Inkjet Recording Head Nozzle Failure Compensation via Dynamic Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality due to ejection failures in nozzles, which result in line irregularities and quality impairment of the printed images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a detection section to identify ejection failures in nozzles and a determination section that adjusts the direction of the recording medium to minimize the impact of failed nozzles by calculating pixel counts and determining the optimal feeding direction based on image information generated by a contact image sensor, allowing for effective correction and reduction of quality impairment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ejection failure in a nozzle occurs, then line irregularity and image quality impairment occur, but correcting by increasing density of pixels around the failed nozzle may compromise overall image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the image have different pixel densities based on their proximity to failed nozzles. Specifically, pixels in regions adjacent to failed nozzles are assigned higher density values to compensate for the missing ink ejection, while pixels in regions farther from failed nozzles maintain normal or reduced density. This localized adjustment strategy compensates for ejection failures without uniformly degrading the overall image quality, as only specific local regions receive enhanced pixel density correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the recording medium is fed in a fixed direction, then the impact of failed nozzles cannot be minimized, but adjusting the feeding direction adds complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the recording medium feeding direction adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines the optimal feeding direction based on the spatial distribution of failed nozzles and the characteristics of the image to be printed. By rotating or reorienting the recording medium in different directions, the system can minimize the visual impact of failed nozzles on the final image quality, transforming a static feeding mechanism into a dynamic one that adapts to different nozzle failure patterns.
3Reliability
If pixel density is increased around failed nozzles to correct line irregularity, then ejection failure compensation improves, but overall image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the image have different pixel densities based on their proximity to failed nozzles. Specifically, pixels in regions adjacent to failed nozzles are assigned higher density values to compensate for the missing ink ejection, while pixels in regions farther from failed nozzles maintain normal or reduced density. This localized adjustment strategy compensates for ejection failures without uniformly degrading the overall image quality, as only specific local regions receive enhanced pixel density correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the pixel density parameter in the image data based on the location of failed nozzles and the determined feeding direction. The controller modifies the density values of specific pixels in the image data before transmission to the recording head, creating a corrected image data set that compensates for ejection failures. This parameter adjustment is performed adaptively based on the actual nozzle status and image characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a detection section, and a determination section. The recording head includes nozzles that eject ink onto a recording medium. The detection section detects ejection failure in a nozzle among the nozzles. The determination section determines a direction of the recording medium to be fed to the recording head based on a result of detection by the detection section and an image formed on the recording medium.