Printing Apparatus Drying Control via Reference and Pseudo Patches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the drying time for different mediums, as the saturated amount of liquid on the medium varies with the type of medium used, affecting the discharge rate and heating time of the drying unit.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that utilize a reference patch and pseudo patches with varying amounts of liquid, where the pseudo patches are used to determine the heating time based on the dry condition, allowing for proper drying of the medium by adjusting the heating time of the dryer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the discharge rate of liquid is changed to achieve accurate color reproduction for different medium types, then the color reproduction accuracy is improved, but the heating time of the drying unit becomes difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple discharge rates corresponding to different medium types before actual printing. The controller stores predetermined discharge rates for various mediums (e.g., glossy, matte, photo paper) and selects the appropriate rate based on the specified medium type, eliminating the need for real-time determination and ensuring accurate color reproduction from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the discharge rate of liquid based on the medium type. The controller adjusts the discharge rate parameter according to the selected medium (e.g., higher discharge rate for absorbent mediums, lower for non-absorbent), which directly impacts color reproduction accuracy. Additionally, the heating time parameter is adjusted based on the discharge rate to ensure proper drying.
2Manufacturing precision
If the discharge rate of liquid is increased to improve image saturation, then the image quality is improved, but the drying time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting both the discharge rate and heating time based on the selected medium type. When a high-saturation image is required, the controller increases the discharge rate while simultaneously extending the heating time to ensure complete drying. This coordinated parameter adjustment maintains image quality while managing drying time efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the discharge rate and heating time adjustable parameters rather than fixed values. The controller dynamically selects optimal combinations of discharge rate and heating time based on the medium type and image requirements, allowing flexible adaptation between image saturation and drying time trade-offs.
3Reliability
If the heating time of the drying unit is extended to ensure complete drying, then the drying effectiveness is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining optimal heating times for different medium types and discharge rates. The controller stores predetermined heating time values corresponding to various combinations of mediums and discharge rates, selecting the appropriate heating time before the drying process begins. This eliminates the need for extended trial heating times and ensures complete drying without unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the heating time parameter based on the discharge rate and medium type. When the discharge rate is low (requiring less drying), the heating time is reduced to maintain productivity. When the discharge rate is high (requiring more drying), the heating time is extended to ensure complete drying. This dynamic parameter adjustment balances drying effectiveness with printing speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables proper drying of the medium by determining the optimal heating time through the dry condition of the patches, ensuring accurate color reproduction and medium drying regardless of the medium type.
Implementation Method 1
a dryer configured to heat the medium on which printing has been performed by discharging a liquid from the printing mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a dryer configured to heat the medium on which printing has been performed
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus capable of properly drying a medium includes a printing mechanism configured to print an image on the medium with a desired number of passes, a medium transporter configured to intermittently transport the medium by a transportation amount based on the desired number of passes of the printing mechanism, and a dryer configured to heat the medium on which printing has been performed by discharging a liquid from the printing mechanism. The plurality of patches with a different amount of liquid discharged from the printing mechanism are printable on the medium. The plurality of patches include a reference patch and a pseudo patch. The reference patch includes a first amount of liquid, and the pseudo patch includes a second amount of liquid that is determined with reference to the first amount of liquid, based on numbers of passes settable in the printing mechanism.