SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF Z-AXIS PRINTHEAD POSITION IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRINTER

摘要

A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer includes generation of a printed predetermined test pattern on a substrate in the printer with a plurality of ejectors in a printhead. An image sensor generates image data of the printed test pattern and a controller identifies a z-axis distance between the printhead and the substrate that receives the test pattern with reference to an identified dispersion between cross-process direction distances separating printed marks in the test pattern.

主权项

1. A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer comprising:
operating a plurality of ejectors in a first printhead to form a first predetermined test pattern having a first plurality of marks arranged in a cross-process direction on a surface of a substrate; generating with an image sensor image data of the first predetermined test pattern on the substrate; identifying with a controller a dispersion of cross-process direction distances between marks in the first plurality of marks of the first predetermined test pattern with reference to the generated image data; identifying with the controller a first z-axis distance between the first printhead and the substrate with reference to the identified dispersion, the z-axis being perpendicular to the surface of the substrate; and operating with the controller at least one actuator to move at least one of the first printhead and the substrate along the z-axis in response to the identified first z-axis distance being outside of a predetermined z-axis distance range.