System and method for adjusting the registration of an image applied to recording media in a printing system

摘要

A system and method for adjusting the registration of an image applied to recording media in a printer. The timing of the ejection of ink from an inkjet printhead of the printer is adjusted to maintain proper registration of a first side image to a second side image for duplex printing and y registration within a second side image printing from a first color print unit, such as magenta, to a last print unit, such as black. The location of a leading edge of the first side image deposited on a continuous web of recording media is identified and the timing of ink ejection from printhead nozzles is adjusted to align the second side image to the first side image. Adjustment of the timing of ink ejection reduces or eliminates observable registration errors.

主权项

1. A printing system for printing a duplex image having a first side image and a second side image on a continuous web of recording media moving in a downstream direction along a web path from a first roller to a second roller comprising:
a printhead disposed adjacent to the continuous web of recording media, the printhead including a plurality of nozzles configured to eject ink on the recording media; a first velocity sensor configured to generate a first velocity signal representative of the velocity of the web at the first roller and a second velocity signal representative of a change in velocity of the web at the first roller; a second velocity sensor configured to generate a second velocity signal representative of the velocity of the web at the second roller; a controller operatively connected to the printhead, to the first velocity sensor and to the second velocity sensor, the controller being configured to generate a time stamp signal representative of the time of the change in the first velocity signal and to adjust the timing of the ejection of ink based upon the change in the first velocity signal, the second velocity signal, and the time stamp signal.