Printer Controller Ink Ejection Timing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses may fail to receive all margin information in time, leading to inappropriate ink ejection timing and resulting in images being recorded lopsided or deviated in the main scanning direction.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that stores minimum margin values for previously recorded images and uses this information to adjust ink ejection timing for subsequent images, even if not all margin data is received, by deriving edge positions using sensors if the minimum margin value is below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image recording apparatus increases data processing speed, then productivity is improved, but the timing of ink ejection becomes inappropriate causing images to be recorded lopsidedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cueing processing (conveying the sheet to the recording position) before receiving all margin information. The controller starts the recording process with available data and adjusts ink ejection timing based on subsequently received margin information, allowing the sheet to be positioned in advance while maintaining image position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives margin information after starting the recording process and uses this feedback to adjust the ink ejection timing. By comparing the received margin information with the initially planned ejection timing, the system corrects any deviations to ensure accurate image positioning despite the high processing speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the controller waits to receive all margin information before starting recording, then image position accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The controller initiates the cueing processing and recording operation before all margin information is received. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time and maximizes productivity, while subsequent feedback mechanisms ensure that image position accuracy is maintained through dynamic adjustment of ink ejection timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static approach (waiting for all data before starting) to a dynamic approach where the recording process begins immediately and adapts in real-time. The ink ejection timing is dynamically adjusted based on the margin information received during the recording process, allowing both high productivity and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the controller derives edge position using sensor when minimum margin value is below threshold, then image position accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing strategies based on the specific condition of the margin value. When the minimum margin value is below a predetermined threshold, the controller activates the sensor-based edge position derivation. When the margin value is sufficient, the system uses the simpler predetermined timing approach. This localized application of complexity only where necessary maintains precision while minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided image recording apparatus including: memory and controller. The controller is configured to store, in the memory, first identification information for identifying recorded image and minimum margin value being a minimum value of partial image margins of recorded partial images. The controller is configured to obtain second identification information for identifying image-to-be-recorded. In a case that second identification information is same as first identification information stored, the controller is configured to determine whether the minimum margin value is smaller than threshold or not, and then: in a case that the minimum margin value is smaller than threshold, the controller is configured to derive an edge position of the sheet, and then execute ejection based on the derived edge position; and in a case that the minimum margin value in not smaller than threshold, the controller is configured to execute the ejection without deriving the edge position.