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EPSON TECHNOLOGY & OPERATING PRINCIPLES

REVISION C

4009705

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Revision C

Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. All effort have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual. However, should any errors be detected, SEIKO EPSON would greatly appreciate being informed of them. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. All effort have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual. However, should any errors be detected, SEIKO EPSON would greatly appreciate being informed of them. The above not withstanding SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual or the consequences thereof. EPSON is a registered trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purpose only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

Copyright 2003 SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION Imaging & Information Product Division TPCSQA Department Printer Technical Support Group

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Revision C

Preface
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a head start on understanding the fundamental technologies developed by EPSON and other technologies that EPSON uses in manufacturing the best products available today. Before reading a service manual or attending technical training, you should read and fully comprehend this guide. The information in this guide is divided into the following topics:

1. "Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers"

Explains concerning the SIDM print mechanism, operation theory, carriage mechanism and paper feed mechanism.

2. "Ink Jet Printers"

Explains concerning the IJ print head mechanism, ink system, etc.

3. "Page Printers"
Explains concerning toners used in PP, electrophotographic printing process, paper transport mechanisms, etc.

4. Image Scanners
Explains concerning the SC CCD sensor mechanism and operating theory, the scanning system and quantization technologies.

5. Digital Still Camera

Explains concerning the DSCs CCD sensor mechanism and operating theory, the data processing system, video technology, etc.

6. Color Imaging Essentials

Explains concerning color reproduction methods used in EPSON products.

7. Adjustment
Explains concerning adjustment items and methods for EPSON products.

8. Trouble Shooting
Explains concerning troubleshooting in SIDM and IJ printers.

9. Glossary of Terms
Explains technical terms encountered when reading the service manual.

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Revision C

Revision History
Revision A B C Date July 29, 1998 May 17, 1999 January 22, 2003 Pages All All Chapter 1 Chapter 3 Chapter 5 Nature of change First issue Added Color, Troubleshooting, and Adjustment chapters; revised color SIDM, color page, film scanner, and scanner software explanations. The descriptions has been reviewed/revised (typographic error, unclear description).

CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers
1.1 Outline ................................................................................................................. 9 1.1.1 Features of Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers ............................................. 9 1.1.2 Outline of the SIDM Printer Mechanism ..................................................... 9 1.2 Print Mechanism .............................................................................................. 1.2.1 Head Wire Array ........................................................................................ 1.2.2 Operating Principle of SIDM Printheads ................................................... 1.2.3 Heat Temperature Detection Mechanism .................................................. 1.4 Paper Feed Mechanism .................................................................................... 1.4.1 Friction Feed .............................................................................................. 1.4.2 Tractor Feed ............................................................................................... 1.4.2.1 Push Tractor Mode ............................................................................ 1.4.2.2 Pull Tractor Mode ............................................................................. 1.4.2.3 Push-Pull Tractor ............................................................................... 1.4.3 Paper Path .................................................................................................. 1.5 Ribbon Mechanism ........................................................................................... 1.5.1 Ribbon Feed Mechanism ........................................................................... 1.5.2 Ribbon Cartridge Mechanism .................................................................... 1.5.3 Ribbon Cassette Mechanism ...................................................................... 13 13 13 14 17 17 18 18 19 19 21 22 22 22 23

Chapter 2 Ink Jet Printers

2.1 Outline ............................................................................................................... 39 2.1.1 Ink Jet Printer Features .............................................................................. 39 2.1.2 Outline of the Ink Jet Printer Mechanism .................................................. 39 2.2 Print Mechanism .............................................................................................. 42 2.2.1 Print Head Nozzle Arrangement ................................................................ 42 2.2.2 Types of Head ............................................................................................ 42 2.2.3 Print Head Mechanism .............................................................................. 43 2.2.3.1 Printing Process ................................................................................. 45 2.2.3.2 Microweave Technology ................................................................... 46 2.2.3.3 Variable Shot Technology ................................................................. 47 2.2.3.4 Multi-shot Technology ...................................................................... 47 2.2.3.5 Printhead Temperature Control ......................................................... 47 2.2.4 Types of Ink ............................................................................................... 48 2.2.4.1 Ink Colors .......................................................................................... 48 2.2.4.2 Differences Between Dye Based Inks and Pigment Based Inks and their Features .......................................................................................................... 48 2.2.4.3 Printing States of Pigment Based Inks and Dye Based Inks ............. 49 2.2.4.4 Types of Pigment Based Ink ............................................................. 49 2.2.4.5 EPSONs Pigment Based Inks .......................................................... 50 2.2.4.6 Light Resistance of Dye Based Inks ................................................. 52 2.2.5 Ink Cartridges ............................................................................................ 53 2.2.5.1 Ink Service Life Control .................................................................... 55 2.3 Ink System Mechanism .................................................................................... 2.3.1 Cap Unit ..................................................................................................... 2.3.2 Pump Unit .................................................................................................. 2.3.2.1 Pump Operation ................................................................................. 2.3.2.2 Head Cleaner Operation .................................................................... 2.3.3 Waste Ink Pad ............................................................................................ 57 57 59 60 60 62

1.3 Carriage Mechanism ........................................................................................ 15

1.6 Platen Gap Mechanism .................................................................................... 24 1.6.1 Manual Platen Gap Type ........................................................................... 25 1.6.2 Auto Platen Gap System ............................................................................ 26 1.7 Color Printing Mechanism .............................................................................. 28 1.7.1 Ribbon Cartridge ....................................................................................... 28 1.7.2 Ribbon Cassette ......................................................................................... 29 1.8 Comprehension Test ......................................................................................... 31 1.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test .............................................................. 34

2.4 Ink System Control .......................................................................................... 63 2.4.1 Basic Ink System Functions ...................................................................... 63

2.4.2 Ink Sequence .............................................................................................. 2.4.3 Initial Ink Charge ....................................................................................... 2.4.4 Ink Cartridge Replacement Cleaning ......................................................... 2.4.5 Manual Cleaning ........................................................................................ 2.4.6 Timer Cleaning .......................................................................................... 2.4.7 Periodic Flushing .......................................................................................

64 64 65 66 67 67

3.7.2 Multiplex Transfer System ...................................................................... 103 3.7.3 Color Printing Process Using an Intermediate Transfer Belt .................. 104 3.7.4 Color Reproduction Methods .................................................................. 110 3.8 Comprehension Test ....................................................................................... 111 3.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test ............................................................ 114

2.5 Paper Feed Mechanism .................................................................................... 68 2.6 Detectors ............................................................................................................ 69 2.7 Media ................................................................................................................. 2.7.1 Dye Based Print Media .............................................................................. 2.7.2 Pigment Based Media ................................................................................ 2.7.3 Structural Outline of Exclusive Print Media ............................................. 70 71 72 73

Chapter 4 Image Scanners

4.1 Outline ............................................................................................................. 118 4.1.1 Scanning (Reading) ................................................................................. 118 4.2 Flat Bed Scanner ............................................................................................ 4.2.1 Reduced Optical System Scanner ............................................................ 4.2.2 Close Contact Scanner ............................................................................. 4.2.3 Moving Lens, CCD Type ........................................................................ 4.2.4 Fixed Lens and CCD Type ...................................................................... 119 119 120 121 122

2.8 Comprehension Test ......................................................................................... 74 2.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test .............................................................. 79

Chapter 3 Page Printers

3.1 Outline ............................................................................................................... 88 3.2 Basic Configuration of Page Printers ............................................................. 89 3.3 Toner .................................................................................................................. 90 3.4 Printing Process ................................................................................................ 91 3.4.1 Charging Process ....................................................................................... 92 3.4.2 Exposure Process ....................................................................................... 93 3.4.2.1 Laser System Exposure ..................................................................... 94 3.4.3 Development Process ................................................................................. 96 3.4.4 Transfer Process ......................................................................................... 98 3.4.5 Fusing Process ........................................................................................... 99 3.4.6 Cleaning ................................................................................................... 100 3.4.7 Pre-exposure ............................................................................................ 100 3.5 Mechanism Operating Theory ...................................................................... 3.5.1 Outline of Mechanism ............................................................................. 3.5.2 Paper Path ................................................................................................ 3.5.3 Paper Ejection .......................................................................................... 101 101 101 101

