Pen alignment method

Abstract

Abstract A user-interactive plural pen alignment solution for ink-jet printers is described. The invented solution involves user interaction with automatic pen alignment firmware to select the best alignment among a number of illustratively printed options to achieve semi-automatic inter-pen alignment. The alignment algorithm is invoked by a keystroke on a keypad of the ink-jet printer's control panel, typically when a new pen is installed in the printer's carriage. The printer prints stored horizontal and vertical alignment test patterns, including superposed patterns of spaced linear segments (K) and progressively offset, spaced linear segments (M), that illustrate a range of alignment options indicated by printed symbolic indicia (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The printer also prints a stored illustration of the printer's keypad keys that should be struck to make selected alignments. The user examines the printout, selects desired alignments and strikes selected ones of the indicated keys. Horizontal alignments are made in firmware by shifting the timing between ink-jet firings. Vertical alignments are made in firmware by pixel shifting, i.e. by selecting different inkjets for firing. The printer prints a page of alignment patterns illustrating the chosen alignments, which are stored in non-volatile memory for subsequent, pen-aligned printing.

Inventors

• 👤 David W. Pinkernell
• 👤 James O. Beehler
• 👤 Kevin R. Hudson

Bibliographic Details