Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Driving Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face challenges in maintaining image granularity due to variations in ink ejection amounts when forming dots of different sizes, leading to deteriorated image quality as the number of driving waveforms increases, resulting in larger ink variations between larger dots and increased print time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate two first driving waveforms and a second driving waveform in a predetermined period, allowing for precise control of ink ejection amounts by applying these waveforms in specific combinations to achieve desired ink quantities, thereby reducing ink variation and improving image granularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of driving waveforms is increased to form larger dots, then the ink ejection amount increases, but the variation in ink ejection amount becomes larger leading to deteriorated image granularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ink ejection process into multiple driving waveforms (first, second, and third waveforms) with different characteristics. By segmenting the ejection into distinct waveform stages, the system can precisely control ink ejection amounts for different dot sizes while maintaining consistent granularity. The first driving waveform ejects a first amount of ink, the second waveform ejects a second amount, and the third waveform ejects a third amount, allowing fine-grained control over total ink volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of driving waveforms by introducing multiple waveforms with different characteristics (amplitude, duration, frequency) instead of using a single waveform type. The first, second, and third driving waveforms have different parameters optimized for different ejection requirements, enabling precise control of ink ejection amounts while maintaining image granularity across various dot sizes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the basic waveform is applied multiple times to form larger dots, then the meniscus stabilization is improved, but the print time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by applying driving waveforms in a structured sequence (first, second, and third waveforms) repeated across multiple pixels. This periodic application of different waveform types maintains meniscus stability while optimizing the timing and frequency of ejection events to reduce overall print time compared to applying the same waveform repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by varying the driving waveform characteristics across different ejection events. Instead of using a static, repetitive waveform, the system dynamically selects from multiple waveform types (first, second, third waveforms) with different characteristics, allowing adaptive control that maintains meniscus stability while optimizing ejection timing to reduce print time.
3Measurement precision
If the number of driving waveforms is increased to achieve precise ink ejection control, then the ink ejection precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink ejection control into multiple distinct driving waveforms (first, second, and third waveforms) with specific characteristics for different ejection amounts. This segmentation allows precise control of ink ejection by selecting appropriate waveform combinations, while the modular waveform structure keeps the signal generation system manageable compared to a fully custom complex control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a driving element driven by a driving waveform and a nozzle that ejects liquid. Two first driving waveforms and a second driving waveform are generated in a period to create a driving signal in which the two first and the second driving waveforms are repeatedly generated. When the first driving waveform is applied to the driving element, a first amount of liquid is ejected from the nozzle. When the two first driving waveforms are applied, twice the first amount is ejected. When the second driving waveform is applied, a second amount of liquid larger than the first amount and smaller than twice the first amount is ejected. When the two first driving waveforms and the second driving waveform are applied to the driving element, an amount of liquid smaller than a sum of twice the first amount and the second amount is ejected.