4.3 Sheet Feed Type .............................................................................................. 123 4.4 Handy Type ..................................................................................................... 124 4.5 Film Scanner .................................................................................................. 125 4.6 CCD ................................................................................................................. 4.6.1 CCD Construction ................................................................................... 4.6.2 Types of CCD .......................................................................................... 4.6.2.1 Linear CCD ..................................................................................... 4.6.3 CCD and Resolution ................................................................................ 126 126 126 126 127

4.7 Linear CCD Operating Theory ..................................................................... 128 4.7.1 CCD Photosensitive Element Operating Theory ..................................... 128 4.7.2 CCD Analog Shift Register Operating Theory ........................................ 129 4.8 Comprehension Test ....................................................................................... 131 4.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test ............................................................ 132

Chapter 5 Digital Still Camera

5.1 Outline ............................................................................................................. 136 5.2 CCD ................................................................................................................. 137 5.2.1 CCD Sensor ............................................................................................. 137 5.2.1.1 CCD Area Sensor ............................................................................ 137 5.3 Transfer Method ............................................................................................. 138 5.3.1 Frame Transfer ........................................................................................ 138

3.6 Electric Components ...................................................................................... 102 3.6.1 Safety Switch and Each Sensor ............................................................... 102 3.7 Color Page Printers ........................................................................................ 103 3.7.1 Outline ..................................................................................................... 103

5.3.2 Interline Transfer ..................................................................................... 139 5.4 Digital Still Camera Operating Theory ........................................................ 140 5.4.1 Storing the Image ..................................................................................... 142 5.5 Comprehension Test ....................................................................................... 143

Chapter 6 Color Imaging Essentials

6.1 Basic Knowledge about Color ....................................................................... 6.1.1 What is Color? ......................................................................................... 6.1.1.1 Three Factors Enabling Color to be Seen ........................................ 6.1.1.2 Relationship Between Color and Wavelength ................................. 6.1.1.3 Way of Thinking on Primary Colors ............................................... 6.1.1.4 Mixed Colors ................................................................................... 6.1.1.5 Color Mixing Methods .................................................................... 6.1.2 Types and Attributes of Color ................................................................. 6.1.3 Methods of Transmitting Color ............................................................... 6.1.3.1 Color Name ..................................................................................... 6.1.3.2 Symbols ........................................................................................... 6.1.3.3 Proper Use of Color Expression ...................................................... 6.1.4 Color Measurement Methods .................................................................. 6.2 Color Printer Printing Methods .................................................................... 6.2.1 Color ........................................................................................................ 6.2.1.1 Primary Colors ................................................................................ 6.2.1.2 Printing Colors ................................................................................ 6.2.1.3 Inks .................................................................................................. 6.2.2 Gradiation ................................................................................................ 6.2.2.1 Gradiation ........................................................................................ 145 145 145 145 145 146 146 148 149 149 149 151 151 152 152 152 152 152 152 152

7.2.5 Head Height Adjustment ......................................................................... 7.2.6 Head Gap Adjustment ............................................................................. 7.2.7 Uni-D Adjustment ................................................................................... 7.2.8 Bi-D Adjustment ...................................................................................... 7.2.9 Inputting the USB ID ............................................................................... 7.2.10 Clearing the Protection Counter ............................................................ 7.2.11 Ink Charge .............................................................................................

159 160 160 161 162 163 163

Chapter 8 Trouble Shooting

8.1 Outline ............................................................................................................. 165 8.1.1 SIDM ....................................................................................................... 165 8.1.2 Ink Jet Printer ........................................................................................... 169

Chapter 9 Glossary of Terms

6.3 Comprehension Test ....................................................................................... 154

Chapter 7 Adjustment
7.1 Outline ............................................................................................................. 156 7.2 Ink Jet Printer Adjustments .......................................................................... 7.2.1 Parallelism Adjustment (PG Adjustment) ............................................... 7.2.2 Backlash Adjustment ............................................................................... 7.2.2.1 Cases in which Backlash Adjustment is Necessary ........................ 7.2.2.2 Backlash Adjustment Control Method ............................................ 7.2.3 Inputting the Print Head ID ..................................................................... 7.2.4 Head Inclination Adjustment ................................................................... 157 157 157 158 158 158 159

CHAPTER

SERIAL IMPACT DOT MATRIX PRINTERS

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Revision C

1.1 Outline
1.1.1 Features of Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers
Serial impact dot matrix printers (hereafter, called SIDM) have the following advantages and disadvantages.

1.1.2 Outline of the SIDM Printer Mechanism

A SIDM is configured from the following mechanisms.

Print Mechanism
The print mechanism is configured from the following major parts.

Print Head Ink Ribbon Cartridge Ribbon Mask, Ribbon Mask Holder Ribbon Feed Mechanism
The Ribbon Feed Mechanism reel the ink ribbon off inside the ink ribbon cartridge as printing is done and the mechanism is included which circulates the ribbon in a loop in the ribbon cartridge. This mechanism is configured from the following parts.

Advantages Can print on multi-part copying paper. Exclusive papers are not necessary as with ink-jet printers, but stable printing
is possible on various types of paper.

A paper path is provided which makes this type of printer compatible with
continuous paper and cut sheet paper.

Disadvantages The noise is great during printing. There are limitations to the response of print heads and wires, thus limiting
printing speeds.

Ribbon Winding Gears CR Timing Belt Pulley Carriage Return Mechanism (Carriage)
This mechanism is configured from the following major parts, and the CR Assembly is moved left and right by the CR motors driving and is the mechanism that carries out printing.

It is not suitable for high quality printing such as photographs and graphics. In order to prevent overheating of the print head, the print speed has to be
suppressed or printing has to be stopped according to the print head tempreture, thus influencing print speed.

CR Assembly
This assembly is the base parts assembling the print head.

CR Motor CR Shaft CR Timing Belt HP Sensor

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Outline

EPSON TOP CSF Mechanism (Cut Sheet Feeder)

This is a paper feed mechanism for cut sheets. Such a mechanism is categorized into two type of CSF mechanism. One of the mechanism can be set and load only a single sheet. And other mechanism can be set and load a large quantity of cut sheets.

Revision C PG Mechanism (Platen Gap Mechanism)

This mechanism allows to change the gap between the Platen roller and the surface of the printhead in accordance with a thickness of various kind of paper used on the printer. There is two kinds of the PG mechanism, One is manual setting type and the user can change the platen gap manually. And another one is the automatic setting type and the platen gap is changed automatically according to the measured paper thickness. The major parts used to configure each type of mechanism are shown below.

Sheet Guide
In the case where there is a mechanism that enables one cut sheet only to be set, the part which generally called as a sheet guide; is used to guide a single sheet of paper when loading it on the printer mechanism.

Manual Platen Gap Mechanism

Adjust Lever PG Sensor CR Guide Shaft

CSF Unit
There are some printer models on which a CSF unit can be installed, and there are some models on which it cannot be installed. The CSF unit enables setting of large quantities of paper, and includes a mechanism that separates the sheets of paper and feeds them. Depending on the model, there are units that have an exclusive CSF drive motor built in, and there are types that use the driving force of the Paper Feed (PF) motor.

Automatic Platen Gap Mechanism

PG Motor Paper Thickness Detection Sensor Each type of gear

Tractor Mechanism
This is a mechanical unit in which continuous paper is set, and which transports the paper to the paper feed unit. There are three types of tractor mechanism, the push type, the pull type and the push-pull type, and it is mainly configured from the following major parts.

Circuit boards Power Supply Board Main Circuit Board Control Panel Mechanism Frame / Outer Case

Tractor Unit PF Motor Gear Train that transmits the power from the PF Motor Paper Feed Mechanism
This mechanism feeds paper from the CSF mechanism or the tractor mechanism in such a way as to match the printing image.

Platen Roller PF Roller

There is a front, rear or lower PF roller corresponding to the paper path.

PF Motor Paper Eject Unit Paper Detection Sensor

There is a rear and front sensor corresponding to the paper path.

