In-Line Colorimetry Layout for Higher Inkjet Printing Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses with in-line colorimeters experience low printing efficiency due to the need to wait for ink drying before performing colorimetry, preventing simultaneous execution of next print jobs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus with an in-line colorimeter that performs colorimetry on printed materials in a stopped state, allowing concurrent execution of print jobs and maintenance during colorimetry standby.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colorimetry is performed after waiting for ink drying on a conveyance path, then colorimetry accuracy is improved, but printing efficiency deteriorates because next print jobs and maintenance cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ejection section into two separate sections: a first ejection section for colorimetry and a second ejection section for normal printing. This segmentation allows colorimetry to be performed on printed materials in the first ejection section while the printing apparatus simultaneously performs next print jobs and maintenance in the second ejection section, thereby resolving the contradiction between colorimetry accuracy and printing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by creating multiple ejection sections (first and second ejection sections) arranged in parallel. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous execution of colorimetry and printing operations that would otherwise conflict in a single-line system, enabling both high-colorimetry-accuracy and high-printing-efficiency to coexist
2Measurement precision
If an in-line colorimeter is installed on the conveyance path, then colorimetry can be performed, but printing efficiency deteriorates due to waiting time for color value stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into dedicated colorimetry paths and printing paths. The first ejection section is specifically designated for colorimetry operations where printed materials are ejected and measured, while the second ejection section handles production printing. This segmentation eliminates the time loss associated with waiting for color stabilization during production printing, as colorimetry can proceed independently in the first ejection section
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs colorimetry in advance on test printed materials in the first ejection section before actual production printing begins in the second ejection section. This preliminary action allows color values to be measured and verified without delaying the main printing workflow, thereby eliminating waiting time for color stabilization during production
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
Enables efficient printing by allowing simultaneous execution of print jobs and maintenance during colorimetry, enhancing colorimetry accuracy and overall printing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a printing section that produces a printed material by ejecting ink on a recording medium with an inkjet head
Implementation Method 2
an in-line colorimeter that performs colorimetry on the printed material in a stopped state in the first ejection section
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inkjet printing apparatus including: a printing section that produces a printed material; a first ejection section to which the printed material is ejected; and an in-line colorimeter that performs colorimetry on the printed material in a stopped state in the first ejection section.