Inkjet Nozzle Array Block Division for Odd-Scan Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face image defects due to misalignment of ink landing positions during odd-numbered pass printing, which are not effectively addressed by existing divisional control methods.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and control method that alternately perform forward and backward scans, using selective printing modes with specific mask patterns to divide nozzle arrays into blocks with varying numbers of continuous nozzles, allowing for even or odd numbered scans, thereby minimizing misalignment and image defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional printing is used to reduce printing time, then productivity is improved, but misalignment between ink landing positions occurs causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is divided into multiple blocks, and different blocks are selectively activated in forward and backward scans. This segmentation allows independent control of printing regions, enabling compensation for misalignment by adjusting which blocks print in each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different blocks of the nozzle array are assigned different printing functions based on their position. Blocks closer to the leading end have different ejection patterns compared to blocks near the trailing end, allowing local optimization of ink landing positions to compensate for directional misalignment.
2Device complexity
If the same block width is used for odd and even number of passes, then device complexity is reduced, but image defects become conspicuous in odd-numbered pass printing
Solution Approach 1:
The mask pattern configuration is made dynamic and adaptive based on the number of passes. The control unit selectively determines different block widths for odd-numbered passes versus even-numbered passes, allowing the system to optimize image quality for each pass type while managing complexity through automated selection.
3Manufacturing precision
If divisional control with multiple passes is used for high duty images, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blocks of the nozzle array are utilized simultaneously across forward and backward scans, ensuring continuous printing coverage. By strategically selecting which blocks print in each direction, the system maintains high duty coverage while reducing the number of required passes compared to traditional sequential divisional control.
Data Source
AI summary
One of printing modes including a first mode in which printing is performed by an even number of scans and a second mode in which printing is performed by an odd number of scans, the odd number being three or more, is executed. In the first mode, printing is performed using a first mask pattern in which the nozzle array is divided into a plurality of blocks each including a first number of continuous nozzles and an ink ejection area or non-ejection area is set for each of the blocks. In the second mode, printing is performed using a second mask pattern in which the nozzle array is divided into a plurality of blocks each including a second number of continuous nozzles, the second number being less than the first number, and an ink ejection area or non-ejection area is set for each of the blocks.