Inkjet Head Adjustment via Printed Color Chart Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting ink weight variations in printing heads, caused by manufacturing differences and environmental changes, are inefficient and require expensive equipment and time, leading to density unevenness and poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that generates and prints a color chart with identification patches, allowing a colorimeter to measure and adjust ink ejection based on specific printing conditions, thereby optimizing ink weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ink weight adjustment methods are used, then adjustment can be performed, but it requires expensive machines and materials, consumes a lot of time and effort, and achieves low accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a color chart with identification patches that copies encoding information into visual patterns. The colorimeter reads these printed patterns to identify printing conditions and generate adjustment values, replacing expensive specialized adjustment equipment with a standard color measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual adjustment procedures and expensive mechanical adjustment machines with an automated optical measurement system. The colorimeter optically reads the color chart and the system automatically calculates adjustment values, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment equipment.
2Productivity
If traditional ink weight adjustment methods are used, then adjustment can be performed, but it consumes a lot of time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system encodes printing condition information into the color chart pattern itself, allowing automatic identification without manual input. The colorimeter rapidly reads the printed identification patches to determine voltage, temperature, and other conditions, eliminating time-consuming manual data entry and lookup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The color chart automatically contains all necessary identification information about the printing conditions through its pattern design. The system self-identifies the printing conditions by reading the color chart, eliminating the need for operators to manually input or select adjustment parameters.
3Measurement precision
If the same color chart is used for different printing conditions, then the process is simple, but adjustment accuracy deteriorates because the color chart does not reflect specific printing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs different identification patches with specific color combinations and arrangements for different printing conditions (voltage, temperature, ink type). Each local region of the color chart contains information specific to particular printing conditions, allowing the system to adapt to various conditions while using a single standardized color chart format.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification patches encode printing condition parameters through variations in color, pattern arrangement, and patch positioning. By changing these visual parameters in the color chart design, the system can identify and adjust for different printing conditions without requiring multiple physical charts or complex input procedures.
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 enables efficient and accurate adjustment of ink ejection, reducing density unevenness and improving image quality by allowing for precise voltage adjustments in inkjet printing heads.
Implementation Method 1
the same voltage is applied to piezoelectric elements of the chips
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a print data generating section that generates print data of a color chart in which a plurality of patches are arranged and which includes an identification patch indicating a printing condition of a printing apparatus when the color chart is printed; and a printing control section that enables the printing apparatus to print the print data of the color chart that varies depending on the printing condition.