Nozzle Testing Device Using Regular Reflection for Clear Ink Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzle testing methods fail to detect discharge failures in nozzles that discharge clear or white ink due to low visibility issues, as they rely on detecting white lines in solid recording areas, which are not visible in images captured under the same lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle testing device equipped with a two-dimensional image sensor and a light source unit that forms a regular reflection area in the image of the testing pattern, allowing the detection unit to analyze the image and identify discharge failures in nozzles that discharge clear or white ink by capturing an image with a regular reflection area elongated in the direction of relative movement between the nozzle row and the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods using solid recording areas are used, then discharge failure of color inks can be detected, but discharge failure of clear ink and white ink cannot be detected due to low visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific testing pattern structure with light-reflecting properties tailored for clear and white ink detection. The test pattern includes a solid recording area with specific surface characteristics that reflect light differently than conventional patterns, enabling the detection unit to visualize clear and white ink discharge through light reflection variations while maintaining compatibility with color ink testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes optical property changes rather than color changes. The test pattern is designed to reflect light in a manner that makes clear and white ink visible through brightness and reflectivity variations. The light source unit illuminates the test pattern at specific angles, and the detection unit captures reflected light intensity variations, effectively converting invisible clear/white ink discharge into visible signal variations for detection.
2Device complexity
If the same lighting conditions are used for all ink types, then the testing setup remains simple, but clear ink and white ink become invisible in captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the test pattern rather than the ink properties. The test pattern is designed with specific surface characteristics and light-reflecting properties that enhance visibility of clear and white ink. By modifying the test pattern's optical parameters (surface texture, reflectivity, geometry) rather than changing lighting conditions or ink composition, the system achieves visibility enhancement while maintaining simple lighting and testing procedures.
3Reliability
If a test pattern with solid recording area is used, then discharge failure can be detected for visible inks, but the method fails for invisible inks like clear and white ink
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves universality by designing a testing pattern and detection system that can detect all ink types through a single unified approach. The test pattern structure and light reflection-based detection mechanism work for color inks, clear inks, and white inks simultaneously. The detection unit analyzes light reflection variations that occur regardless of ink type, making the testing system universally applicable to all ink formulations while maintaining high reliability for each specific ink type.
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 effective detection of discharge failures in nozzles that discharge clear or white ink, improving the reliability of nozzle testing and maintaining image quality by accurately identifying defective nozzles and facilitating maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit provided such that regularly reflected light by the pattern enters the two-dimensional image sensor and forms a regular reflection area in the image of the pattern captured by the two-dimensional image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle testing device includes: a two-dimensional image sensor to capture an image of a pattern formed on a recording object by discharging ink from a nozzle row while moving the nozzle row and the recording object relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle row; a light source unit provided such that regularly reflected light by the pattern forms a regular reflection area in the image of the pattern captured by the two-dimensional image sensor; and a detection unit to analyze the image to detect discharge failure of the nozzles. The regular reflection area is formed in the image such that a dimension in a direction corresponding to the direction of relative movement between the nozzle row and the recording object is greater than a dimension in a direction orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the direction of relative movement in the image.