Print Device Ink Ejection Timing Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print devices with long scanning distances face issues of guide member bending, leading to deviations in recording positions, especially when using multiple ink heads, as existing solutions fail to accurately adjust ink ejection timing for both outgoing and return paths in the main scanning direction.
Innovation Solution
A print device with a first and second ink head, a processor, and a memory that performs test printing at specific timings to determine and adjust the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink, reducing deviations in landing positions by receiving and processing timing data through a receiving portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the scanning distance of the carriage is increased to accommodate larger print devices, then the printing capacity is improved, but the guide member curves or bends causing recording position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of guide member bending using a test pattern before actual printing, and pre-calculates correction values for ink ejection timing based on the measured bending amount. This allows the system to compensate for the inherent bending issue that occurs with long scanning distances, maintaining recording position accuracy while preserving the large printing capacity.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing test pattern methods are used to adjust ink ejection timing, then main scanning direction timing is corrected, but sub-scanning direction timing deviation cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conventional one-dimensional (main scanning direction only) timing adjustment to two dimensions by incorporating sub-scanning direction timing adjustment. The test pattern includes markers at multiple sub-scanning positions, enabling the system to measure and correct timing deviations in both the main scanning direction (X-axis) and sub-scanning direction (Y-axis), thus providing comprehensive timing correction capability.
3Productivity
If multiple ink heads are used to improve printing efficiency, then productivity increases, but landing position deviation between different inks worsens due to guide member bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of guide member bending using a test pattern before actual multi-ink printing, and pre-calculates correction values for ink ejection timing based on the measured bending amount. This allows the system to compensate for the inherent bending issue that occurs with long scanning distances, maintaining recording position accuracy while preserving the large printing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction values to different ink heads based on their specific positions and the measured bending characteristics at various sub-scanning locations. Each ink head receives customized timing adjustments tailored to its local requirements, ensuring that landing positions of multiple inks are precisely aligned despite guide member bending.
Data Source
AI summary
A print device includes a first head, a second head, a platen, a guide member, a receiving portion, a processor, and a memory that stores computer-readable instructions that cause the print device to perform processes including: test printing that involves printing a test pattern by ejecting the second ink at a first timing and a second timing at a first sub-scanning direction position, and further, ejecting the second ink at a third timing and a fourth timing at a second sub-scanning direction position; and determining that involves, when one of the first and the second timing is received, determining the received timing to be the ejection timing of the second ink at the first sub-scanning direction position, and, when one of the third and the fourth timing is received, determining the received timing to be the ejection timing of the second ink at the second sub-scanning direction position.