METHOD FOR JUDGING IMAGE QUALITY USING HUMAN-READABLE DEFECT-SENSITIVE PATTERNS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of evaluating the performance of an inkjet printhead, comprising:
- (a) creating a test image comprising a matrix of adjacent dots;
(b) selecting an ink dot density which causes each dot of the matrix to overlap at least one adjacent dot;
(c) printing the test image with the printhead;
(d) detecting the presence of spaces between adjacent dots; and
(e) comparing the spaces with a standard.
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Abstract
A method for monitoring the condition of an inkjet printhead. A test image is printed by the printhead and a second reference printhead. The density of ink dots in the test image is selected so that each dot just contacts adjacent dots while avoiding significant overlap. A defective nozzle can produce misplaced or undersized dots, creating abnormal spacing between adjacent dots. At the selected ink dot density, the abnormal spacing is most perceptible to the eye.
5 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of evaluating the performance of an inkjet printhead, comprising:
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(a) creating a test image comprising a matrix of adjacent dots;
(b) selecting an ink dot density which causes each dot of the matrix to overlap at least one adjacent dot;
(c) printing the test image with the printhead;
(d) detecting the presence of spaces between adjacent dots; and
(e) comparing the spaces with a standard.
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2. A method of evaluating the performance of an inkjet printhead, comprising:
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(a) creating a test image comprising a matrix of dots;
(b) selecting an ink dot density with standard spacings between adjacent dots such that the standard spacings can include zero and non-zero spacings; and
(c) comparing actual spacings between adjacent dots with the standard spacings.
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3. A method of evaluating the performance of a suspect inkjet printhead, comprising:
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(a) creating a test image comprising a matrix of dots;
(b) selecting an ink dot density so that adjacent dots in the matrix are spaced apart only when one of the adjacent dots is defective;
(c) printing the test image with the printhead; and
(d) detecting the presence of spaces between dots. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for evaluating the condition of a suspect inkjet printhead, comprising:
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(a) using the suspect printhead and a reference printhead to produce a test print having a test image with at least one region, each region having a uniform matrix of overlapping ink dots;
(b) examining the test image for the presence of unintended spaces between ink dots; and
(c) if unintended spaces are detected, replacing the suspect printhead. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification