Inkjet Print Head Misalignment Correction via Inverted Image Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing technologies face challenges in accurately adjusting the printing position of full-line print heads due to errors in attachment, leading to misalignment and deterioration in printing quality, especially when dealing with print media that affects the permeation characteristics of colorless materials.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes processors to obtain and analyze images of patterns on the print medium, determining adjustment values for misalignment by generating inverted images based on recognition processes and print medium information, allowing for precise correction of print head positions regardless of the print medium's permeation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If printing position adjustment is performed based on reading a pattern formed on the print medium, then misalignment between print heads can be corrected, but the accuracy deteriorates when the print medium affects permeation characteristics of colorless materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by generating an inverted image where the density values are reversed (e.g., dark areas become light and vice versa). This allows the recognition process to correctly identify patterns even when the print medium causes unexpected permeation effects that invert the visual appearance of the printed pattern. The inverted image compensates for medium-induced density inversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image density representation by creating an inverted image with reversed density values. This parameter transformation enables the system to adapt to different print medium characteristics without requiring separate calibration for each medium type, thereby improving both measurement precision and adaptability.
2Productivity
If a fixed recognition process is used for pattern analysis, then the processing is simple and fast, but it fails to account for variations in print medium permeation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the image processing adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically generates an inverted image based on the specific pattern being analyzed, allowing the recognition process to adapt to different print medium characteristics while maintaining efficient processing through automated inversion logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the results of the recognition process to determine whether inversion was necessary and to refine the printing position adjustment. The system analyzes the inverted image and uses the recognition results to calculate correction values, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability without significantly increasing processing time.
3Measurement precision
If inversion of read image density is always performed, then recognition accuracy improves for affected media, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing inversion selectively rather than universally. The system determines when inversion is needed based on the specific pattern and medium characteristics, applying the inversion operation only when necessary. This approach maintains high recognition accuracy while avoiding unnecessary processing complexity for cases where inversion is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A read image is obtained. The read image is obtained by reading a pattern for a colored material and a colorless material formed on a print medium by print heads. An adjustment value for adjusting misalignment between printing positions of the print heads is determined by generating an inverted image being the read image with inverted density based on at least one of a result of a recognition process on the pattern in the read image or print medium information indicating a type of the print medium.