Inkjet Head Registration Using Asymmetric Patterns for Color Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately aligning the drawing positions of multiple ink jet heads that discharge inks of the same color, leading to color deviations in the printed image, particularly when using transparent substrates and white background images.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with multiple liquid discharging heads, a relative movement device, and a processor system 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 discharge inks of the same color to obtain sufficient image density, then image density is improved, but registration accuracy between drawing positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs point-asymmetric measured patterns that are asymmetric with respect to the discharge direction of ink jet heads. By using asymmetric patterns rather than symmetric ones, the system can detect positional deviations more effectively. The asymmetric design allows the detection pattern to distinguish between correct alignment and misalignment, enabling accurate registration adjustment even when multiple heads discharge the same color ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference pattern and measured pattern as intermediary elements to detect registration deviations. These patterns serve as mediators between the multiple ink jet heads and the control system. By comparing the reference pattern with measured patterns from different ink jet heads, the system can calculate deviation amounts and adjust registration without directly controlling each head's position, thus resolving the contradiction between using multiple heads for density and maintaining registration accuracy.
2Device complexity
If drawing positions of multiple ink jet heads are not precisely aligned, then device complexity is reduced, but color deviation in the printed image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting registration deviations through the reference and measured patterns, then correcting the image data based on the detected deviation amounts. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures or additional adjustment mechanisms, allowing the printing system to maintain color registration accuracy without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors registration status through the detection patterns, calculates deviation amounts, and adjusts image data accordingly. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to compensate for misalignment automatically, maintaining color registration accuracy without requiring complex mechanical adjustment systems.
3Measurement precision
If point-asymmetric measured patterns are used for detection, then registration detection accuracy is improved, but the complexity of pattern processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simplified detection patterns (reference patterns and measured patterns) that are easier to process than full-color test images. These patterns serve as copies or representations that contain the essential information needed for registration detection. By using these simplified patterns instead of complex full-image analysis, the system achieves high detection accuracy while keeping pattern processing complexity manageable.
Data Source
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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.