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Outline

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Revision C

Push Tractor Paper Eject Unit

Control Panel

Sheet Guide

PG Adjust Lever

PG Adjust Lever Release Lever Platen Knob

Platen Roller Print Head

Release Lever

PF Motor Print Head

Ribbon Mask Holder Front Paper Feed / Paper Eject Port

CR Motor

Figure 1-1. Impact Printer Configuration 1

Figure 1-2. Impact Printer Configuration 2

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Outline

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Among varisou Epson SIDM printers, there are straight loading type printers, as shown in the figure below. The feature of this type of printer is that the paper path is minimal, but the paper feed accuracy is better compared with the printers described on the previous page.
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Revision C

Printer Cover Ribbon Cartridge

Print Head Adjust Lever Edge Guide

Sheet Guide

Control Panel Power Switch

Paper Feed Knob Release lever

Figure 1-3. Impact Printer Configuration 3

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Outline

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Revision C

1.2 Print Mechanism

1.2.1 Head Wire Array
The SIDM print mechanism is configured from the head, ink ribbon and ribbon mask. The print head is basically configured from wires, called pins, either 9 pins (in the case of a 9-pin printer) or 24 pins (in the case of a 24-pin printer). The 9-pin head has one vertical row of wires and a 24-pin head has 2 staggered rows of 12 wires each. The following figure shows the arrangement of wires in the print head when viewed from the back of the head and looking toward the paper.
0. 29 m m 0. 2m m

1.2.2 Operating Principle of SIDM Printheads

A SIDM print head is configured from wires, wire resetting springs, actuating plates, head driving coils and other parts, as shown in the following figure. The ribbon mask is assembled in the ribbon mask holder and prevents non-printed portions of the ink ribbon from making contact with the paper during printing. Ribbon mask Ribbon Wire resetting spring Stopper Wire Platen

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9

0.353mm (1/72)

#1 #3 #5 #7 #9 #11 #13 #15 #17 #19 #21 #23

#2 #4 #6 #8 #10 #12 #14 #16 #18 #20 #22 #24 24 pin

0.14mm (1/180)

Head center

Actuating plate
Head center

Iron core Actuating spring Head driving coil Thermistor

Media

9 pin

Figure 1-4. Print Head Wire Arrangement (Viewed from the Back of the Head)

Figure 1-5. Printhead Mechanism

1. 2. 3. If print signals are sent from the control circuit to the head drive circuit, they are converted to head drive pulses. The head drive pulses are transmitted to the print head drive coil . The drive coil generates magnetic force between its iron core and the actuating plate, ,magnetizing the actuating plate to the Iron core.

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Print Mechanism

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4. 5. 6. 7. The wire is connected to the actuating plate and when the actuating plate is magnetized by the head drive coil, the wire jumps out in the direction of the platen. The hitting of the wire against the ribbon, causes it to tap against the paper which is backed up by the platen, printing a dot on the paper. When transmission of the print head drive pulses to the head drive coil end, the magnetic force dissipates from the iron core. The springiness of the platen, the spring force of the actuating spring and the wire resetting spring cause the actuating plate to be returned to its original position, in readiness for the next print operation.

Revision C

1.2.3 Heat Temperature Detection Mechanism

A 24-pin print head has a head temperature detection mechanism that includes a builtin thermistor for monitoring the head temperature. The head temperature is converted by the thermistor to electrical signals and fed back to the control circuit. The print heads drive mode is changed according to the paper thickness and head temperature. This is due to keep a constant print quality at all times. The drive coil inside the print head is prevented from burning or degradation when the print head temperature rises due to continuous high duty printing. And, when the head tempreture is extremely low, the printer controls to improve the wires response according to the head tempreture. Therefore, when the temperature inside the print head reaches the specified value, the printer reduces the head speed or causes printing to stop temporarily until the head temperature drops to the specified value.

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Print Mechanism

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Revision C HP Sensor
The HP sensor has the function of sensing the HP position of the CR. It differs depending on the model, but Generally, either the photocoupler type or mechanical contact type of sensor is used for the HP sensor.

1.3 Carriage Mechanism

The CR mechanism is configured from the CR assembly, CR motor, CR timing belt drive pulley, HP (CR home position) sensor, CR guide shaft and other parts. The rotation of the CR motor is transmitted to the CR timing belt and the CR assembly is moved left and right along the CR guide shaft. These CR mechanisms are shown in the following figure. CR Timing belt Ribbon mask

Photocoupler Type
This device is configured from a combination of a LED (Light Emitting Diode) and photo transistor. The light output from the LED is detected by the phototransistor. Blocking of the light path between the HP sensors LED and the phototransistor by the flag on the CR assembly turns the sensor ON or OFF, causing the HP position to be detected. CR position control is performed with the HP position as the reference point.

Carriage assembly Ribbon mask holder Carriage motor

Mechanical Contact Type

The flag of the CR makes contact with the mechanical contact type of HP sensor, thus causing the HP position to be detected.

Home position sensor

Flag Carriage guide shaft CR timing belt drive pulley

Figure 1-6. Carriage Mechanism

There are differences depending on the model, but generally, the following sensors are mounted in the CR mechanism.

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Carriage Mechanism

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EPSON TOP Paper Width / Paper Front End Detection Sensor

A reflective type photosensor is used for this sensor. Light generated by the LED is reflected on the paper and the phototransistor in the light receptor detects it. This sensor is mounted on the ribbon mask holder. In many cases, it has the following two functions.

Revision C
Printers which are not equipped with a paper top edge sensor use a paper detection sensor located in the paper path to detect the papers top edge and feed it back to the control board, then based on the results, the control board controls the number of steps the PF motor turns to feed the paper to the paper top edge position.

Paper Top Edge Detection.

When paper is fed, the CR unit is moved to near the center of the CR shaft and the top of form of the paper being fed into the printer is detected. This is fed back to the control circuit and controls the papers top of form position by the PF motor.

Paper Width Detection

When feeding paper, the CR unit moves left and right over the CR scanning range, measuring the papers width, then feeding it back to the control circuit. Printers which have this function will not run over the measured edge of the paper and end up printing on the platen, even if the PC sends data that exceed the paper width. Micro-photosensor

Paper Width / Paper Top Edge Detection Sensor Ribbon Mask Holder

Figure 1-7. Paper Width / Paper Front End Detection Sensor Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers Carriage Mechanism 16

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Revision C
When in the friction mode, the PF roller works to press the paper against the platen roller. By setting the release lever in the cut sheet paper position, the PF roller is pushed against the platen roller. If the paper is to be released for the tractor feed, the release lever is set in the tractor feed position.

1.4 Paper Feed Mechanism

The paper feed mechanism in the SIDM printers has two main functions, one is to feed cut sheets using the friction feed mechanism and the other is to feed continuous paper using a tractor feeder. Friction feed and tractor feed are switched by operating the lever called the release lever.

1.4.1 Friction Feed

The paper is fed between the platen and the paper feed rollers and then eject the paper by the paper eject roller in the Paper eject unit. The pinion gear drives all of the combination gears as shown by the black arrows in the illustration below. Through the combination gears, platen gear, and paper eject roller, the paper is fed as shown by the white arrows in the illustration. Paper eject roller Cut sheet

PF motor, Pinion gear

Platen

Paper feed roller Combination gear Platen gear PF motor

Figure 1-8. Friction Feed

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Paper Feed Mechanism

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Revision C Front Push Tractor

If the release lever is set in the front push tractor position, the driving of the PF motor is transmitted to the push tractor gear via the PF motor pinion gear, combination gear, platen gear and the gear train in the front of the printer. The following figure shows the direction of rotation (black arrow direction) transmitted from the PF motor to the pinion gear and the operation of transmitting that rotation to the tractor gear and feeding paper. The PF motors rotation is also transmitted to the PF roller and platen via the gear train, feeding the paper. Just as in the case of the rear push tractor, in the rear push tractor mode, in order to lighten the pressure between the PF roller and the platen, the release lever is set in the rear tractor position. Therefore, the paper is fed to the printer by the driving force of the push tractor.

1.4.2 Tractor Feed

There are three types of tractor feed, push tractor feed, pull tractor feed and push-pull tractor feed.

1.4.2.1 Push Tractor Mode

In the push tractor mode, the paper feed port is Generally either at the rear or the front end of the printer. The push tractor is installed at the paper insertion port and has the function of transporting paper to the printer.

