Inkjet Printer Batch Adjustment via Constant Conveyance Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses require complex and time-consuming adjustment processes, involving multiple steps and instructions, which lead to increased operational burden and waste paper generation due to the need for sequential execution of adjustment items without considering the optimal order.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus and method that enables batch adjustment processes by maintaining a constant conveyance speed during chart printing and reading, and reducing speed only after the last chart reading, allowing for simultaneous execution of multiple adjustments with a single operator instruction, thereby reducing waste paper and simplifying the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple adjustment items are executed sequentially with multiple operator instructions, then each adjustment can be performed individually, but the operational burden increases and waste paper generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator instruction complexityVSAvoidwaste paper
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adjustment processes (level-difference adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment) into a single batch adjustment process that can be executed with one operator instruction. The adjustment process management unit combines multiple adjustment items into one unified operation, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple adjustments without requiring separate operator instructions for each adjustment item, thereby reducing operational complexity and waste paper generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple adjustment items to be executed in a predetermined order within a single batch process. The adjustment process management unit prepares the sequence of adjustments (level-difference, shading, density) in advance, so that when the operator issues one instruction, all necessary adjustments are automatically performed in the correct sequence without requiring multiple separate instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the conveyance speed is reduced after each chart reading to allow processing, then adjustment data can be calculated and set, but the total adjustment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment data accuracyVSAvoidtotal adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the conveyance mechanism operating at a constant first speed throughout the entire batch adjustment process. The adjustment process management unit calculates and sets adjustment data for multiple adjustment items (level-difference, shading, density) simultaneously while the base material continues to convey at constant speed, eliminating the need to stop or slow down the conveyance mechanism between adjustments. This allows adjustment data processing to occur in parallel with the constant-speed conveyance operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible adjustment process management system that can dynamically handle multiple adjustment items within a single batch process. The system dynamically calculates and sets adjustment data for different adjustment items (level-difference, shading, density) in a predetermined order while maintaining constant conveyance speed, allowing the processing system to adapt to multiple adjustment requirements without changing the physical state of the conveyance mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple adjustment processes are performed in succession with speed changes, then each adjustment can be completed thoroughly, but the number of operator instructions and processing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment completionVSAvoidprocess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate adjustment processes into a single integrated batch adjustment process. The adjustment process management unit combines level-difference adjustment, shading adjustment, and density adjustment into one unified operation that can be triggered by a single operator instruction. The system manages the execution of multiple adjustment items in a predetermined order while maintaining constant conveyance speed, thereby reducing process control complexity while ensuring reliable completion of all adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the conveyance speed is maintained constant throughout the adjustment process, then the adjustment process can be simplified, but adjustment data may not be properly calculated and set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment process simplicityVSAvoidadjustment data setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the conveyance mechanism operating at a constant first speed throughout the entire batch adjustment process. The adjustment process management unit calculates and sets adjustment data for multiple adjustment items simultaneously while the base material continues to convey at constant speed, eliminating the need to stop or slow down the conveyance mechanism between adjustments. This allows adjustment data processing to occur in parallel with the constant-speed conveyance operation, ensuring both process simplicity and adjustment data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4299327B1Printing apparatus and adjustment method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP4299327B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4299327B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4299327B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The inkjet printing apparatus is configured to be able to execute a batch adjustment process of performing a plurality of times of adjustment processes related to printing in succession based on one instruction from an outside. The conveyance control unit maintains the conveyance speed at a first speed (V1) in a period when a chart printing process is performed and a period when a chart imaging process is performed. The conveyance control unit decreases the conveyance speed from the first speed (V1) to the second speed (V2) after the end of the chart imaging process in an adjustment process except for an adjustment process that is performed last in the batch adjustment process, and increases the conveyance speed from the second speed (V2) to the first speed (V1) before the start of the chart printing process in an adjustment process that is performed next.