Inkjet Recording Head Test Pattern Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses require multiple re-transportations of the recording medium to inspect image quality, leading to prolonged inspection times and unnecessary consumption of additional recording media when correcting ink discharge timing deviations.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a transporting mechanism, recording head, reading unit, re-transporting mechanism, and sensor that records a test pattern, reads it, and then records a re-test pattern on the opposite surface before the medium passes beyond the recording head, allowing for efficient inspection of ink discharge timing without additional medium consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the recording medium is re-transported multiple times to inspect image quality and confirm recovery, then the image quality inspection accuracy is improved, but the inspection time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording a test pattern before actual image recording, and performing image quality judgment at that stage. This allows the system to detect ink discharge timing deviations early and execute correction without needing to re-inspect after re-transportation, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining inspection accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the re-test pattern is recorded on a new recording medium, then the inspection process is simplified, but additional recording media are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the recording medium serve multiple functions by recording both the test pattern and the re-test pattern on the same medium. The medium is first used for test pattern recording and quality inspection, then after correction, it is reused for re-test pattern recording and re-inspection. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for additional recording media while maintaining process simplicity.
3Reliability
If the recording medium is re-transported three times by the second transporting section, then the image quality recovery can be confirmed, but the transportation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By performing the test pattern recording and initial quality inspection before actual image recording, the system identifies ink discharge timing deviations early. This preliminary detection allows correction to be made before the medium undergoes multiple re-transportations, reducing the number of transportation cycles needed while maintaining reliable recovery confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: a transporting mechanism configured to transport a recording medium along a first transporting path; a recording head configured to record an image on the recording medium transported by the transporting mechanism; a reading unit configured to read the recording medium and arranged upstream of the recording head along the first transporting path; a re-transporting mechanism configured to perform re-transportation of the recording medium to the transporting mechanism in a state that front and back surfaces of the recording medium are inverted, by re-transporting the recording medium to return to an upstream portion of the first transporting path, via a second transporting path; a sensor arranged upstream of the recording head along the first transporting path and configured to detect the recording medium transported by the transporting mechanism; and a controller configured to control the recording head, the reading unit, the transporting mechanism and the re-transporting mechanism.