Recording Head Control for Abnormal Nozzle Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers with clogged nozzles due to contamination or viscosity issues in ink ejection result in white streaks and decreased image quality, complicating control mechanisms when attempting to compensate for abnormal nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A recording device that adjusts its control strategy based on the number of abnormal nozzles, either maintaining high resolution by using all nozzles or reducing the number of abnormal nozzles by switching to a lower resolution and increasing ink ejection from a subset of nozzles, simplifying control and minimizing visible image defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of ink ejected from nozzles adjacent to abnormal nozzles is increased to fill white streaks, then image quality deterioration is reduced, but control becomes complicated and image quality in the compensated area is partially lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the ejection state of nozzles based on the detected number of abnormal nozzles. When abnormal nozzles are detected, the system automatically switches between different recording modes (normal mode with all nozzles, compensation mode with subset of nozzles, and low-resolution mode with fewer nozzles), making the control system adaptive rather than static and complicated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including the number of active nozzles, the ejection interval, and the resolution level based on the detected abnormal nozzle count. By varying these parameters, the system simplifies control while maintaining image quality through strategic nozzle selection and resolution adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If recording is performed using all nozzles to maintain high resolution, then image resolution is maintained, but white streaks appear when nozzles are abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting abnormal nozzles and automatically adjusts its recording strategy without external intervention. Based on the detected abnormal nozzle count, the system autonomously selects the appropriate recording mode (normal, compensation, or low-resolution), making the system self-correcting and maintaining image quality through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on real-time nozzle status. When abnormal nozzles are detected, the system automatically transitions from high-resolution normal mode to compensation mode or low-resolution mode, dynamically balancing resolution and image quality without manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If the number of active nozzles is reduced to simplify control when abnormal nozzles are present, then control becomes simpler, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters including active nozzle count, ejection interval, and resolution level based on abnormal nozzle detection. By strategically selecting which nozzles to activate and adjusting the ejection pattern, the system simplifies control while minimizing resolution loss through optimized parameter selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different recording strategies to different regions of the image based on nozzle abnormality patterns. In compensation mode, it selectively activates specific nozzles and adjusts ejection intervals locally to maintain image quality where possible while simplifying control in affected areas, creating non-uniform but optimized recording patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device includes a head including a plurality of nozzles that are arranged at predetermined intervals in a first direction, the plurality of nozzles being configured to eject liquid, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in a case where the number of the abnormal nozzles among the plurality of nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number and the number of the abnormal nozzles, among a part of the plurality of nozzles in which an interval in the first direction is a preset interval longer than the predetermined interval, is less than the predetermined number, cause the head to eject liquid from the part of nozzles to record an image with a resolution in which a resolution in the first direction is lower than a resolution corresponding to the predetermined interval.