Image Recording Range Estimation for Irregular Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately setting and maintaining an image recording range for irregularly sized recording media, leading to potential ink contamination and inefficiencies in image recording processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a recording medium side end detecting unit and an image recording range setting unit that estimates the width of the recording medium based on detected side end positions, allowing for precise setting and execution of the image recording range, even without a dedicated size detection mechanism, thereby preventing ink jetting outside the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recording medium detectors are provided on the conveyance path to detect arbitrary medium sizes, then the adaptability to different recording medium sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function by providing a single recording medium side end detecting unit that detects the position of one side end of the recording medium. The width estimation is then performed by the control unit based on the detected position and predetermined conveyance distance, eliminating the need for multiple detectors while maintaining adaptability to irregularly sized media.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the conveyance mechanism's own parameters (conveyance distance, conveyance speed) and the detected side end position to automatically estimate the recording medium width. The control unit performs the estimation calculation without requiring additional dedicated detection mechanisms, allowing the system to self-determine the appropriate recording range.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated size detection mechanism is provided to accurately detect recording medium width, then the manufacturing precision of width detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the conveyance distance as an intermediary parameter to bridge the gap between the detected side end position and the unknown width of the recording medium. By measuring the distance the medium is conveyed and combining it with the side end position, the system can estimate the width without requiring direct width measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanical width detection system (such as multiple physical detectors or measurement devices) with a computational estimation approach. The control unit calculates the width based on the detected side end position and conveyance parameters, substituting complex mechanical detection with simpler sensing and calculation.
3Productivity
If the image recording range is not accurately set for irregularly sized media, then the productivity is maintained, but ink contamination occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary estimation of the recording medium width and determination of the recording range before the actual image recording process. The control unit estimates the width based on the detected side end position and conveyance distance, then sets the recording range in advance, ensuring that ink is only jetted within the appropriate boundaries and preventing contamination.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording range setting unit is provided on a conveyance path of a recording medium, and estimates a width of the recording medium on the basis of a detection result of a medium side end detecting unit for detecting a position of one side end of the recording medium. A recording range, on which image recording is to be performed, is set on the basis of the estimated width, and an image recording process is executed on the recording range.