Inkjet Printer Position Adjustment Using Dual-Cycle Reflectivity Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the printing position in inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving sufficient accuracy due to small changes in optical reflectivity, which are prone to noise interference and do not provide sufficient detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printing apparatus and method that uses a first and second pattern with different cyclic natures, printed in a predetermined direction, to enhance the change in optical reflectivity near the overlap of printing positions, allowing for improved detection accuracy of landing position shifts by utilizing an optical sensor to calculate adjustment values based on the maximum reflectivity points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a smaller shift range is used to calculate the approximate expression, then the calculation error is reduced and approximation accuracy is improved, but the change of optical reflectivity becomes smaller and noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing patterns with different cyclic natures (different periods) in specific regions. The first pattern has a longer cycle while the second pattern has a shorter cycle, creating localized variations in optical reflectivity characteristics that enhance the detectability of position shifts without requiring a large overall shift range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action by employing patterns with different cyclic natures. The first pattern completes fewer cycles within a given length while the second pattern completes more cycles, creating periodic variations in optical reflectivity that amplify the signal change when patterns overlap, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining a manageable shift range.
2Manufacturing precision
If a smaller shift range is used, then the approximation curve matches optical characteristics better, but the effect of disturbance such as noise cannot be ignored
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing patterns with different cyclic natures at specific locations, the patent creates localized regions where optical reflectivity changes more dramatically with position shifts. This local differentiation enhances the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring a larger overall measurement range, thus maintaining both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-designing the pattern structure with different cyclic natures before the actual position measurement. This pre-configuration ensures that when patterns overlap during measurement, the optical reflectivity change is sufficiently large to overcome noise interference, making the measurement process more reliable from the outset.
3Measurement precision
If the change of amount of shift within a smaller range is used, then the approximation calculation is more accurate, but sufficient accuracy cannot be obtained due to small optical reflectivity change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action with different cycles: the first pattern has a longer period while the second pattern has a shorter period. When these patterns overlap, their periodic structures create enhanced optical reflectivity variations that are more pronounced than with uniform patterns, allowing for accurate detection within a smaller shift range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the cyclic nature (period) of the patterns. This parameter differentiation causes the optical reflectivity to change more significantly when patterns overlap, even within a small shift range, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring a large measurement range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach increases the detection accuracy of landing position shifts by amplifying the change in optical reflectivity, reducing noise interference and enabling precise adjustment of ink droplet landing positions, thereby improving the overall printing precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical reflectivity of the third pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a printing apparatus which can adjust printing position more accurately. The apparatus has a printing unit, a pattern printing unit to print a first pattern and a second pattern so as to form a third pattern, and an adjustment unit to perform an adjustment regarding position of dots to be printed by the printing unit based on an optical reflectivity of the third pattern. The second pattern is substantially the same as the first pattern and is shifted relative to the first pattern in a predetermined direction. The first and second patterns each include a plurality of patterns having different cyclic natures in the predetermined direction.