Inkjet Head Alignment Using Asymmetric Pattern Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately aligning the drawing positions of multiple ink jet heads discharging inks of the same color, leading to color deviations in the printed image.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with multiple liquid discharging heads, a relative movement device, and a processor that uses a reference pattern and point-asymmetric measured patterns to correct image data based on deviation amounts, ensuring precise alignment of ink jet heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple ink jet heads discharging inks of the same color are used to obtain sufficient image density, then image density is improved, but drawing position alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the drawing positions of multiple ink jet heads before actual printing occurs. A detection pattern is printed using the ink jet heads, and the processor calculates the deviation between expected and actual positions in advance. This allows correction of alignment issues before the main printing process, enabling multiple same-color ink jet heads to achieve both high density and accurate alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If detection patterns are used to adjust drawing positions, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the printing apparatus automatically detect its own alignment status and correct its positioning without external intervention. The processor automatically calculates deviations from detected drawing positions and generates corrected image data, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-correct alignment issues, thereby reducing the need for complex manual adjustment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If drawing positions of multiple ink jet heads are adjusted manually, then alignment can be improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated digital processing. Instead of physically adjusting ink jet heads or using complex mechanical alignment tools, the system uses image processing to detect drawing positions and digitally calculates and applies corrections to the image data. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with digital processing significantly reduces adjustment time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a printing apparatus, a method for manufacturing a printed material, and a program that can match drawing positions of a plurality of liquid discharging heads that discharge inks of the same color with drawing positions of liquid discharging heads of inks of other colors. A processor prints a reference pattern on a substrate by discharging a liquid of a first color from a first liquid discharging head among a plurality of liquid discharging heads that discharge a liquid, prints each point-asymmetric measured pattern on the substrate by discharging a liquid of a second color from a second liquid discharging head and a third liquid discharging head, and corrects image data in accordance with a deviation amount between the reference pattern and the measured pattern.