Ink-jet Recording Device Dot Pattern Positioning Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet recording devices face challenges in correcting positional deviations of the recording head, leading to image quality issues such as leaning linework and irregular color, which require increased image data handling and complex configuration, resulting in higher costs and reduced recording speed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming a first dot pattern by a first nozzle at the upstream side and a second dot pattern by a second nozzle at the downstream side, with the sheet-feeding unit positioning the first dot pattern to face the second nozzle, allowing for positional adjustments without increasing memory or data transfer, thus enabling high-visibility print position adjustments without complex head control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional leaning correction methods are used to improve image quality, then positional accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional memory and complex data handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a test pattern that copies the structure of actual image data but simplifies it to binary form (recorded/not recorded). This test pattern is printed and visually inspected to detect leaning, eliminating the need for complex electronic measurement systems while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, disposable test pattern that can be printed and discarded after use. This replaces expensive, complex electronic measurement and correction systems with a low-cost visual inspection method using basic dot patterns.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional leaning correction methods are used to improve image quality, then positional accuracy is improved, but recording speed decreases due to increased image data handling
Solution Approach 1:
The test pattern uses a simplified copy of image data structure (binary recorded/not recorded states) rather than full-resolution image data. This reduces data processing requirements while maintaining the ability to detect leaning accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies leaning correction only to the test pattern printing phase, not to every subsequent image printing operation. The correction parameters determined from the test pattern are then applied to improve subsequent printing without repeating the full correction process, thus maintaining speed.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual inspection of test patterns is used to detect leaning, then leaning can be recognized, but the method lacks precision in quantitative measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from continuous positional coordinates to discrete binary states (recorded/not recorded). By transforming the measurement into a binary pattern analysis, the system achieves sufficient precision for practical purposes without requiring complex continuous measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The test pattern is designed with predetermined dot arrangements that amplify leaning effects into visually detectable patterns. This preliminary structuring of the test data makes subtle leaning deviations more apparent and easier to measure accurately through simple visual inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device drives a recording head mounted on a carriage while main-scanning by moving the carriage in a direction generally orthogonal to the sheet-feeding direction of a sheet. The recording device drives a first nozzle of the recording head at an upstream side in the sheet-feeding direction of the sheet to form a first dot pattern while scanning the carriage and drives a second nozzle at a downstream side in the sheet-feeding direction of the sheet to form a second dot pattern. The recording device feeds a region where the first dot pattern is recorded to a position facing the second nozzle. The second dot pattern is recorded in a region where the first dot pattern is not recorded.