Print Apparatus Test Medium Positioning and Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning a test medium with a size different from the normal printing medium, which is required for precise alignment control of the print head.
Innovation Solution
The print apparatus includes a position indication section to adjust the test medium to a specific position corresponding to the print head, allowing the test pattern to be printed even when the sizes of the normal printing medium and the test medium differ. Additionally, a pattern detection section is used to detect the test pattern and determine any alignment shift of the print head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a test medium different from the normal printing medium is used for printing a test pattern, then the test pattern can be printed on a more suitable medium, but the position of the test medium must be accurately positioned which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A position indication section (marks or indicators) is introduced as an intermediary element on the test medium to facilitate accurate positioning. These marks serve as reference points that guide the operator or automated system to correctly position the test medium relative to the print head, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining medium versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning judgment with automated optical detection. A pattern detection section uses optical reading to automatically detect the position indication marks and determine the test medium's position, substituting manual mechanical positioning with automated optical measurement to improve both accuracy and ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If alignment control is performed by optically reading line segments of a test pattern, then alignment can be detected, but the process requires precise positioning of the test medium which complicates the operation
Solution Approach 1:
Position indication marks are pre-defined and pre-positioned on the test medium before printing occurs. These marks are placed at known locations that correspond to specific print head positions, allowing the system to automatically calculate alignment based on detecting these pre-established reference points rather than requiring complex real-time positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern detection section provides feedback by optically reading the position indication marks and comparing the detected positions with expected positions. This feedback mechanism automatically determines both the test medium's position and any alignment shifts, eliminating the need for manual positioning judgment and simplifying operation while maintaining high measurement precision
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
This solution enables accurate detection and correction of print head alignment shifts, maintaining high print quality even when using different-sized media, and reduces the operational load on the operator.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment control is performed by optically reading line segments of a test pattern formed on a medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer includes an ink ejection unit (81) configured to eject ink to a print medium (W), a transport belt (4) on which the print medium is mounted, a driving section (141) configured to transport the print medium by moving the transport belt, a specifying section (S12) configured to specify a print head (90A) to be adjusted using a test pattern, markers configured to indicate a position of the print medium when the test pattern is printed on the print medium, and a driving controller (100) configured to control the driving section. The driving controller controls the driving section in accordance with the print head to be adjusted specified by the specifying section so as to adjust a position of the print medium.