Rear Push Tractor

Driving force transmitted from the PF motor is transmitted to the push tractor gear via the PF motor pinion gear, combination gear and spur gear. The following figure shows the direction of rotation transmitted from the PF motor pinion gear to the tractor gear (black arrow direction in the figure) and the operation where the tractor gear feeds the paper into the printer. The rotation of the PF motor is also transmitted to the platen and paper eject roller via the gear train, and carries out paper feeding. In the rear push tractor mode, the release lever is set in the rear tractor position to reduce the pressure between the PF roller and the platen. Therefore, the paper is fed to the printer by the diving force of the push tractor. Continuous paper Rear push tractor

Front push tractor

Figure 1-10. Front Push Tractor Figure 1-9. Rear Push Tractor

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Paper Feed Mechanism

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Revision C

1.4.2.2 Pull Tractor Mode

In the case of the paper feed method in the pull tractor mode, the pull tractor is installed at the paper eject unit, which is the opposite of the push tractor. Therefore, paper must be set in the pull tractor through the paper transport pathway from the paper feed inlet. Also, if used in the pull tractor mode, it is necessary to set release lever in the pull tractor position. The paper feed inlet in the pull tractor mode is either the rear, front or bottom of the printer. The pull tractor has the function of pulling paper out of the printer mechanism, so a paper eject unit is not necessary. In the following figure, the paper eject operation, when the paper inserted from the front or the bottom of the printer is being ejected, is shown.

1.4.2.3 Push-Pull Tractor

With the push-pull tractor method, the paper is fed through the printer using the push tractor and pull tractor in combination. Feeding of paper into the printer and ejecting the paper from the printer are carried out simultaneously by both tractors. By using the push pull tractor system, the accuracy of paper feed of continuous paper is generally high. The push-pull tractor operation when paper is being inserted into the printer from the rear is shown in the following figure. Continuous paper Pull tractor

Pull tractor push tractor

Figure 1-12. Push/Pull Tractor (Rear)

Figure 1-11. Pull Tractor

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Paper Feed Mechanism

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The push-pull tractor operation when paper is being inserted from the front of the printer is shown in the figure below. Continuous Paper

Revision C
The features of each tractor paper feed method are shown in the following table.

Table 1-1. Features of Tractors

Tractor Advantage Disadvantage Paper feed accuracy : Inferior. Particulary in case where the last pages comes off the tractor. However, that is out of the specifications. Backfeed: Not available Paper Parking: Not available Tear-off: Not available The first page is wasted.

Pull Tractor
Paper parking: Available Tear-off: Available Backfeed: Available

Push Tractor

Pull Tractor

Paper feed accuracy: Superior

Push-Pull Tractor

Paper feed accuracy: Superior Backfeed: Available Paper Parking: Available However, the paper comes off the pull tractor for a brief time.

Tear-off: Not available The first page is wasted. Two sets of tractor are necessary.

Push Tractor

NOTE: Paper parking: When switching from continuous paper to cut sheet paper, this function back feeds the continuous paper to the paper feed inlet. NOTE: Tear Off: This is a function in which the position where the continuous papers cutting line position is set, then when printing is completed, the paper is fed automatically to the paper cut position.

Figure 1-13. Push-pull Tractor (Front Insertion)

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Paper Feed Mechanism

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Revision C
Printers with a straight loading paper path have the following construction. Printers with the following construction can feed both cut sheet and continuous paper from the front or the rear. Printer Mechanism Frame Print Head Paper Eject Sub Roller PF Roller Sub PF Roller
Front PF roller Paper eject roller Platen

1.4.3 Paper Path

Here the printers paper path is explained. The paper path differs depending on the type of printer, but depends on the insertion port used when paper is fed into the printer (front, rear, top or bottom), the paper path is categorized into maximum four different paper paths. A PE (Paper End) sensor is installed in the front, bottom and rear paper paths, respectively, which detects the top edge and bottom edge of the paper and prevents printing on the platen when the printer is out of paper.

Tractor Drive Transmission Gear

Tractor

Print head

Top path Paper drive roller

Rear path

Paper Eject Roller

Platen Roller Front PE Sensor

PF Motor

Rear PE Sensor

Figure 1-15. Straight Loading

Front path Lower PF roller Front paper end sensor

Rear paper end sensor

Rear PF roller

Bottom path

Figure 1-14. Paper Path

Serial Impact Dot Matrix Printers

Paper Feed Mechanism

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Revision C

1.5 Ribbon Mechanism

1.5.1 Ribbon Feed Mechanism
There are two types of ink ribbon used, one of the type is the ribbon cassette that is mounted into the CR unit, and other is the ribbon cartridge type which is installed inside the printer and not mounted on the CR unit. Generally, the ribbon length in the ribbon cartridge type is longer and the ink life is long, so it is the type that is used the most.
Ribbon pressure roller

Ribbon feed roller

Ribbon

Ribbon brake spring Belt drive pulley

1.5.2 Ribbon Cartridge Mechanism

The ribbon is held between the ribbon feed roller (ribbon drive gear) and ribbon pressure roller. If the CR unit moves from right to left, or in the opposite direction along the CR guide shaft, the timing belt turns the belt drive pulley. At the same time, that rotation is transmitted to the ribbon drive gear via the gear train. Furthermore, since the gear is connected through a planetary gear, whichever direction the CR moves, left or right, the ribbon drive gears rotational direction is always constant, in the counterclockwise direction.

Gear (1)

Gear (3) Timing belt Ribbon mask Ribbon mask holder

Gear (2)

Table 1-2. Ribbon Feed and Gear Connections

CR Moving Direction From left to right (black arrow direction in the figure below). From right to left (white arrow direction in the figure below). Gear Connection Belt drive pulley -> Gear (1) -> Gear (2) -> Ribbon Drive Gear Belt drive pulley -> Gear (1) -> Gear (3) -> Gear (4) -> Ribbon Drive Gear
Ribbon drive gear Gear (4)

Carriage assembly

Carriage guide shaft

The ribbon brake spring installed in the outlet of the cartridge case works to maintain an appropriate tension on the ribbon so that it is not pulled out of the cartridge too much. Also, a ribbon mask is used to prevent the ribbon from making direct contact with the printed surface.

Figure 1-16. Ribbon Cartridge Mechanism

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1.5.3 Ribbon Cassette Mechanism

The ribbon cassette mechanism is configured from a rack attached to the mechanical units CR guide frame and a pinion, planetary gear, combination gear and RD ratchet attached to the CR unit. When the CR guide of the CR unit is moved left and right by the CR motor, the pinion is turned by the rack and power is transmitted to the planetary gear. If the CR is moving to the left, the power of the planetary gear is transmitted directly to the RD ratchet. The Ribbon feed roller winds the ribbon via RD ratchet. Also, if the CR unit is moving to the right, the drive power of the planetary gear is first transmitted to the combination gear, then the combination gear drives the RD ratchet. The Ribbon feed roller winds the ribbon via RD ratchet.
Planetary gear Carriage unit Combination gear Carriage guide unit Pinion Rack

Ribbon cassette Ink ribbon

Ribbon drive ratchet

Ribbon feed roller Ribbon brake spring

Figure 1-17. Ribbon Cassette Mechanism

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If the platen gap is not set appropriately, the following phenomena will occur.

1.6 Platen Gap Mechanism

As described in the print head operating theory (Operating Principle of SIDM Printheads on page 13), the wires which jump out from the print head on the SIDM hit against the ink ribbon and print dots on the paper with the platen as the base. The distance between the print head and the platen is set at approximately 0.5 ~ 0.7 mm. Since the thickness of the paper, the thickness of the cloth base of the ink ribbon and the thickness of the ribbon mask, etc. are actually included in the platen gap, the amount of actual travel of the wires has these values subtracted from it. Platen Gap Platen Print Head

If the platen gap is too small The ink ribbon will get caught between the print head and the paper, the
ribbon will jam and the CR unit will stop.

The ink ribbon will rub against the paper surface and the paper will be
smeared with ink (the print will be smeared).

The color ink ribbon will get caught between the print head and the ribbon
mask and printing in the desired color will not be possible. Also, the colors will become mixed (discoloration).

