Inkjet Printer Timing Correction for Landing Position Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining image quality due to deviations in ink droplet landing positions, especially when dot sizes are reduced, leading to noticeable color changes, as existing correction methods using belt profile data are insufficient for fine deviations and non-synchronous periodic changes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a landing-position-deviation-pattern acquisition unit, storage unit, and corrector that acquires and corrects ink ejection timing based on a test pattern image, using Fourier transform to identify deviation patterns and adjust relative landing positions across multiple colors, and considers paper size and type for precise timing corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the dot diameter is reduced to improve image quality, then the resolution and detail are improved, but the deviation of ink landing position becomes more conspicuous causing color changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the ejection timing of ink droplets based on detected landing position deviations. The control unit modifies ejection timing parameters dynamically to compensate for deviations, ensuring that even with reduced dot diameters, the ink droplets land at the correct positions and color accuracy is maintained.
2Reliability
If conventional profile data correction is used, then transfer belt unevenness is corrected, but fine-level deviations (5-10 μm) and non-synchronous periodic changes are not corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a scanner to detect the actual landing positions of ink droplets on the print paper, comparing them with target positions, and using this information to generate corrected profile data. This closed-loop feedback system enables correction of fine-level deviations and non-synchronous periodic changes that conventional open-loop methods cannot address.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing corrected profile data that compensates for various sources of deviation including fine-level deviations and non-synchronous periodic changes. This pre-correction is applied before actual printing, enabling the system to proactively compensate for expected deviations rather than reacting to them after they occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple correction methods are implemented to address all deviation sources, then comprehensive correction is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple correction approaches by integrating scanner-based detection, profile data generation, and ejection timing correction into a unified system. Rather than implementing separate complex systems for different types of deviations, the patent combines them into a single integrated correction process that handles all deviation sources through one coherent mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device and an image forming method capable of suppressing a deviation of ink landing position generated by transfer unevenness of a transfer belt and also suppressing a deviation of ink landing position at a fine level generated by the different causes by generating correction profile data specifying a correction value of ink ejection timing from contents of the deviation of landing position of each pixel calculated by reading a test pattern image printed by an inkjet printer by a scanner unit and by performing ink ejection timing correction using the correction profile data.