Print Head Registration via Partial Pattern Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require a large amount of media and ink for registration processes, which are time-consuming and lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a pattern printing unit, acquisition unit, and selection unit that uses adjustment patterns to determine the relative inclination between print heads, allowing for precise registration with reduced media and ink consumption by selecting optimal positions for printing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reference pattern and multiple shifted patterns are printed using multiple nozzle arrays for registration adjustment, then the printing position accuracy is improved, but the amount of media and ink consumed increases and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing element array into multiple independent groups that can be selectively activated. Instead of using all nozzle arrays to print multiple shifted patterns, only specific printing element groups are used to print minimal adjustment patterns, thereby reducing media consumption and processing time while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only a subset of printing elements (partial regions of first and second printing element arrays) rather than the entire array. This allows registration adjustment to be performed with minimal ink and media consumption while still acquiring the necessary printing position shift information
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple shifted patterns are printed with different nozzle arrays for registration adjustment, then the printing position accuracy is improved, but the amount of media and ink consumed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial regions of printing element arrays rather than the complete array, significantly reducing the amount of ink required for printing adjustment patterns while still obtaining sufficient data for accurate registration adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The printing element array is segmented into multiple groups, allowing selective use of only necessary printing elements for the registration process, thereby minimizing ink consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an printing apparatus including a pattern printing unit for causing printing elements in partial regions of first and second printing element arrays to print adjustment patterns on a print medium, the adjustment patterns being for acquiring an amount of printing position shift of the second print head with respect to a printing position of the first print head, an acquisition unit for acquiring an amount of relative inclination between the first and second print element arrays, and a selection unit for selecting positions of the partial regions of the first and second printing element arrays based on the amount of relative inclination between the first and second print element arrays. As a result, consumption of media and ink upon a registration process and the amount of time required for the registration process can be reduced.