Recording Head Nozzle Group Segmentation for Timing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording devices face challenges in determining optimal recording timing due to widened image overlap regions during POL recording, making it difficult to select the best patch for bi-directional adjustment, which affects the accuracy of recording timing determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that record test patterns with specifically designed patches to adjust the recording timing by controlling the nozzle groups' ink usage rates and movement directions, ensuring the overlap regions are not widened, allowing for precise selection of optimal patches and determination of recording timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If POL recording is performed with multiple nozzle groups to form raster lines, then recording efficiency is improved, but the overlap regions become widened making optimal patch selection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of overlap regions versus non-overlap regions. Specifically, the first nozzle group records in both forward and backward directions creating overlap regions, while the second nozzle group records only in the forward direction in non-overlap regions. This localized differentiation allows precise control of overlap region width to enable accurate patch selection while maintaining high recording efficiency through POL recording.
2Speed
If the recording head moves bidirectionally to record test patterns, then recording speed is improved, but recording timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording head into multiple independent nozzle groups (first nozzle group and second nozzle group) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the first nozzle group to perform bidirectional recording for creating overlap regions while the second nozzle group handles forward-only recording, enabling precise timing control for bidirectional movement without compromising overall recording speed.
3Reliability
If ink usage rate is increased in overlap regions to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the first nozzle group (which records in both directions) use a lower ink usage rate compared to the second nozzle group (which records only in forward direction). This is sufficient because the overlap regions created by bidirectional recording of the first nozzle group inherently provide better coverage and image quality, eliminating the need for excessive ink application.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a recording timing includes: recording patches disposed along a second axis with a recording head; and determining a recording timing of the recording head based on a selected recorded patch; wherein the patches each include an overlap region, a first region, and a second region; A ≥ B is satisfied, where A is a width along the second axis of the first region and the second region, and B is a width along the second axis of the overlap region; the width B is recorded decreasing towards both ends along the second axis; and the recording includes a first recording in which the recording head moves in a first direction along the second axis and the overlap region is recorded with a first nozzle group and the first region is recorded with a third nozzle group, and a second recording in which the recording head moves in a second direction and the overlap region is recorded with a second nozzle group and the second region is recorded with the third nozzle group.