Inkjet Head Controller Waveform Selection for Test Pattern Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses require the simultaneous ejection of pretreatment and ink liquids for recording, which is inefficient and limits the ability to record test patterns using only the pretreatment liquid without ink contact.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with separate ejection heads for pretreatment and ink liquids, controlled by a controller that selects waveforms for each pixel based on image data to determine if and how much of each liquid is ejected, allowing for the recording of test patterns using only the pretreatment liquid by preventing ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same image data is used to control ejection of both ink and pretreatment liquid, then the system can operate with a unified control mechanism, but it becomes impossible to record test patterns using only pretreatment liquid without ink contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different waveform data types (first waveform for ink, second waveform for pretreatment liquid) based on the recording mode. The controller switches between unified control using image data and selective control using test pattern data, allowing the system to adapt its control mechanism to different operational requirements without structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple functions: it can process both image data for normal recording and test pattern data for calibration. The same ejection heads and control architecture serve both standard image recording and test pattern recording purposes, eliminating the need for separate control systems
2Loss of substance
If pretreatment liquid is applied only to areas where ink dots will be formed, then consumption of pretreatment liquid is reduced, but the ability to calibrate and adjust the pretreatment-liquid head is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by recording test patterns using only pretreatment liquid before actual image recording. This preliminary test pattern recording allows the pretreatment-liquid head to be adjusted and calibrated without consuming pretreatment liquid during normal operation, as the calibration is completed in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The recording process is segmented into distinct phases: calibration phase using only pretreatment liquid with test patterns, and normal recording phase using both pretreatment liquid and ink with image data. This segmentation allows the calibration function to operate independently with optimized pretreatment liquid usage
3Manufacturing precision
If both ink and pretreatment liquid are ejected based on image data, then normal image recording is achieved, but pretreatment liquid is wasted on areas where no ink is ejected
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different ejection strategies to different areas: for normal recording, pretreatment liquid is applied only to pixels where ink will be ejected (based on image data analysis); for test pattern recording, pretreatment liquid is applied to all specified pixels without ink. This local differentiation optimizes pretreatment liquid usage in each context
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
Enables efficient use of pretreatment liquid by applying it only where needed, allowing for effective calibration and adjustment of the pretreatment-liquid head without ink contact, reducing waste and improving recording precision.
Implementation Method 1
second liquid for coagulating or precipitating a constituent of first liquid
Implementation Method 2
second liquid for coagulating or precipitating a constituent of first liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus, including: a first head for ejecting first liquid for recording; a second head for ejecting second liquid; and a controller. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of waveforms for ejecting the first liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the first-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of the of waveforms for ejecting the second liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the second-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller determines whether recording of a test pattern using the second liquid is required, and when the recording of the test pattern using the second liquid is required, selects the waveform such that the first liquid is not ejected.