Inkjet Colorimeter Position Correction for Paper Width Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a stable positional relationship between a color chart and a colorimeter due to displacement of the print medium in directions orthogonal to the conveyance direction, leading to incorrect colorimetric data and increased need for reprinting, despite adjustments made after medium replacement.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a conveyance mechanism, ink ejection head, reader, and positional displacement calculation unit that adjusts the reader's position or color chart recording position to compensate for orthogonal displacement during conveyance, ensuring accurate colorimetric data even with large print volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of the patch included in the color chart is increased to maintain stable colorimetry, then colorimetry stability is improved, but the region for recording actual print job images is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the reader's position or the color chart recording position based on calculated orthogonal displacement amounts before colorimetry is performed. This proactive adjustment ensures that the colorimeter reads the color chart at the correct position even when medium displacement occurs during conveyance, thereby maintaining colorimetry stability without needing to increase patch size.
2Measurement precision
If the position of the colorimeter is adjusted frequently to compensate for medium displacement, then colorimetry accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the color chart itself to detect orthogonal displacement. The system calculates the displacement amount based on the detected position of the color chart relative to the reader, then uses this feedback information to adjust the reader position or color chart recording position for subsequent colorimetry, maintaining accuracy without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the color chart to automatically detect and compensate for its own positional displacement. The color chart serves dual purposes: as a reference for colorimetry and as a detection target for calculating orthogonal displacement, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention.
3Productivity
If the print medium conveys a long distance in the conveyance direction, then productivity is improved, but orthogonal displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses orthogonal displacement by introducing detection and correction in the orthogonal direction (perpendicular to conveyance direction). While the print medium conveys long distances in the conveyance direction for productivity, the system simultaneously monitors and compensates for displacement in the orthogonal direction through reader position adjustment or color chart recording position adjustment, maintaining precision despite extended conveyance.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus includes: a positional displacement amount calculation unit configured to, during printing processing, calculate a positional displacement amount of printing paper in a paper width direction based on colorimetric data obtained by colorimetry of a color chart by a colorimeter; a colorimeter movement mechanism configured to move the colorimeter; and a colorimeter movement control unit configured to control an operation of the colorimeter movement mechanism based on the positional displacement amount calculated by the positional displacement amount calculation unit.