Inkjet Printing Control with In-Image Mark Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers require separate test patterns and downtime for adjusting ink droplet landing positions and paper feed, leading to inefficiencies in high-precision bidirectional and sub-scanning printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that forms an intermediate image with a detectable mark portion during a given pass, allowing for real-time detection and adjustment of landing positions and paper feed without the need for separate test patterns, using a control unit to manage main and sub-scanning movements and liquid ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate test pattern is formed to adjust landing positions and paper feed, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test pattern formation with the actual print image formation by superimposing the test pattern onto a blank portion of the print image. This allows simultaneous formation of both the test pattern and the useful print output, eliminating the need for separate test pattern printing and reducing downtime while maintaining measurement precision for landing position and paper feed adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the actual print image while also forming the test pattern for measurement and adjustment purposes. The same printing process serves both production and calibration functions, improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate test pattern is formed to adjust landing positions and paper feed, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The test pattern formation is merged with the normal printing operation by placing the test pattern in a blank area of the print image. This allows the system to perform paper feed precision adjustments without stopping production, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving the required measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process continues without interruption to form both the print image and the test pattern in the same pass. This continuous operation eliminates downtime for separate test pattern formation, maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate paper feed precision through the integrated test pattern.
3Measurement precision
If a separate test pattern is formed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The test pattern and print image are formed simultaneously in the same printing pass using the same liquid ejection process. This eliminates the need for a separate test pattern printing step, reducing liquid consumption while maintaining the measurement precision required for accurate landing position detection.
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
Reduces liquid, medium consumption, and printing time by eliminating the need for test patterns, while ensuring high-precision bidirectional and sub-scanning adjustments, thus enhancing printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a recording head 30 having a nozzle row 33 capable of ejecting liquid 36 onto the medium ME0
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit 60 that detects a state of the liquid 36 landed on the medium ME0
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A printing apparatus (1) includes a recording head (30), a control unit (U1), and a detection unit (60). The control unit performs control to form an intermediate image on a medium. The intermediate image includes a mark portion (MAO) detectable by the detection unit and is formed by a given pass among a plurality of passes, based on an input image. The control unit performs control to form, on the medium, a remaining image that is a print image excluding the intermediate image. The remaining image is formed in a pass subsequent to the given pass. The detection unit detects a state of the mark portion. The control unit can execute processing based on the state of the mark portion detected by the detection unit.