Print Head Nozzle Segmentation for Bidirectional Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges in achieving high-quality color printing due to variations in dot formation during bidirectional scanning, leading to inconsistent color output.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that alternates the direction of main scanning operations for a print head with multiple nozzle lines, using either bidirectional or single directional scanning to ensure consistent ink deposition across the print medium, thereby reducing the likelihood of color inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional scanning is used to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in dot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The print head is divided into multiple nozzle lines (first type and second type) with different ink discharge directions. Each nozzle line is segmented to discharge ink in alternating directions, allowing the system to maintain bidirectional scanning capability while ensuring consistent dot formation through selective use of different nozzle groups
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzle lines are assigned different ink discharge directions (first type discharges in one direction, second type in the opposite direction) to locally adapt to the scanning direction. This ensures that regardless of the overall scanning direction, each local nozzle line discharges ink in the optimal direction for dot formation
2Loss of time
If bidirectional scanning is used to reduce printing time, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to color inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which nozzle groups to use based on the scanning direction. During bidirectional scanning, the control device alternates between first type and second type nozzle groups depending on whether the scan is in the forward or reverse direction, ensuring consistent color output despite direction changes
Solution Approach 2:
The control device periodically alternates between using first type nozzle groups and second type nozzle groups in a systematic pattern. This periodic switching ensures that each type of nozzle line is used appropriately for its optimal scanning direction, maintaining color consistency across the entire printed image
Data Source
AI summary
A control device may create, in a case where one of a first printing method and a second printing method is selected, first print data for causing all of K groups of nozzles to discharge ink so as to perform a color printing of a target image, and create, in a case where the other of the first printing method and the second printing method is selected, second print data for causing (K−k) groups of nozzles to discharge ink so as to perform a color printing the target image, the (K−k) groups of nozzles being nozzle groups excluding k groups of nozzles (k being an odd integer satisfying 1≦k<K) from the K groups of nozzles.