US6532026B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustment method of dot printing positions and a printing apparatus
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1999-04-05
•
Granted: 2003-03-11
•
Expires: 2019-04-05
Abstract
Abstract In complementarily printing by bi-directional scannings of a head or by a plurality of print heads, first patterns and second patterns including reference dots for example, dots formed by a forward scan of the bi-directional scannings or by one of the plurality of print heads and dots each having the different direction of shifting of relative printing positions to the reference dots are printed in corresponding to the plurality of shifting amounts. These first and second patterns have the similar characteristics of a change in density. The difference is only that their characteristics in density change are inverted according to the direction of shifting. The intersection point of these two characteristics in density change is obtained as a position for adjustment where dot-formed positions match. This makes it easy to perform printing registration in a printing apparatus in the case of printing by a forward and reverse scan of a printing head or in the case of printing by means of a plurality of printing heads. In this case, operations by a user etc. are also unnecessary and are easily performed.
Inventors
- 👤 Kiichiro Takahashi
- 👤 Naoji Otsuka
- 👤 Hitoshi Nishikori
- 👤 Osamu Iwasaki
- 👤 Minoru Teshigawara
- 👤 Toshiyuki Chikuma
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:16
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J19/00; B41J19/14; B41J19/142; B41J19/145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of printing registration for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, said method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
185 words
A method of printing registration for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, said method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
126 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of forming the first and second patterns further includes the steps of: controlling the printing head to form the plurality of first patterns each having optical characteristics corresponding to the plurality of shifting amounts, the plurality of first patterns being formed by said first printing and said second printing, and the plurality of first patterns being formed corresponding to said plurality of shifting amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing; and controlling the printing head to form the plurality of second patterns in which the shifting amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing respectively inverted to the plurality of first patterns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
146 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first printing and said second printing include a printing in a forward scan and in a reverse scan, respectively, upon performing printing by bi-directionally scanning the printing head with respect to the printing medium, a printing being a printing by a first printing head and a printing by a second printing head among the plurality of printing heads respectively, in a direction in which the first printing head and the second printing head are relatively scanned with respect to the printing medium, and a printing being a printing by a first printing head and a printing by a second printing head among a plurality of printing heads respectively, in a direction different from the direction which said first printing head and said second printing head are relatively scanned with respect to said printing medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of acquiring the adjustment value includes continuous change characteristics from optical characteristic data regarding the plurality of first patterns and optical characteristic data regarding the plurality of second patterns obtained by the step of measuring by means of a linear approximation or a polynomial approximation, and calculating the adjustment value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of acquiring the adjustment value includes a continuous density distribution as the change characteristics on the basis of density of each optical characteristic measured regarding the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said adjustment value acquiring step including the step of deriving a printing registration condition including also a printing position parameter that is more accurate than the printing registration condition or a printing position parameter different from the printing registration condition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said pattern-forming step performs a pattern formation in a pitch less dense than a pitch of the printing position capable of controlling in the printing apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
75 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in the pattern-forming step, the dots formed by the first printing and the dots formed by the second printing are arranged, and relative positional relationship of the dots is varied corresponding to the plurality of shifting amount, and a ratio of the dots covering the printing medium is varied, thereby to form the plurality of patterns having optical characteristics corresponding to the shifting amounts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the printing head is a head for performing printing by ejecting ink.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A printing registration method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the printing head has heating elements for generating thermal energy to make the ink film-boil, as energy used for ejecting the ink.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
165 words
A printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a the plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
165 words
A printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a the plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
125 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said means for forming the first and second patterns has: means for controlling the printing head to form the plurality of first patterns each having optical characteristics corresponding to the plurality of shifting amounts, the plurality of first patterns being formed by said first printing and said second printing, and the plurality of first patterns being formed corresponding to said plurality of shifting amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing; and means for controlling the printing head to form the plurality of second patterns in which the shifting amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing respectively inverted to the plurality of first patterns.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
