Printhead Nozzle Patterning for Ejection Inclination Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in easily recognizing and correcting the inclination of ejection portions, such as recording heads, which affects print quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a method involving the formation of alternating line images using specific nozzle configurations to facilitate easy recognition of inclination, utilizing a control system to adjust the orientation of the ejection portion based on these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a predetermined test pattern is printed using the ejection portion, then inclination of the ejection portion can be acquired based on human or machine evaluation, but the recognition of inclination is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses line images with different densities (analogous to color changes) to encode inclination information. By printing test patterns with varying ink densities that correspond to different nozzle positions, the system creates visual cues that make inclination easily recognizable through density comparison rather than complex evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation (copy) of the ejection portion's inclination by printing line images that mirror the actual nozzle inclination. These line images serve as a visual copy that can be easily evaluated to determine inclination without directly observing the complex ejection portion
2Productivity
If conventional test patterns are used for inclination evaluation, then the process can be completed, but it requires time-consuming human or machine evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual evaluation with an automated image reading system. By substituting the mechanical/evaluative process with optical scanning and automated analysis of line image densities, the system dramatically reduces the time required for inclination evaluation while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically reading the line images it just printed and evaluating its own inclination. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external evaluation and enables rapid, automated inclination adjustment
3Manufacturing precision
If the ejection portion inclination is not accurately corrected, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but print quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where line images are printed, read, and evaluated to determine inclination, which then feeds back into the adjustment process. This feedback mechanism enables precise inclination correction by continuously monitoring and adjusting based on actual performance data
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary inclination measurement using the line images before final print production. By conducting alignment evaluation in advance through the test line images, the apparatus can correct inclination issues before they affect actual printing operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an ejection portion, a first formation processing portion, and a second formation processing portion. The ejection portion has a plurality of nozzles arranged along a width direction of a recording medium. The first formation processing portion alternately ejects ink from first nozzles of the plurality of nozzles that are located farther on one side in the conveying direction of the recording medium than two adjacent nozzles adjacent in the width direction, and second nozzles of the two adjacent nozzles, to form first line images on the recording medium. The second formation processing portion alternately ejects ink from the first nozzles and third nozzles of the two adjacent nozzles that are different from the second nozzles, to form second line images on the recording medium.