Inkjet Line Head Nozzle Compensation via Test Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers using line heads with secondary chromatic colors face challenges in addressing stripe unevenness due to non-ejection nozzles, as existing compensation methods are not optimal for the increased complexity of multi-color ink sets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method that uses a test pattern and special color conversion tables to identify and correct non-ejection nozzles by comparing data and adjusting ink amounts, allowing for optimal compensation and minimizing stripe unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a line head with multiple nozzles covering the entire width is used, then recording speed is improved, but the probability of non-ejection nozzles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of non-ejection nozzles by forming test patterns before actual image recording. The detection unit identifies defective nozzles in advance, allowing the system to prepare compensation data beforehand. This preliminary action ensures that when actual recording occurs, the system can immediately apply appropriate compensation without interrupting the recording process, thus maintaining high recording speed while addressing nozzle reliability issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inks of secondary chromatic colors are added to expand color reproduction range, then color reproduction is improved, but the complexity of non-ejection correction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages the complexity of multi-color ink compensation by systematically varying and controlling ink amount parameters. The correction data generation unit adjusts the amounts of different inks (including secondary chromatic colors) based on detection results, using predefined correction rules for each ink type. This parameter-based approach allows the system to handle complex multi-color compensation through systematic adjustment of ink amounts rather than complex mechanical or procedural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the compensation process into distinct handling rules for different ink types. Primary chromatic colors (C, M, Y) and secondary chromatic colors (R, G, B) are compensated using different strategies. This segmentation allows the complex multi-color compensation problem to be broken down into manageable sub-problems, each with its own correction rules, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional compensation methods are used with multi-color inks, then stripe unevenness compensation is attempted, but the compensation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal compensation system that handles both traditional four-color (CMYK) and extended multi-color (CMYK+RB) ink sets through a single integrated detection and correction mechanism. The detection unit identifies non-ejection nozzles regardless of which ink type is affected, and the correction data generation unit applies appropriate compensation rules based on the detected defect. This universal approach maintains high compensation effectiveness across different ink configurations without requiring separate compensation systems for each ink set.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method that forms an image by using inks of secondary chromatic colors based on an input image, the method including: forming a test pattern that uses a color chart with the entire secondary chromatic colors of the used inks by using a normal color conversion table for converting a first color space of the input image into a second color space of the formed image; comparing data obtained by scanning the formed test pattern with second color space data of the test pattern, and identifying a non-matching color portion as a non-ejection color and a line position containing a non-ejection nozzle thereof; preparing a special color conversion table, the special color conversion table being provided for each omission ink; and setting and using the special color conversion table for an omission ink corresponding to the non-ejection color at the line position containing the identified non-ejection nozzle.