Inkjet Head Correction via Single-Job Density Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses require multiple printing jobs and significant paper consumption to acquire correction values for each head module, leading to inefficiencies in time and resource usage due to differences in dispense characteristics between head modules.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that form a testing chart in a single printing job with a first line segment group printed using a reference drive signal and a second line segment group printed with varying correction values, allowing for precise density comparison and rapid acquisition of correction values for each head module, thereby reducing the need for multiple printing jobs and paper consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple printing jobs are carried out to acquire correction values for each head module, then the correction values can be obtained with sufficient accuracy, but the time required increases significantly and a large quantity of printing paper is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing operations into a single printing job by designing a testing chart that includes multiple line segment groups, each corresponding to different head modules. This allows correction values for multiple head modules to be acquired simultaneously in one printing operation, rather than requiring separate printing jobs for each head module, thus reducing both time and paper consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple printing jobs are carried out to acquire correction values for each head module, then the correction values can be obtained with sufficient accuracy, but the consumption of printing paper increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple correction value measurements into a single printing job by creating a comprehensive testing chart that contains multiple line segment groups. Each line segment group corresponds to a different head module, allowing all necessary correction values to be obtained from one printing operation, thereby minimizing paper consumption while ensuring accurate correction values for all head modules.
3Manufacturing precision
If the reference drive voltage is applied to each head module separately in multiple printing jobs, then the dispense characteristics can be corrected accurately, but the number of printing jobs increases with the number of head modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction value acquisition process for multiple head modules into a single printing job by designing a testing chart with multiple line segment groups. Each group is associated with a different head module, allowing simultaneous measurement and correction of dispense characteristics for all head modules, thus improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing chart is segmented into multiple line segment groups, with each group corresponding to a specific head module. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently organize and process correction data for multiple head modules within a single printing job, enabling parallel measurement and correction operations that improve overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A correction value acquiring method for inkjet printing apparatus includes the following steps: a testing chart forming step for forming a testing chart in one printing job, the testing chart including a first line segment group having a plurality of first line segments formed by causing a drive circuit of a head module acting as reference to output a reference drive signal for obtaining a reference density, and a second line segment group having a plurality of second line segments formed by causing drive circuits of head modules other than the head module acting as reference to output the reference drive signal and drive signals with a plurality of different correction values added to the reference drive signal; an identifying step for identifying from the testing chart a second line segment having a density matching with that of a first line segment; and a correction value acquiring step for acquiring a correction value corresponding to the second line segment identified.