Print Head Driving Force Determination via Droplet Landing Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the driving force of print heads, leading to variations in ink droplet landing positions and energy discharge, which affect printing quality due to manufacturing irregularities and aging degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to determine the driving force of a print head by setting multiple types of driving forces, forming measurement patterns to assess landing positions and areas, and specifying the appropriate driving force based on these patterns, ensuring precise energy discharge and improved printing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the print head uses predetermined energy for discharging ink droplets, then the printing process can be simplified, but the energy varies due to manufacturing irregularities and aging degradation, affecting printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining the actual driving force of each print head through measurement patterns and image processing. Instead of using fixed predetermined energy values, the system calculates specific driving forces based on measured landing positions and areas, then uses these determined parameters to correct and adjust the energy discharge, thereby compensating for manufacturing variations and aging effects while maintaining practical applicability
2Device complexity
If the driving force of the print head is not accurately determined, then the measurement and control process is simplified, but the landing position and energy discharge vary, degrading printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the print head system to self-determine its own driving force characteristics through automated measurement patterns and image processing. The system uses the print head itself to create measurement patterns, captures images of the landing positions, processes these images to calculate driving forces, and then applies these determined values for correction, all without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures
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 method enhances printing quality by accurately determining the driving force for each nozzle, accounting for manufacturing irregularities and aging effects, resulting in consistent and desired ink droplet placement and energy discharge.
Implementation Method 1
The print head discharges ink droplets based on predetermined energy (thermal energy and the like in the case of an ink jet type)
Data Source
AI summary
A determination method for driving force of a print head that performs printing by discharging a droplet, the determination method comprising setting a plurality types of driving force of the print head, forming, by driving the print head in sequence using the plurality types of driving force being set, a first measurement pattern indicating a landing position of a droplet and a second measurement pattern indicating landing area of a droplet, and specifying one of the plurality types of driving force that satisfies a criterion, based on the first measurement pattern and the second measurement pattern.