Inkjet Nozzle Clogging Detection via Variable Resolution Test Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as ink-jet recording devices, face challenges in enhancing resolution and visual determination of nozzle clogging, especially in interlace mode where the narrow distance between dots makes it difficult to identify clogged nozzles.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that allows for the formation of a test pattern with a different resolution than the subject image, enabling visual determination of nozzle clogging by using a recording head with dot forming sections aligned in a secondary scanning direction, and moving it relative to the medium using primary and secondary scanning portions, with specific instruction portions to set and form the test pattern independently of the subject image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an interlace mode is used to enhance resolution by reducing record dot pitch smaller than nozzle pitch, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because visual determination of nozzle clogging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording process into two separate operations: subject image recording and test pattern recording. The test pattern is recorded in a separate area with different parameters (larger dot pitch, different color) to enable visual inspection of nozzle status without being affected by the high-resolution interlace mode used for the subject image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different recording qualities to different areas of the recording medium. The subject image area uses high-resolution interlace mode with small record dot pitch, while the test pattern area uses a different mode with larger dot pitch and distinct color characteristics to facilitate visual inspection of nozzle functionality.
2Device complexity
If test pattern is formed in the same area as subject image in interlace mode, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because distance between dots is too narrow to visually determine nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test pattern formation from the subject image recording area. The test pattern is recorded in a separate, dedicated area on the recording medium, allowing it to have different recording parameters (larger dot spacing, distinct color) optimized for visual inspection purposes, while the subject image maintains its high-resolution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional distinction by separating the test pattern and subject image into different spatial areas on the recording medium. This spatial separation allows the test pattern to be formed with different parameters (larger dot pitch, different color) that are optimized for visual inspection, while the subject image area maintains high-resolution characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for forming an appropriate test pattern is provided. A control section 41 includes: an image combination section 412 for combining image information corresponding to a subject image P1 of a first resolution, with second pattern information which corresponds to a test pattern P2 of a second resolution different from the first resolution, and which represents image information of the first resolution, so as to generate combined image information as one piece of image information; and an operation instruction section 413 for instructing a recording head 1, a head driving section 2, and a medium driving section 3 to form, on a recording medium, the combined image information corresponding to one piece of image information.