Inkjet Head Ejection Timing Calibration Across Scanning Speeds

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses face misalignment of dot recording positions during scanning, leading to decreased recording quality, and existing methods for correcting this misalignment are time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially when the recording head is replaced.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a recording head with multiple nozzle arrays, a carriage with an optical sensor, and a data storage unit that adjusts ink ejection timings based on stored adjustment values and calculates correction values for different scanning speeds and distances, allowing for high-accuracy adjustments without performing the process at all speeds or after head replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If adjustment values are stored in data storage unit, then time required for registration adjustment is reduced, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration adjustment timeVSAvoiddot recording position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs registration adjustment at multiple scanning speeds in advance and stores the obtained adjustment values in a data storage unit. During subsequent recording operations, the appropriate stored adjustment values are retrieved and applied based on the current scanning speed, eliminating the need to perform adjustment procedures repeatedly and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system obtains adjustment values at multiple different scanning speeds and stores them in the data storage unit. When performing registration adjustment, the system selects and applies the adjustment value corresponding to the current scanning speed parameter, ensuring high precision across varying operational conditions without requiring repeated adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustment values are obtained at multiple scanning speeds, then dot recording position accuracy is improved, but time and resources required for adjustment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedot recording position accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs registration adjustment at multiple scanning speeds in advance and stores the obtained adjustment values in a data storage unit. During subsequent recording operations, the appropriate stored adjustment values are retrieved and applied based on the current scanning speed, eliminating the need to perform adjustment procedures repeatedly and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If registration adjustment is performed at all scanning speeds, then recording quality is improved, but productivity during adjustment setup is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording qualityVSAvoidadjustment setup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs registration adjustment at multiple scanning speeds in advance and stores the obtained adjustment values in a data storage unit. During subsequent recording operations, the appropriate stored adjustment values are retrieved and applied based on the current scanning speed, eliminating the need to perform adjustment procedures repeatedly and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system obtains adjustment values at multiple different scanning speeds and stores them in the data storage unit. When performing registration adjustment, the system selects and applies the adjustment value corresponding to the current scanning speed parameter, ensuring high precision across varying operational conditions without requiring repeated adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method reduces the time and resources required for registration adjustment, maintaining high accuracy by using stored correction values for unadjusted scanning speeds and distances, thus improving usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor mounted on a carriage of the inkjet recording apparatus scans a recorded medium to optically read the adjustment patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reading: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250367924A1Inkjet recording apparatus and recording position adjustment method

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a carriage, a first adjustment unit, a data storage unit, and a first correction value calculation unit, wherein the first adjustment unit adjusts the ejection timings at n scanning speeds in a case where the first adjustment unit adjusts the ejection timings with the adjustment values unstored in the data storage unit, the first adjustment unit adjusts the ejection timings at n-1 or fewer scanning speeds in a case where the first adjustment unit adjusts the ejection timings with the adjustment values stored in the data storage unit, and the first correction value calculation unit uses the correction value calculated based on the adjustment value from the first adjustment unit for an adjustment value at a scanning speed at which an ejection timing is not adjusted.