Inkjet Print Head Position Alignment via Dynamic Data Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printing apparatuses face challenges in adjusting ink ejection timings and correcting printing position displacements due to fluctuations in conveyance distances and moisture content of printing media, which can lead to misalignment of ejection port arrays and require halting the printing process for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus detects printing position displacement using a reference print head and adds non-image data to print data for each print head to align their positions, allowing for real-time correction of printing position displacements without halting the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed start addresses are used for reading print data based on ejection port array positions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but printing position displacement cannot be corrected when conveyance distance fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the start address for reading print data variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the start address based on detected conveyance distance fluctuations, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining operational simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling position correction without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting actual conveyance distance and using this information to adjust the start address for subsequent print data reading. The control unit continuously monitors conveyance position and modifies the reading start address accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains printing position accuracy while keeping the operation interface simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If ink ejection timing is adjusted during printing to correct position displacement, then printing position accuracy is improved, but the printing process must be halted causing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the corrected start address for print data reading based on detected conveyance fluctuations. Instead of adjusting ejection timing during printing, the system prepares the corrected data reading position in advance, allowing continuous printing without halts while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically adjusting ejection timing during printing with a data processing approach. By modifying the start address for reading print data, the system achieves position correction through software/control logic rather than mechanical intervention, enabling continuous operation without halts.
3Ease of manufacture
If null data volume is set in fixed units of predetermined bits, then ease of manufacture is improved and processing is simplified, but arbitrary interval setting of ejection port arrays becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the null data volume variable rather than fixed to predetermined bit units. The control unit adjusts the null data volume dynamically based on the actual interval requirements of different ejection port arrays, enabling arbitrary interval setting while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated calculation and insertion of the appropriate null data volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The ink jet printing apparatus, wherein, to print images on a printing medium, a plurality of print heads, each of which includes an ejection port array provided by arranging multiple ink ejection ports in a widthwise direction of the printing medium, are arranged in a conveying direction of the printing medium, including: a unit for detecting a printing position displacement with respect to a printing position of a reference print head on the printing medium for each of remaining print heads excluding the reference print head which is one of the plurality of print heads; and a unit for adding non-image data corresponding to the printing position displacement to print data to be printed by the plurality of print heads, so as to align the printing positions of the plurality of print heads.