A load is generated in the print head, the heads pins break and this causes
breakdown.

If the platen gap is too large The printed characters will be thin in appearance. The ink ribbon will get caught on the wires and the wires will break.
The distance the print wires will travel will be long and the time it takes to make contact with the ink ribbon will be long. During printing, the CR moves left and right and the ribbon winding operation is carried out, so if the ribbons winding direction and the CRs direction of movement are opposite, there will be marked ribbon hang-up and the wires could be broken.

Paper Wire

The wires could get hung up on the edges of the paper, and this could cause
the wires to break. In order to prevent the above troubles, it is necessary to adjust the platen gap to the correct value according to the paper thickness or paper type, etc. of the paper being used for printing. Platen gap mechanisms are classified into two types, the manual platen gap type and the auto platen gap type.

Figure 1-18. Platen Gap

The impact force of the wires that jump out from the print head is strong at first, but at the end, it is restricted by the wire resetting spring and actuating spring, so it becomes weak. Also, the influence of the platen gap is such that, if the platen gap becomes large, the time it takes for a round trip of the wires will get long and will have an influence on the printing speed (that is, the heads response characteristics will worsen).

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Also, if the adjust lever is set above a certain number of steps, the PG sensor feeds it back to the control circuit side. If the platen gap is set for thick paper (copy paper), the print speed is reduced to prevent breaking of the print head wires.
(52)

1.6.1 Manual Platen Gap Type

The manula platen gap type is a system whereby the user can operate the adjust lever (paper thickness adjust lever or PG adjsut lever) manually to set the platen gap in accordance with the thickness of the paper. The LQ-670, with its manual platen gap system, will be used as an example. The manual platen gap adjustment mechanism is configured from the CR assembly, the CR guide shaft which guides the CR assembly when it is moved left and right to carry out printing, the parallelism adjustment bushings which fasten the CR guide shaft to the printers mechanism and the adjust lever. The center axis of the CR guide shaft is off-center with respect to the center of the adjust levers CR guide axis installation hole, and it is therefore eccentric.
Carriage guide shaft Print head Carriage assembly

Adjust lever

Carriage guide shaft center

Print heads Platen gap detector

Adjust lever Adjust lever carriage guide shaft mounting hole Carriage guide shaft Platen roller

Figure 1-20. Manual Platen-gap Adjustment

Platen roller Parallelism adjustment bushing

+ 0 - + 2 1 6

Not only in cases where the print head is removed, but also when the platen roller or CR unit is removed, it is necessary to adjust the platen gap after all assembly is completed.

Figure 1-19. Manual Platen Gap Adjustment

If the adjust lever is turned, the CR guide rotates in a circular direction. At that time, the center axis of the CR guide shaft moves nearer to or farther from the platen. Through this movement, the platen gap can be changed. Furthermore, as for movement of the parallelism adjustment bushings, the angle of rotation in the direction of the CR guide shafts circumference is set in advance so that the platen roller shaft and CR guide shaft become parallel to each other.

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1.6.2 Auto Platen Gap System

In this system, the printer itself measures the thickness of the paper fed into it, then automatically sets the platen gap automatically to correspond to that thickness. The auto platen gap mechanism is described below using the DLQ-3000+ as an example.
Slit disc PG motor gear Paper thickness sensor Carriage guide shaft

Combination gear

Carriage Unit

Sector gear

Ink ribbon

Ribbon mask Paper PGHP senso Platen roller

Figure 1-21. Auto Platen Gap Mechanism

The auto platen gap mechanism is configured from the PG motor, which generates torque that changes the platen gap, the slit disc that outputs the PG motors rotational angle, the paper thickness sensor that detects the PG motors rotational angle from the slit disc, the combination gear that transmits the PG motors torque to the sector gear, the sector gear that changes the platen gap by rotating the CR guide shaft, the PGHP sensor that detects the sector gears home position, the CR guide shaft that guides the CR unit as it moves left and right to carry out printing and the CR unit where the print head is mounted. The operating theory of the auto platen gap mechanism is shown on the next page.

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PG motor direction

PGHP Standby position Paper thickness detection Platen surface Ready to print

PG Motor ON Signal

PG Motor: Stopped

Paper Thickness Sensor Output

Print head Paper Platen roller

Figure 1-23. PG Motor Stop Detection

4. During Paper Thickness Measurement After paper feed, the print head presses the ink ribbon, ribbon mask and paper against the platen roller. The paper thickness is detected from the difference between the PG motor rotational angle when the PG motor was stopped and the PG motors rotational angle measurement value to the platen surface and the measurement value when the platen surface was detected. During Printing After the paper thickness is detected, the printer returns the print head a little to the PGHP position side and carries out printing. After printing is completed, the print head is returned to the standby position for the paper eject and paper feed operations.
+ 0 - + 2 1 6

<Power OFF>

<PGHP detection> <Platen surface <Paper thickness <Ready to print> detection> determined>

Figure 1-22. Platen-gap Operation

1. When the power is turned OFF When the power is turned OFF or when not printing, the print head is in the proper standby position. When not printing, in consideration of the paper feed operation, the print head waits in the standby position to avoid impacts between the paper and the print head. When sensing the PGHP If the power is turned ON, the print head returns briefly to the PGHP (platen gap home position). The PGHP sensor detects the PGHP position. This position becomes the reference when the print head moves to the platen side. When sensing the platen surface After PGHP detection, after the printer confirms that paper has not been fed, the print head presses against the platen. The printer monitors the paper thickness sensors output signal and after a predetermined period of time (T) has passed after the point when detection of the output pulse stops, it judges that the PG motor has stopped, then from the motors rotational angle at that time, it measures the rotational angle from the PGHP to the platen surface. Then the print head returns to the PGHP position.

5.

6.

2.

Not only in cases where the print head is removed, but also when the PG motor, platen roller or CR unit is removed, it is necessary to adjust the platen gap after all assembly is completed.

3.

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The color ribbon is about an inch wide and has four color stripes running horizontally; black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The CS motor turns the ribbon shift gear. The ribbon shift cam and color shift cam follower convert the ribbon shift gears rotary motion to the up-down motion of the color cartridge holder. The up and down motion of the color cartridge holder shifts the ribbon cartridge up and down. The amount of up and down shift motion is determined by the color ribbons color band selection and printing is executed in that color. The CS lever carries out fine adjustment of the shift amount.
Color ribbon cartridge Lever, CS Black Cyan Magenta Yellow

1.7 Color Printing Mechanism

Some dot matrix printers can print color documents but because the dot size is completely dependent on the size of the printhead pin, SIDM printers cannot print fine detail like ink jet or laser printers. Therefore, the color print capability for impact dot matrix printers is considered as a kind of supplemental feature. SIDM printers produce color documents using subtractive colors (see Color Mixing Methods, for details). To print color, an SIDM printer needs two special components; a color ribbon cartridge and a color-ribbon shift motor.

1.7.1 Ribbon Cartridge

Taking the LQ-300 as an example, we will explain the ribbon cartridge type color print mechanism. The color print mechanism is configured from a color ribbon cartridge and ribbon shift mechanism. The ribbon shift mechanism is configured from the CS motor, ribbon shift gear, cam and color ribbon sensor. Ribbon cartridge Ribbon shift motor

Holder, cartridge, color CS motor Ribbon shift cam Color shift cam follower Ribbon shift gear

Figure 1-25. Color Printing Operation

Although the color cartridge only provides four colors, it is possible to print up to seven colors. Whichever the color, the color home position (black band) is referred to as the initial position and selected through the rotation of the CS motor. The home position is recognized by the number of CS motor step pulses. The table below shows the color printing sequence (color sequence). Generally, in order to avoid smearing of the color ribbon, the bright colors are printed first, then the dark colors are printed afterward. The intermediate colors are created by superimposing one color on top of another one, as shown in the table.

