Print Head Element Abnormality Detection and Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face issues with erroneous detection of recording element abnormalities during high-speed printing, leading to unnecessary complementary processes, unstable operation, and delayed image correction.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with an inspection unit that regularly checks recording elements, a determination unit that assesses their usability based on inspection results, and a complement unit that enables or disables elements accordingly, allowing for quick abnormality detection and correction while preventing erroneous determinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inspection is executed during high-speed print jobs, then real-time abnormality detection is improved, but erroneous detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs inspection during dedicated inspection periods rather than continuously during print jobs. Inspection periods are predetermined time slots when the recording apparatus is in a ready state, allowing accurate detection without interference from high-speed printing operations. This preliminary action approach ensures measurement precision is maintained while still enabling real-time monitoring.
2Productivity
If complementary process is performed after single abnormality detection, then response speed is improved, but unnecessary processes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a determination process before executing the complementary process. The determination unit analyzes inspection results and determines whether abnormality is confirmed before triggering the complement unit. This preliminary determination step prevents unnecessary complementary processes while maintaining fast response to genuine abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where inspection results are continuously monitored and fed back to the determination unit. The determination unit uses this feedback to make informed decisions about whether to execute the complementary process, avoiding unnecessary operations while ensuring timely response to real abnormalities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recording element is recovered to normal operation after abnormality elimination, then operational flexibility is improved, but operation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a determination process before recovering the recording element to normal operation. The determination unit analyzes whether the abnormality has been truly eliminated before allowing recovery. This preliminary determination ensures that only stable, truly recovered recording elements are brought back to operation, maintaining operational stability while preserving flexibility.
4Loss of time
If inspection is performed at regular intervals, then detection timing is improved, but detection frequency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined inspection periods as a baseline for regular interval inspection. These inspection periods are set in advance to balance detection timing requirements with productivity constraints. The system performs inspection at these predetermined intervals while using the determination unit to optimize actual inspection frequency based on operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image recording method of an image recording apparatus provided with an inspection unit which inspects the presence/absence of abnormality in each recording element of a print head at regular intervals, the recording element determined to have abnormality by inspection in the inspection unit is disabled during a determination period set in advance. If the disabled recording element is determined to have no abnormality by inspection immediately after the recording element is disabled, recovers the recording element to be enabled. If the disabled recording element is determined to have abnormality again by inspection within a prescribed frequency N from inspection immediately after the recording element is disabled, the recording element is continuously disabled during the determination period. In cases where the recording element is disabled, the use of the disabled recording element is prohibited, image defect due to the use-prohibited recording element is complemented, and an image is recorded.