Printhead Slant Correction via Independent Data Read Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality due to slanting displacement of printheads, where dot displacement occurs due to mounting errors, leading to inadequate correction methods that fail to satisfactorily reduce displacement and maintain image quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that utilize a printhead with a scanning mechanism, including an obtaining means for slant information, a printing buffer, a transfer buffer, read control, selection, and write control mechanisms to independently adjust image data read positions for each printing element, allowing precise correction of slanting displacement by transferring selected image data to the printhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the printhead is mounted with a slanting angle due to mounting error, then the printing apparatus can be assembled, but dot displacement occurs leading to degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image data read position for each printing element based on the detected slanting angle. By adjusting the read position parameter independently for each printing element, the system compensates for the slanting displacement and restores dot placement accuracy without requiring precise mechanical mounting.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional correction methods are used for slanting displacement, then some dot displacement can be addressed, but image quality degradation cannot be satisfactorily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction approach by independently adjusting the image data read position for each printing element rather than applying a uniform correction. This segmentation allows precise compensation for the slanting displacement affecting different printing elements differently, thereby maintaining consistent image quality across the entire print output.
3Use of energy by moving object
If time-divisional driving is used to reduce power consumption, then power capacity requirements are reduced, but printing element discharge timing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary adjustment of the image data read position for each printing element based on the detected slanting angle before the actual printing operation. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent discharge timing control by pre-compensating for slanting displacement, allowing the time-divisional driving to proceed with standard timing sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of this invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of reducing slanting displacement for high-quality image. To achieve this object, slant information of a printing element array (141, 142, 143, 144) in a printhead scanning direction is obtained. Image data used to print by one scanning of the printhead (11) is stored in a printing buffer (204). Image data of three columns used by the printing element array are stored in a transfer buffer (213). Image data of two successive columns out of the image data of three columns are read out from the transfer buffer (213), and image data of a column is selected based on the slant information. Image data of one column is newly read out from the printing buffer (204), and the data area of the transfer buffer corresponding to one column is rewritten. The selected image data is transferred to the printhead (11) for printing.