Figure 1-24. Color Printing Mechanism

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EPSON TOP Table 1-3. Color Sequence

Color Black Magenta Cyan Yellow Green Orange Purple First Dot Black Magenta Cyan Yellow Yellow Yellow Magenta Second Dot Cyan Magenta Cyan

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1.7.2 Ribbon Cassette

The illustration below shows the color-ribbon cassette for the DLQ-3000+. A color ribbon is divided into four color bands, black, red, blue and yellow. The ribbon shift mechanism is a mechanism that shifts the ribbon cassette up or down on the CR unit. It is configured from the ribbon motor, ribbon shift gear train and color HP sensor. simply by setting a color ribbon cassette in the CR causes the color ribbon sensor to detect that a color ribbon cassette is set, and the printer switches to the color printing mode, enabling printing to be done in 7 colors.
Ink ribbon Ribbon cassette

Carriage unit Color ribbon sensor

CS drive lever

CS drive cam

CS speed-reduction gear Ribbon drive gear

Color HP sensor Ribbon planetary gear Ribbon motor

Figure 1-26. Color Printing Mechanism

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The ribbon motor drives the ribbon planetary gear, ribbon follower gear, CS speed reduction gear and CS drive cam. The CS drive lever is moved up and down by the CS drive cam, causing the ribbon cassette to move up and down. By the positioning pin and positioning spring pushing the ribbon cassette against the CS drive lever at all times, the ribbon cassette follows the movements of the CS drive lever.
Color ribbon cassette

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Positioning pin

positioning spring

Black Cyan Magenta Yellow

CS drive lever

Figure 1-27. Color Printing Operation

Immediately after the printers power is turned on and after case open detection, when the printer advances to the next operation, the printer shifts to the black color band briefly, then shifts to the target color band in order to prevent mixed colors by the ribbon getting caught on the print head. The shift amount is changed by 1/4 the width of the ribbon, the width of one color band. With the home position as the reference, the ribbon motor turns to each respective position on the color ribbon to switch to each color band in the color ribbon cassette. Furthermore, the color home position is detected by the color HP sensor at this time. It becomes the reference each time a color band is selected. The color sequence is the same as for a ribbon cartridge. Expression of intermediate colors is expressed by printing two colors one on top of the other. The bright colors are also printed first in the ribbon cassette in order to avoid smearing of the color ribbon, then the dark colors are printed afterward.

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6. Name the 3 types of tractor paper feed system. Select the three correct items from the choices below. Push system Push/Push system Pull system Push/Pull system 7. Select one advantage of the pull tractor system from among the following choices. Paper feed accuracy is high. It is possible to use the tear-off function. Back feeding of the paper is possible. 8. Select from among the following choices the operation of a SIDM printer if the thermistor inside the print head detects the specified temperature. It changes the operating force of the print wires in accordance with the detected temperature. It reduces the ink ribbon winding speed. It lowers the print speed, and if the temperature doesnt drop from the specified temperature, it stops printing. 9. Select which sensor is used as the paper width / paper top edge detection sensor from among the following sensors. Mechanical contact type Photocoupler type Reflective photosensor type 10. Select the description below that should be used to fill in the blank ( ) in the following sentence. Printer models without paper top edge detection sensors control the papers top edge position according to the detection results of the ( ) sensor and the number of steps specified for the PF motor. Paper detection (rear) sensor HP detection sensor PG detection sensor

1.8 Comprehension Test

1. Select one advantage which SIDM printers have as compared to other printers from among the choices below. Printing noise is low. Print speed is fast. It can be used to print multiple copy forms. 2. Name the part that drives the print wires inside the print head. Select one of the following. Drive Coil Wire Platen 3. In a SIDM printer, what is it that the print wires strike against that causes the print image to appear on the paper? Select the one item that is correct from the choices below. Ink ribbon Ink Toner 4. Give the name of the parts that prevent the ink ribbon from making contact with the parts of the paper that are not printed during printing. Select one from the following. Ribbon mask + Ribbon mask holder Platen Timing belt 5. Give the name of the unit used to feed continuous paper. Select one from the following. Tractor unit CSF Platen

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11. Give the general name for the paper feed mode that feeds cut sheet paper. Select the correct item from among the choices below. Push Tractor Pull Tractor Friction Feed 12. In friction feed, paper is transported by which of the following parts? Select one from the following. Platen Roller and PF Roller Tractor Unit Platen Roller 13. Give the name of the lever that switches between friction feed and tractor feed. Select one from the following. Release Lever PG Lever 14. Give the name of the function that sets the position of the continuous paper cutting line and transports the paper automatically to the paper cutting position after printing is completed. Tear-off function APG function 15. Select the correct name for the paper feed system that enables paper to be fed without being bent from among the choices below. Friction Method Straight Loading method Push / Pull Method 16. What is the force that drives the winding of the ink ribbon. Select one from the following. CR motor (movement of CR) PF motor (rotation of platen roller)

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17. Give the name of the part in the ink ribbon cartridge that controls the amount of ink ribbon that is pulled out. Select one from the following. Ribbon Brake Bar Ribbon Pressure Roller Ribbon Mask 18. Give the general name for the distance between the print head and the platen. Select one from the following. Ribbon Cap Platen Gap 19. Select two phenomenon that occur when the platen gap is small from among the following choices. The printed characters become thin. It becomes easier for the head pins to break. It becomes easier for the ink ribbon to become jammed. 20. If the PG adjust levers setting position is set wider, it will increase the printing speed. Is this statement correct or incorrect? 21. Select the item below that is correct for ink charge in the blank ( ) in the following sentence. In manual adjustment of the platen gap, when the setting position of the PG adjust lever is changed, the distance between the CR guide shaft and the platen is changed by the ( ) on the CR guide shaft moving in linkage with the lever. Eccentric Shaft Shaft Hook 22. Which of the following parts is detected when the gap is detected by the auto platen gap mechanism? Select the three parts which are correct. CR Motor PG Motor CR HP Sensor Slit Disc Paper Thickness Detection Sensor

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23. What colors is it possible to print with SIDM printers which are capable of color printing? Select one from the following. 3 colors 7 colors 6 colors 24. Give the name of the motor that is necessary in order to perform color printing. Ribbon Motor CR Motor PF Motor 25. Select two adjustments that are necessary if the print head, platen roller or CR unit, etc. are removed from among the choices below. PG Adjustment Bi-D Adjustment Head Inclination Adjustment Head Height

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5. Give the name of the unit used to feed continuous paper. Select one from the following. Tractor unit: Correct. CSF: Incorrect. A tractor unit is necessary when feeding continuous paper. Platen: Incorrect. A tractor unit is necessary when feeding continuous paper. 6. Name the 3 types of tractor paper feed system. Select the three correct items from the choices below. Push system: Correct Push/Push system: Incorrect. The type of tractor which is a combination of two kinds of tractor is the push / pull type. Pull system: Correct Push/Pull system: Correct 7. Select one advantage of the pull tractor system from among the following choices. Paper feed accuracy is high: Correct It is possible to use the tear-off function: Incorrect. The tear-off function is a function where the paper is fed automatically to the paper cut position, then after the paper is cut by the user, printing starts automatically from the print start position. When a pull tractor is used, if it advances the paper tot he paper cut position, the paper must be removed from the tractor in order for it to be cut, then it is necessary for the paper to be pulled again and set, and thus the tear-off function loses its convenience. Back feeding of the paper is possible: Incorrect. If paper is backfed using a pull tractor, it may cause a paper jam, so it is prohibited.

1.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test

1. Select one advantage which SIDM printers have as compared to other printers from among the choices below. Printing noise is low: Incorrect. A SIDM printer strikes the paper with wires, so the printing noise becomes great. Print speed is fast: Incorrect. There are limits to the response of the heads wires, and printing speed is thus limited. It can be used to print multiple copy forms: Correct 2. Name the part that drives the print wires inside the print head. Select one of the following. Drive Coil: Correct Wire: Incorrect. The wires operate via the operation plate in accordance with drive coil control. Platen: Incorrect. The platen functions as the paper feed roller for transporting the paper and as a reference for determining the gap between the print head and the paper. 3. In a SIDM printer, what is it that the print wires strike against that causes the print image to appear on the paper? Select the one item that is correct from the choices below. Ink ribbon: Correct Ink: Incorrect. In a SIDM, it is the print wires striking the ink ribbon that transfers ink from the ribbon to the paper and thus carries out printing. Toner: Incorrect. In a SIDM, it is the print wires striking the ink ribbon that transfers ink from the ribbon to the paper and thus carries out printing. 4. Give the name of the parts that prevent the ink ribbon from making contact with the parts of the paper that are not printed during printing. Select one from the following. Ribbon mask + Ribbon mask holder: Correct Platen: Incorrect. It is prevented by the ribbon mask and the ribbon mask holder. Timing belt: Incorrect. It is prevented by the ribbon mask and the ribbon mask holder.

