Inkjet Recording Apparatus Optical Characteristic Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting image density in inkjet printing are complex and require frequent calibration using reference charts, which are prone to variations due to aging and optical characteristic changes in sensors, affecting the accuracy of recorded products.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus and method that includes a recording head, a measurement unit for reading and measuring patch density, an acquisition unit for gathering optical characteristic information, and a determination unit to adjust ink discharge based on measured density and acquired information, allowing for correction of variations in optical characteristics without a calibration chart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference chart is used for calibration, then the sensor reading accuracy can be corrected, but the device complexity and operation frequency increase due to required chart replacement and manual calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement unit performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own optical characteristics using the test pattern recorded on the recording medium. The acquisition unit automatically acquires optical characteristic information without requiring external reference charts or manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a physical reference chart that degrades over time, the system creates a digital copy of the test pattern on the recording medium. This digital test pattern serves as a permanent, non-degrading reference that can be measured repeatedly without loss of accuracy, eliminating the need for physical chart replacement and manual recalibration.
2Measurement precision
If a reference chart is used for calibration, then optical characteristic variations can be corrected, but the loss of time increases due to frequent calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the test pattern immediately after recording to acquire optical characteristic information. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for correction before normal operation begins, eliminating the need for periodic recalibration and reducing time loss throughout the recording process.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit continuously monitors and measures optical characteristics during recording operations, maintaining constant calibration without interruption. This continuous measurement approach ensures that density corrections are always current and accurate, eliminating the stop-start nature of periodic chart-based calibration.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used, then correction accuracy can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual chart replacement and calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement unit automatically measures its own optical characteristics and the acquisition unit automatically acquires the necessary correction information without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by performing calibration operations that would otherwise require manual chart replacement and adjustment, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the measurement unit continuously measures optical characteristics, the acquisition unit processes this information to generate correction data, and the determination unit applies corrections to recorded density values. This automated feedback mechanism maintains high correction accuracy while eliminating manual calibration steps, improving operational simplicity.
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 enables easy correction of optical characteristic variations, improving the accuracy of recorded image density without the need for frequent calibration charts, ensuring consistent product quality by adjusting ink discharge amounts based on measured data.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit configured to read a patch recorded on the recording medium by the recording head and to optically measure a density of the patch
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head for performing recording on a recording medium by applying a recording material to the recording medium, a measurement unit configured to read a patch recorded on the recording medium by the recording head and to optically measure a density of the patch, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on an optical characteristic of the measurement unit and a reference optical characteristic, and a determination unit configured to determine an amount by which the recording material is to be applied from the recording head, based on the density measured by the measurement unit and the information acquired by the acquisition unit.