Print Alignment Control for Ink and Processing Liquid Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses using ink and a colorless transparent processing liquid struggle with insufficient density for optical sensing and visual judgment due to misalignment, leading to issues like bleeding and density unevenness in images.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that form print alignment patterns with a second pattern of the processing liquid partially shifted relative to a first pattern of ink, utilizing a reference and adjustment pattern to optimize alignment and reaction between the two, allowing for precise alignment and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a colorless and transparent processing liquid is used to improve water resistance and achieve high density images, then image quality is improved, but sufficient density for reading with an optical sensor cannot be obtained and visual judgment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by introducing a chromogenic agent that reacts with the processing liquid to produce a visible color change. This allows the normally colorless and transparent processing liquid to display visible patterns during alignment, enabling optical sensor detection and visual judgment while maintaining its functional properties for water resistance and high density imaging.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment patterns are formed to improve alignment precision, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the patterns become complex and difficult to visually judge
Solution Approach 1:
The chromogenic agent creates distinct color changes at alignment pattern locations, transforming complex geometric patterns into visually distinguishable colored regions. This maintains high alignment accuracy while significantly improving visual judgment capability through color contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the chromogenic reaction specifically at alignment pattern locations rather than uniformly across the entire print. This creates localized color changes that highlight alignment features without adding overall complexity to the entire image.
3Manufacturing precision
If the processing liquid is printed first followed by ink to achieve proper reaction, then reaction quality is improved, but misalignment causes bleeding and density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The color change mechanism provides real-time visual feedback on alignment quality. By observing the color distribution and intensity, operators can immediately detect misalignment causing bleeding or density unevenness, allowing for corrective action before the reaction completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the visible color change that indicates the degree of alignment between processing liquid and ink. This visual feedback system allows operators to adjust alignment in real-time, preventing bleeding and density unevenness by ensuring proper overlay before the reaction fully develops.
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
Enhances image density and reduces bleeding by ensuring optimal alignment of ink and processing liquid, facilitating clear visual judgment and improved print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a periodic pattern in which the ink and the processing liquid react with each other
Data Source
AI summary
At least one processor performs control of forming a plurality of print alignment patterns on a recording medium based on a first print alignment mode in which a second pattern formed with a processing liquid based on second image data is formed to be partially shifted with respect to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data. The first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern. The second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern in which the ink and the processing liquid react with each other. A part of the second pattern formed to be partially shifted is the adjustment pattern.