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8. Select from among the following choices the operation of a SIDM printer if the thermistor inside the print head detects the specified temperature. It changes the operating force of the print wires in accordance with the detected temperature: Incorrect. The printing speed drops and if the temperature does not drop lower than the specified temperature, printing stops. It reduces the ink ribbon winding speed: Incorrect. The printing speed drops and if the temperature does not drop lower than the specified temperature, printing stops. It lowers the print speed, and if the temperature doesnt drop from the specified temperature, it stops printing: Correct. 9. Select which sensor is used as the paper width / paper top edge detection sensor from among the following sensors. Mechanical contact type: Incorrect. If the papers thickness is small, then it is difficult to detect it with mechanical contacts. Therefore, a reflective photosensor which uses a light emitting diode and detects differences in the reflection rate is used. Photocoupler type: Incorrect. A photocoupler is an element combined with commonly used light emitting diodes and transistors on power supply boards. Reflective photosensor type: Correct. 10. Select the description below that should be used to fill in the blank ( ) in the following sentence. Printer models without paper top edge detection sensors control the papers top edge position according to the detection results of the ( ) sensor and the number of steps specified for the PF motor. Paper detection (rear) sensor: Correct. HP detection sensor: Incorrect. The HP detection sensor is a sensor that detects the CR home position. PG detection sensor: Incorrect. The PG sensor is a sensor that detects the platen gap.

Revision C
11. Give the general name for the paper feed mode that feeds cut sheet paper. Select the correct item from among the choices below. Push Tractor: Incorrect. The push tractor mode is the mode where continuous paper is transported. Pull Tractor: Incorrect. The pull tractor mode is the mode where continuous paper is transported. Friction Feed: Correct. 12. In friction feed, paper is transported by which of the following parts? Select one from the following. Platen Roller and PF Roller: Correct. Tractor Unit: Incorrect. The friction feed mode is the mode where cut sheet paper is transported. The tractor unit is a unit that transports continuous paper. Cut sheet paper is transported by the platen roller and PF roller. Platen Roller: Incorrect. Only cut sheet paper can be transported with the platen roller. Cut sheet paper is fed with the platen roller and PF roller. 13. Give the name of the lever that switches between friction feed and tractor feed. Select one from the following. Release Lever: Correct. PG Lever: Incorrect. The PG lever is a lever that changes the platen gap. 14. Give the name of the function that sets the position of the continuous paper cutting line and transports the paper automatically to the paper cutting position after printing is completed. Tear-off function: Correct. APG function: Incorrect. The APG function is a function that measures the platen gap automatically. 15. Select the correct name for the paper feed system that enables paper to be fed without being bent from among the choices below. Friction Method: Incorrect. The friction method is the name given to the mechanism that feeds cut sheet paper. Straight Loading method: Correct. Push / Pull Method: Incorrect. The push / pull method is the name given to the mechanism that feeds continuous paper through the printer.

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16. What is the force that drives the winding of the ink ribbon. Select one from the following. CR motor (movement of CR): Correct. PF motor (rotation of platen roller): Incorrect. Along a printing line (within a single line), in order to keep the print density uniform, ink ribbon winding is carried on. Therefore, if it is linked to the driving of the PF motor, winding of the ribbon would be done in line units, and the print density could not be kept uniform within a single line. 17. Give the name of the part in the ink ribbon cartridge that controls the amount of ink ribbon that is pulled out. Select one from the following. Ribbon Brake Bar: Correct. Ribbon Pressure Roller: Incorrect. The ribbon pressure roller is a roller that works together with the ribbon feed roller to wind the ink ribbon. Ribbon Mask: Incorrect. The ribbon mask is the part that protects the ink ribbon from touching portions of the paper that are not being printed on. 18. Give the general name for the distance between the print head and the platen. Select one from the following. Ribbon Cap: Incorrect. There is no part called a ribbon cap. Platen Gap: Correct. 19. Select two phenomenon that occur when the platen gap is small from among the following choices. The printed characters become thin: Incorrect. If we were to say which it would be, there would be more of a possibility that the print would be darker, but basically, there is no change. It becomes easier for the head pins to break: Correct. It becomes easier for the ink ribbon to become jammed: Correct. 20. If the PG adjust levers setting position is set wider, it will increase the printing speed. Is this statement correct or incorrect? Incorrect: Correct. Correct: Incorrect. If the PG gets wider, it corresponds to thicker paper (manifold paper). When thick paper is used, there is a possibility that the print wires could catch on the edge of the paper, etc. and be broken, so the print speed is reduced.

Revision C
21. Select the item below that is correct for ink charge in the blank ( ) in the following sentence. In manual adjustment of the platen gap, when the setting position of the PG adjust lever is changed, the distance between the CR guide shaft and the platen is changed by the ( ) on the CR guide shaft moving in linkage with the lever. Eccentric Shaft: Correct. Shaft: Incorrect. The CR guide shaft itself is a concentric shaft. Even if a concentric shaft is turned, the distance between the CR guide shaft and the platen does not change. Hook: Incorrect. There are no hooks on the CR guide shaft. 22. Which of the following parts is detected when the gap is detected by the auto platen gap mechanism? Select the three parts which are correct. CR Motor: Incorrect. The CR motor is the motor that drives the CR. PG Motor: Correct. CR HP Sensor: Incorrect. The CR HP sensor is a sensor that detects the CRs home position. Slit Disc: Correct. Paper Thickness Detection Sensor: Correct. 23. What colors is it possible to print with SIDM printers which are capable of color printing? Select one from the following. 3 colors: Incorrect. The colors of the ribbon itself are three colors besides black. In a SIDM, if colors are superimposed on top of each other when printing is executed, they can be superimposed on each other up to two times. Therefore, the number of colors that can be printed is 7 colors. 7 colors: Correct. 6 colors: Incorrect. The colors of the ribbon itself are three colors besides black. In a SIDM, if colors are superimposed on top of each other when printing is executed, they can be superimposed on each other up to two times. Therefore, the number of colors that can be printed is 7 colors.

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24. Give the name of the motor that is necessary in order to perform color printing. Ribbon Motor: Correct. CR Motor: Incorrect. The parts the CR motor is used to drive are the CR unit and the ribbon winding mechanism. PF Motor: Incorrect. The parts the PF motor is used to drive are the paper feed rollers and the CSF unit or tractor unit. 25. Select two adjustments that are necessary if the print head, platen roller or CR unit, etc. are removed from among the choices below. PG Adjustment: Correct. Bi-D Adjustment: Correct. Head Inclination Adjustment: Incorrect. This adjustment is not performed on a SIDM printer. Head Height Adjustment: Incorrect. This adjustment is not performed on a SIDM printer.

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CHAPTER

INK JET PRINTERS

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2.1 Outline
2.1.1 Ink Jet Printer Features
Ink jet printers have the following advantages and disadvantages.

2.1.2 Outline of the Ink Jet Printer Mechanism

Generally ink jet printers are configured from the following mechanisms.

Print Mechanism
This mechanism is configured from the print head unit that sprays the ink and the ink cartridge. The head driver board is also incorporated in the print head.

Advantages It is quite during printing. High quality color printing is possible. Generally, printing speed is high compared to SIDM. Disadvantages Water resistance is low. If high quality printing is performed, exclusive papers are necessary.

CR Mechanism (Carriage)
This mechanism is configured form the following major parts. The CR unit is moved left and right, driven by the CR motor and performs printing as it moves.

CR Unit
This unit is configured from the ink cartridges, print head and ink cartridge detection sensors, etc. and the CR where they are mounted.

CR Motor CR Shaft CR Timing Belt HP Sensor ASF Mechanism (Paper Feed Mechanism)
This mechanism separates the set paper on sheet at a time and feeds the paper into the paper feed mechanism.

