Inkjet Printing Head Nozzle Correction for Concentration Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers face challenges in suppressing concentration unevenness between overlap and non-overlap regions due to variations in nozzle ejection characteristics and potential printing head inclination, leading to streaks in printed images.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that adjust correction values for raster lines based on printing conditions such as head inclination and paper gap, using a combination of nozzles in the overlap and non-overlap regions to maintain consistent ink concentration, with the printing head printing first raster lines with a predetermined number of nozzles and second raster lines with a greater number of nozzles, and adjusting correction values for adjacent first raster lines to compensate for concentration differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If correction values are set based on head inclination to correct concentration variation, then concentration uniformity is improved, but concentration unevenness in streak form occurs due to different numbers of nozzles in overlap and non-overlap regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different correction values for raster lines in the overlap region versus non-overlap region, and further differentiating correction values based on the specific number of nozzles contributing to each raster line. This localized differentiation allows precise control of ink concentration in each region, preventing streak formation while maintaining overall uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the correction value parameter dynamically based on printing conditions, specifically the number of nozzles contributing to each raster line. By adjusting correction values according to the variable number of nozzles (1-5 nozzles per raster line), the system compensates for concentration differences without creating streaks.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple head chips are combined to form the printing head, then printing coverage is improved, but concentration difference between overlap and non-overlap regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the concentration difference caused by multiple head chips by applying different correction values to raster lines in the overlap region (where multiple nozzles contribute) versus non-overlap region (where fewer nozzles contribute). This local differentiation maintains printing coverage while ensuring concentration uniformity across the entire printing area.
3Manufacturing precision
If correction values are adjusted for each raster line to suppress concentration variation, then concentration uniformity is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic correction values that are determined based on the actual number of nozzles contributing to each raster line. Rather than using fixed correction values, the system dynamically adjusts correction values according to the variable nozzle configuration (1-5 nozzles per raster line), achieving concentration uniformity while managing processing complexity through condition-based logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus comprising a printing head including a plurality of nozzles, a correction value setting unit configured to set a correction value, a printing data generation unit configured to correct image data and a printing control unit configured to cause to print a first region and a second region on, based on the image data after correction, wherein the printing control unit causes to print one of the first raster lines with a predetermined number of the nozzles and to print one second raster line with a number, greater than the predetermined number, of the nozzles, and the correction value setting unit sets the correction value applied to the second raster line and the correction value applied to some of the first raster lines, in accordance with a printing condition that changes a concentration difference of the second raster line from the first raster lines.