Patent · US Expired

Printhead alignment test pattern and method for determining printhead misalignment

US7044573B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
11References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 2002
Grant dateMay 16, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41J29/393
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A printhead alignment test pattern has spaced-apart images at least partially aligned along an axis. Each image includes leading and trailing edge portions having respective image-outermost leading and trailing edges spaced apart along the axis and includes an intervening portion located between the leading and trailing edge portions. The leading and trailing edge portions have a higher print density than the intervening portion. A method for determining a printhead misalignment of a printer prints the test pattern, moves a sensor along the axis over the images, obtains data from the sensor, determines the locations along the printhead scan axis of the leading and/or trailing edges of the images using the data, and calculates the printhead misalignment from the determined locations of the leading and/or trailing edges of the images. The test pattern reduces cockling of the print media which improves the accuracy of the method.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.