Inkjet Head Nozzle Correction via Segmented Test Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses with wide nozzle arrays face challenges in achieving uniform color density due to variations in nozzle ejecting characteristics, particularly when the nozzle width exceeds the maximum feedable medium width, leading to insufficient correction of nozzles and color density data acquisition limitations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a segmented printing approach, recording correction test patterns multiple times at different relative positions between the recording head and medium, using first and second ejecting port groups to generate correction data for nozzles across the entire width, ensuring comprehensive correction data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a line head with nozzle width greater than maximum guaranteed width of recording medium is used to perform frameless recording, then the recording head can cover the entire area of the recording medium and accommodate conveying errors and manufacturing tolerances, but color density data for only the nozzles corresponding to the maximum guaranteed width can be acquired in one recording operation, leading to insufficient correction of nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The correction test pattern recording process is segmented into multiple operations. The recording head records correction test patterns at different positions (first position and second position) to acquire color density data for different nozzle groups separately. This segmentation allows comprehensive correction data acquisition for all nozzles across the entire recording head width, resolving the limitation of single-position recording.
2Measurement precision
If correction test patterns are recorded at multiple positions to correct all nozzles, then comprehensive correction data can be acquired for the entire nozzle width, but the recording process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording of correction test patterns at multiple predetermined positions before actual image recording. By pre-acquiring color density data for all nozzles at different positions and generating correction data in advance, the system simplifies the overall process and avoids complexity during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system records correction test patterns (copies) at multiple positions instead of attempting to record a single comprehensive pattern. These copied test patterns at different positions are then combined to form complete correction data for all nozzles, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining completeness.
3Productivity
If correction data is generated based on colorimetric results from limited recording positions, then the correction process is simpler and faster, but repeatability errors increase and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges colorimetric results from multiple recording positions (first position and second position) to generate comprehensive correction data. By combining data from different nozzle groups recorded at different positions, the system achieves both efficiency and high reliability, reducing repeatability errors while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
When the width of a recording head is greater than the width of a recording medium having a maximum conveyable width, a recorded image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head cannot be corrected. Multiple correction test patterns are recorded using ejecting ports in part of the recording head, and correction data for correcting an image corresponding to ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head on the basis of the colorimetric result of the test patterns. In this way, image data to be recorded by the ejecting ports in the entire area of the recording head is corrected.