Printer Media Skew Induction for Nozzle Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current printers face challenges in calibrating the outermost nozzles due to the scanner array's blind spots around seams, and in achieving full bleed printing without excessive printhead width, leading to higher costs and registration errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inducing skew in the media by manipulating rollers to move the image out of the blind zone, allowing for accurate calibration of all nozzles and enabling full bleed printing with a printhead width matching the media, using a processor-controlled media drive mechanism with uni-directional, bi-directional, and multi-zone schemes to achieve precise media registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanner array is used to detect media position for calibration, then nozzle calibration can be performed, but the blind spots around seams prevent accurate detection of outermost nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second detection dimension by using edge sensors positioned at the media edges to detect media position. This complementary detection approach works alongside the scanner array, providing accurate measurement of outermost nozzle positions that would otherwise be in blind spots, thereby enabling precise calibration of all nozzles including the outermost ones.
2Area of stationary object
If the printhead width is increased to achieve full bleed printing, then printing coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic media positioning by inducing controlled skew in the media during the printing process. The media is deliberately skewed during printing and then unskewed during feed, allowing the printhead to maintain a standard width while achieving full bleed printing through dynamic adjustment of media position relative to the printhead.
3Device complexity
If the printhead width is reduced to match media width, then device complexity is reduced, but registration errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary skew induction on the media before it reaches the printhead. By pre-skewing the media and then compensating during the feed process, the system ensures accurate registration between the media and printhead, eliminating registration errors that would otherwise occur with a printhead width matching the media width.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2I~2
Figure 3I~3
AI summary
The direction and distance for traversal by a media loaded into the printer is determined. A skew to be induced in a position of the media relative to a media feed direction axis is also determined. A scheme of motion for the rollers is selected and respective speeds for the first roller and the second roller are calculated. The first roller and the second roller are caused to be rotated at the respective speeds such that the skew is induced in the position of the media relative to the media feed direction.