Inkjet Nozzle Compensation Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording techniques, such as ink-jet methods, face challenges in optimizing defective-recording-element compensation parameters, especially when a defective recording element is present, leading to suboptimal correction and potential non-uniform reference patches, which can result in inefficient optimization of compensation parameters.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus and method that utilize a designated-nozzle fast optimization process, employing a test chart with non-recording, measurement, and uniform concentration regions to continuously or intermittently apply defective-recording-element compensation parameters, minimizing the difference in concentration values to derive the optimum parameter for the designated recording element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a defective recording element is present in the reference patch, then the optimization process can identify and correct defective nozzles, but the reference patch concentration becomes non-uniform leading to suboptimal compensation parameter selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reference patch into multiple sub-regions, each corresponding to individual nozzles. By segmenting the reference patch concentration measurement into nozzle-specific values, the system can identify which specific nozzle is defective while maintaining the ability to select appropriate compensation parameters. This segmentation allows the optimization process to continue even when some nozzles are defective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compensation parameters to different nozzles based on their individual characteristics and defect types. Instead of using a single uniform compensation parameter for all nozzles, the system selects optimal parameters locally for each nozzle based on the reference patch measurements and white line evaluation results. This local quality approach enables precise correction tailored to each nozzle's specific condition.
2Productivity
If the number of nozzles is increased to several thousands for single pass method, then higher resolution and faster printing are achieved, but the complexity of optimizing all nozzles becomes prohibitively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optimization approach from individual nozzle-level parameter adjustment to region-level (white line) parameter optimization. By evaluating compensation effectiveness based on white line visibility in the reference patch rather than measuring each nozzle individually, the system reduces the number of parameters that need to be optimized from thousands (one per nozzle) to a manageable number (one per white line region), making the process feasible for high-resolution printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optimization process that handles both defective and non-defective nozzles through the same white line evaluation mechanism. The same reference patch and compensation parameter selection chart are used regardless of nozzle status, providing a unified approach that scales to any number of nozzles without increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional compensation parameter selection methods are used, then the process is simple, but they fail to account for defective nozzles resulting in inaccurate compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of defective nozzles by analyzing the reference patch before final compensation parameter selection. The system first identifies white lines caused by defective nozzles, then uses this information to select appropriate compensation parameters. This preliminary action ensures that compensation parameters are accurately tailored to the actual nozzle conditions without complicating the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference patch is read and analyzed to evaluate white line visibility, and this evaluation feeds back into the compensation parameter selection process. The system continuously refines parameter selection based on actual printing results observed in the reference patch, improving accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback loops.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the optimization of a non-discharge correction parameter for correcting a non-discharge using a non-discharge correction nozzle, a first test chart (10) including a non-recording region (12) that is the recording position of the non-discharge correction nozzle, a measurement chart region (14, 16) where a measurement chart is formed, and a uniform concentration region (18) is formed for a designated nozzle that is previously designated. Then, the first test chart (10) is read, the reading data is analyzed, the concentration at the measurement chart and the concentration at the uniform concentration region (18) are compared for each non-discharge correction parameter, and a non-discharge correction parameter corresponding to the concentration at the measurement chart that minimizes the concentration difference from the uniform concentration region is derived as the optimum value of the non-discharge correction parameter for the designated nozzle.