Nozzle Movement Control for High-Density Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image formation devices face increased print time when achieving high-density printing due to the need for repeated movements in both the main and sub scan directions, resulting in longer processing times compared to single pass methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that adjusts nozzle movement in both the main and sub scan directions based on a reference line feed value, allowing for efficient ejection control to achieve high-density printing across adjacent pixels, reducing the number of required movements and thus shortening print time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the head performs repeated movements in the main scan direction and relative movement in the sub scan direction by one pixel at a time to achieve high density printing, then the printing density is improved, but the print time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple regions corresponding to different nozzle groups. By dividing the printing task across multiple nozzle groups that can operate simultaneously, the system achieves high density printing without requiring repeated sequential passes, thus reducing print time while maintaining high printing density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by arranging nozzles in three directions (main scan direction, sub scan direction, and depth direction). This three-dimensional nozzle arrangement enables simultaneous ink ejection from multiple nozzles onto different regions of the same pixel array, achieving high density printing in a single pass rather than through repeated sequential movements
2Manufacturing precision
If the multi-pass method is used to print each pixel array by causing different nozzles to scan the same pixel array, then the printing density exceeds unit density, but the head movement time doubles compared to single pass method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple nozzle groups to operate simultaneously on the same pixel array. By combining the ink ejection capabilities of nozzles arranged in three directions, the system achieves multi-pass printing density in a single pass, eliminating the need for repeated head movements and doubling print speed
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device includes a plurality of nozzles arranged at an interval D [in], a processor which forms an image of a resolution R [dpi] on the basis of print data and a memory which stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, performs a process including performing ejection control, ejection control including relatively moving the nozzles in the sub scan direction a plurality of times from a print start position on the basis of a reference LF value, when performing printing with respect to each of pixels of adjacent pixels at a high density Ph [%], relatively moving the nozzles in the main scan direction less than a (j×R×D) number of times, and a total of the densities of the ink of each of the pixels of the adjacent pixels is caused to be the high density Ph [%].