Method and apparatus for ink-jet drop trajectory and alignment error detection and correction
US6315383A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/2135
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for ink-jet drop generator ink drop characteristics uses a drop detector target mounted in the printing zone of a hard copy apparatus. The detector target includes a matrix of individual elements sized approximately the same as pixel targets in printing operations. A detector target is mounted adjacently to the paper path of the apparatus such that test firing can be accomplished prior to each swath scan across the print media. By pre-firing nozzles to be used in the next swath at the detector target, actual trajectory errors and drop volumes can be analyzed in real-time. Alternate embodiments and methods are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.