance without increasing the total number of passes, particularly when recording rectangular data, as they often require scanning with all nozzles even if ink is only ejected from some nozzles, leading to unnecessary carriage movement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a controller to determine the non-usage ratio of nozzles in the last pass and adjusts subsequent passes to reduce carriage movement distance by selectively not using nozzles, thereby shortening the movement distance without increasing the total number of passes, by dividing the non-usage ratio among multiple passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the carriage scans with all nozzles for each pass, then complete image coverage is achieved, but the carriage movement distance increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the nozzle usage pattern across different passes. Specifically, certain nozzles are selectively activated or deactivated depending on the pass number and image data requirements. This allows the system to use only the necessary nozzles for each local region and pass, avoiding unnecessary carriage movements while ensuring complete image coverage is achieved through coordinated multi-pass recording.
2Loss of time
If the carriage movement distance is reduced by not using some nozzles, then recording time decreases, but the complexity of nozzle selection control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-determining the nozzle usage pattern for each pass before actual image recording begins. The control system calculates and stores which nozzles should be active for each pass based on the image data and pass number, eliminating the need for complex real-time decisions during recording. This reduces control complexity while achieving optimized carriage movement distances.
3Length of moving object
If nozzles are selectively deactivated in certain passes, then carriage movement distance shortens, but the uniformity of nozzle usage pattern changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a systematic pattern of nozzle activation and deactivation across different passes. The nozzle usage follows a predetermined periodic schedule where specific nozzles are activated or deactivated based on the pass number, creating a regular and predictable pattern. This maintains compositional stability through structured variation rather than random or ad-hoc nozzle selection.
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
This approach effectively reduces the carriage movement distance and time required for image recording without increasing the number of passes, optimizing the use of nozzles and improving recording efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The head has a plurality of nozzles arranged in the conveyance direction. The controller is configured to record an image formed by a plurality of passes on a sheet by repeatedly controlling the head to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A controller acquires image recording data for recording a plurality of passes; determines a first movement distance of a carriage for recording each of the plurality of passes; determines a non-usage ratio that is a ratio of a number of unused nozzles in a last pass of the plurality of passes to a total number of the plurality of nozzles arranged in a conveyance direction; determines a second movement distance in a particular pass which is recorded before the last pass, the second movement distance being a movement distance of the carriage assuming that the particular pass is recorded without using nozzles of a first ratio smaller than or equal to the non-usage ratio; and in response to determining that the second movement distance is shorter than the first movement distance, performs image recording of the particular pass without using the nozzles of the first ratio.