Inkjet Sensor Calibration via Digital Patch Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sensor calibration in inkjet printing apparatuses are complex and involve cumbersome operations, particularly in detecting dirtiness of calibration members, which can affect the accuracy of recording density and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus equipped with a sensor system that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, capable of measuring patches on a recording medium to detect dirtiness of a calibration member using optical measurements, simplifying the detection process and ensuring accurate sensor calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a white calibration plate and test chart recording method is used for sensor calibration, then sensor calibration can be performed, but the operations become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital patch image stored in memory as a reference pattern instead of requiring physical test chart recording. The sensor measures the actual patch on the recording medium and compares it with the stored reference patch image, eliminating the need for complex white calibration plate operations while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential calibration function by using only the patch pattern information stored digitally, removing the unnecessary components of white calibration plate handling and test chart recording operations. This extracts the core calibration capability while eliminating operational complexity
2Reliability
If optical density measurement of white base is used to detect dirtiness, then calibration member status can be detected, but the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference patch images digitally in memory and uses these digital copies for comparison with actual sensor measurements. This eliminates the need for complex optical density measurement procedures and white base analysis, providing a simpler dirtiness detection method while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical density of white base to direct patch pattern matching using stored reference images. This parameter change simplifies the detection process while maintaining the ability to reliably detect calibration member status and dirtiness
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
The solution enables simplified detection of calibration member status, improving the accuracy of sensor calibration and reducing operational complexity, thereby enhancing the quality and consistency of printed products.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element for emitting light to a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element for receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the recording medium
Implementation Method 3
a calibration member configured to reflect light emitted from the light emitting element, and to be used to calibrate the sensor based on a result of optical measurement of the calibration member
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a sensor including a light emitting element for emitting light to a recording medium, and a light receiving element for receiving the emitted light and reflected by the recording medium, configured to, via the light emitting and light receiving elements, measure a patch recorded on the recording medium by a recording head; a calibration member configured to reflect the emitted light and to be used to calibrate the sensor based on a result of optical measurement of the calibration member performed by receiving, via the light receiving element, reflected light reflected by the calibration member; and a detection unit configured to detect dirtiness of the calibration member based on the result of the optical measurement of the calibration member by the sensor and a result of optical measurement of the calibration member performed before the measurement.