Inkjet Recording Head Nozzle Array Segmentation for Air Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording systems suffer from image defects due to air currents generated during high-speed operation, which affect the discharge direction of ink droplets and result in poor image quality, especially when using high-density recording heads with densely arranged nozzles.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording system that includes a separation unit to generate separated data for each nozzle array, a gradation correction unit for one-dimensional conversion, and a quantization unit to adjust the air current effect by ensuring that first and second separated data corresponding to nozzle arrays have the same value, allowing for uniform distribution of recording data across paired nozzle arrays to mitigate air current impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high-density recording head with densely arranged nozzles is used to achieve high-resolution recording, then image quality is improved, but air current effects occur due to ink discharge from multiple nozzles that adversely affect discharge direction and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is divided into multiple independent nozzle arrays (first nozzle array and second nozzle array) that discharge ink alternately. This segmentation allows the system to control air current effects by separating the discharge events in space and time, preventing the cumulative air current that would occur with simultaneous discharge from all nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink discharge is performed in periodic alternation between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array. This periodic action creates a rhythm of discharge that allows air to stabilize between discharge events, reducing the adverse air current effects while maintaining high-density recording capability.
2Productivity
If the recording head moves at high speed to increase productivity, then recording speed is improved, but air current effects become more pronounced and affect discharge direction
Solution Approach 1:
By alternating discharge between two nozzle arrays, the system creates periodic intervals during which the recording head can move at high speed without accumulating excessive air current. This allows high-speed operation while maintaining discharge precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzle arrays are arranged in parallel to achieve high density, then recording resolution is improved, but the interaction between adjacent nozzles generates air currents that deflect ink droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel nozzle arrays are segmented into alternating discharge groups (first and second nozzle arrays). This segmentation spatially separates the discharge events, reducing the interaction between adjacent nozzles that generates air currents, while maintaining the high-density parallel arrangement for resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Alternating discharge between the first and second nozzle arrays creates periodic intervals that allow air to stabilize between discharge events from adjacent nozzles, reducing the generation and impact of air currents while maintaining high-density configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording system including a separation unit configured to obtain separated data which corresponds to each of a plurality of nozzle arrays from input image data, a gradation correction unit configured to perform gradation correction by one-dimensional conversion on the separated data obtained by the separation unit, and a quantization unit configured to quantize the data on which the gradation correction is performed by the gradation correction unit to generate the recording data, wherein the separation unit obtains the separated data so that first separated data and second separated data corresponding to at least a pair of nozzle arrays for adjusting an effect of an air current have a same value, and the gradation correction unit performs different gradation correction on the first separated data and the second separated data which have the same value.