145 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said first printing and said second printing include a printing in a forward scan and in a reverse scan, respectively, upon performing printing by bi-directionally scanning the printing head with respect to the printing medium, a printing being a printing by a first printing head and a printing by a second printing head among a plurality of printing heads respectively, in a direction in which the first printing head and the second printing head are relatively scanned with respect to the printing medium, and a printing being a printing by a first printing head and a printing by a second printing head among the plurality of printing heads respectively, in a direction different from the direction which the first printing head and the second printing head are relatively scanned with respect to the printing medium.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the means for acquiring the adjustment value includes continuous change characteristics from optical characteristic data regarding the plurality of first patterns and optical characteristic data regarding the plurality of second patterns obtained by the means for measuring by using a linear approximation or a polynomial approximation, and calculating the adjustment value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the means for acquiring the adjustment value includes continuous density distribution as the change characteristics on the basis of density of each optical characteristic measured regarding the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said means for acquiring adjustment value has means for deriving a printing registration condition including also a printing position parameter that is more accurate than the printing registration condition or a printing position parameter different from the printing registration condition.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said pattern-forming means performs a pattern formation in a pitch less dense than a pitch of the printing position capable of controlling in the printing apparatus.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
74 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein, by the pattern-forming means, the dots formed by the first printing and the dots formed by the second printing are arranged, and relative positional relationship of the dots is varied corresponding to the plurality of shifting amount, and a ratio of the dots covering the printing medium is varied, thereby to form the plurality of patterns having optical characteristics corresponding to the shifting amounts.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the printing head is a head for performing printing by ejecting ink.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
A printing apparatus as claimed in claim 19 , wherein the printing head has heating elements for generating thermal energy to make the ink film-boil, as energy used for ejecting the ink.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
185 words
A printing system provided with a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, and a host apparatus for supplying an image data to the printing apparatus, said printing system comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
185 words
A printing system provided with a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, and a host apparatus for supplying an image data to the printing apparatus, said printing system comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
125 words
A printing system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said means for forming the first and second patterns has: means for controlling the printing head to form the plurality of first patterns each having optical characteristics corresponding to the plurality of shifting amounts, the plurality of first patterns being formed by said first printing and said second printing, and the plurality of first patterns being formed corresponding to said plurality of shifting amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing; and means for controlling the printing head to form a plurality of second patterns in which the offset amounts of relative printing positions of said second printing to said first printing respectively inverted to the plurality of first patterns.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
216 words
A storage medium which is connected to an information processing apparatus and a program stored in which is readable by the information processing apparatus, said program being for making a printing system to perform a method for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, the method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
216 words
A storage medium which is connected to an information processing apparatus and a program stored in which is readable by the information processing apparatus, said program being for making a printing system to perform a method for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, the method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of printing registration for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, said method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of printing registration for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, said method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
171 words
A printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
171 words
A printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
192 words
A printing system provided with a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, and a host apparatus for supplying an image data to the printing apparatus, said printing system comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
192 words
A printing system provided with a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by a first printing and a second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, and a host apparatus for supplying an image data to the printing apparatus, said printing system comprising: means for forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; means for measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and means for acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position between the first printing and the second printing based on the plurality of shifting amounts corresponding to an intersection point of a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of first patterns and a change characteristic of the measured optical characteristics of the plurality of second patterns.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
179 words
A storage medium which is connected to an information processing apparatus and a program stored in which is readable by the information processing apparatus, said program being for making a printing system to perform a method for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, the method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position plurality of first and second patterns.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
179 words
A storage medium which is connected to an information processing apparatus and a program stored in which is readable by the information processing apparatus, said program being for making a printing system to perform a method for processing for performing printing registration in a first printing and a second printing with respect to a printing apparatus for performing printing of an image by the first printing and the second printing with predetermined conditions of a dot forming position on a printing medium by using a printing head, the method comprising the steps of: forming first patterns and second patterns, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of shifting amounts, the patterns being formed by the first printing and the second printing, and a direction of shifting of relative printing positions in the first printing and the second printing being different; measuring optical characteristics of each of the plurality of first patterns formed and optical characteristics of each of the plurality of second patterns formed; and acquiring adjustment value of conditions of a dot forming position plurality of first and second patterns.
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