ASF Unit ASF Drive Motor

There are two types, the type which shares the pump motor and the type that uses the PF motor in common.

Paper Feed Mechanism

This is a paper feed mechanism that feeds the paper from the ASF mechanism in conjunction with the print pattern. It is configured from the following major parts.

PF Roller PF Motor PF Motor Drive Transmission Gears Paper Eject Unit Paper Detection Sensor

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EPSON TOP Ink System Mechanism

This mechanism draws ink from the ink cartridge and print head and disposes of it in the waste ink pad. It is configured from the following major units. This mechanism is unique to ink jet printers. For details, see Fig. 2-1 and Fig. 2-2.

Revision C

Cap Unit Pump Unit Pump Motor

There are two types of pump motor, the type that is shared with the ASF and the type that shares the PF motor.
PF roller PF motor Ink cartridge

Upper frame CR guide shaft ASF sheet guide

Print head CR motor

Waste Ink Pad Circuit Boards

Generally, these include the following circuit boards.

Power Supply Board Main Board Control Panel Board Mechanical Frame Housing components
CR unit Pump unit CR timing belt Cap unit Waste ink pad

Figure 2-1. Ink Jet Printer Configuration (I)

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Print head Ink cartridge

Cap unit CR unit Upper frame CR motor

ASF unit Paper CR timing belt

Pump unit

CR guide shaft Eject roller, PF roller

Figure 2-2. Ink Jet Printer Configuration (II)

Ink Jet Printers

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2.2 Print Mechanism

The major parts of the ink jet printer are the printhead and ink cartridge.

2.2.2 Types of Head

The print heads used on current EPSON ink jet printers are the CHIPS system or MACH system print heads. The head nozzle plates on these heads are virtually the same in their external appearance. An image of the nozzle plate is shown in the figure below. Ink Nozzle Print Head Enlargement

2.2.1 Print Head Nozzle Arrangement

One example of the nozzle arrangement in an EPSON ink jet printer is shown below. The nozzle arrangement and the number of nozzles differs for each model. Furthermore, Fig. 2-3 shows a perspective drawing of the print head as viewed from the ink cartridge side. CHIPS system heads and MACH system heads can be differentiated by the number of nozzles in the vertical direction. The criterion for the number of nozzles in each type of print head is shown below.

MACH System Head: CHIPS System Head:

96 nozzles (G-MACH: 96 nozzles, P-MACH: 180 nozzles) 48 nozzles (E-CHIPS: 32 nozzles, U-CHIPS: 48 nozzles)
Black Light Cyan Cyan Light Magenta Magenta Yellow

Direction of Carriage Movement #32

Figure 2-4. Ink Jet Print Head Image

Compared to the CHIPS system head, the G-MACH head has the following features.

The drive frequency can be set high, so high speed printing is possible.
#1

Due to its construction, the interval between nozzles can be small, so high density,
multiple nozzles are easy to incorporate.

It is possible to control the spraying of ink in ultra small quantities (for example, 2
pl) required in order to achieve high image quality.
Paper Feed Direction Black Cyan Light Cyan Light Magenta Magenta Yellow

Therefore, the G-MACH system heads are installed in high end systems, and the CHIPS system heads tend to be installed in low and medium class printers.

Figure 2-3. Example of the Nozzle Arrangement in a 6-color Machine

The above diagram shows the arrangement for a 6-color print head, but depending on the printer, the print head may have a 4-color or 7-color nozzle arrangement.

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A more detailed view of the basic construction of the CHIPS system head is shown below.

2.2.3 Print Head Mechanism

The print head generally has the construction shown in the figure below. It is configured from the piezo-electric element which sprays the ink, the cavity where the ink accumulates, the nozzle plate where the nozzles are arrayed, the ink feed paths through which ink is sent from the ink cartridge to the cavity, and the print head driver board which selects the nozzles which spray the ink. In addition, the common voltage that drives the piezo-electric element which sprays the ink is generated by the printers main board.
Head Driver Board Memory chip

Piezo-electric Element Bottom Electrode Vibrator Plate (Ceramic) Ink Chamber Plate (Ceramic) Communicating Plate (Ceramic) Adhesive Stainless Steel Plate

Top Electrode

Ink Chamber

Supply Hole

Ink Cartridge Nozzle Holes Memory chip Connection Circuit Ink Particles

Ink Supply Needle

Figure 2-6. Construction of the CHIPS System Head

Filter

Ink Supply Path Nozzle Surface Piezo-electric Element (PZT)

Compared to the CHIPS system head, where the Piezo-electric element is mounted toward the side, in the MACH system head, the Piezo-electric element is mounted vertically. Consequently, it is possible to realize high density with nozzles and incorporate a large number of nozzles.

Piezo-electric Elements (PZT Element)

Ink Cavity Nozzle Plate

Figure 2-5. Head Mechanism

NOTE: See the separate explanation concerning the memory chip shown in the above figure. Depending on the model, there are some printers in which the ink cartridge is not equipped with the memory chip.

The Piezo-electric elements contract in response to the electric charge sent to it by the print command signal from the main board via the head driver board. Through this operation, the cavity where ink is stored is contracted, and the ink inside the cavity is sprayed out of each of the nozzles in the nozzle plate. The number of piezo-electric elements incorporated into the print head is equal to the number of nozzles in the print head.

Cavity
The ink that is drawn out of the ink cartridge, after passing through a filter, is stored temporarily in this tank, called a cavity, and continues to wait there until the piezoelectric element operates.

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The plate on the print head surface which has nozzle holes drilled in it is called the nozzle plate (made of stainless steel).

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2.2.3.1 Printing Process

EPSON ink jet printers use an on-demand ink jet system. The on-demand system sprays the necessary amount of ink from the nozzles which are necessary for printing. A print head in the on-demand ink jet system carries out spraying of ink from each nozzle using the following process.

Piezo-electric Element Cavity Vibrator Plate

Standby State
In the state where a voltage is not being applied to the PZT, the PZT element does not change shape and there is no pressure brought to bear on the cavity. The ink pressure inside the cavity is maintained.

Ink Spray State

When a voltage is applied to the PZT, it is applied to those PZT elements corresponding to the nozzles to be used by the head driver board. The piezo-electric elements change their shape and the cavitys volumetric area changes. Pressure is brought to bear on the ink inside the cavity and that pressure causes the ink to spray out. After the ink is sprayed, the ink surface at the tip of the nozzle (meniscus) should be maintanined for next ink spray, and this is done by controlling the drive voltage applied to the piezo-electric element. Through this control, it is possible to form stable ink droplet at all the times. After ink is sprayed, the supply of ink is supplemented through the capillary phenomenon, whereby ink inside the ink cartridge flows to the inside of the cavity. Nozzle (During Ink Spray Standby)

Voltage Applied

Flow (During Ink Spray)

Figure 2-7. Printing Principle of Ink Head

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Revision C Microweave 2
This type of microweave prints lines in the horizontal direction by making several passes of the print head over the same line, each successive pass ink charge in the spaces between the dots printed on the previous pass. This control works to suppress blurring of the printed dots and forms printed dots that are sharper. An image of microweave 2 is shown in the figure below.
720dpi 360dpi

2.2.3.2 Microweave Technology

In an ink jet printer, in order to realize high resolution, high image quality printing, printing through the printing system called microweave is implemented. There are roughly two types of microweave.

Microweave 1
This type of microweave is a printing technology in which the carriage return pitch is controlled minutely and the horizontally printed lines are overlapped in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in an ink jet printer, extremely fine paper feed control is possible and the maximum resolution in the ink jet printers vertical direction (paper feed direction) is 720 dpi. Through this printing system, it is possible to suppress white streaks and color irregularities in the horizontal direction when printing graphics in particular. An image of microweave is shown in the following figure.

1 pass
720dpi

=nozzle#1

2 pass

=nozzle#2

1 pass 2 pass 1 pass 2 pass 1 pass 2 pass 1 pass 2 pass 1 pass

=nozzle#1 =nozzle#2 =nozzle#1 =nozzle#2 =nozzle#1 =nozzle#2 =nozzle#1 =nozzle#2 =nozzle#1

Figure 2-9. Microweave 2

The current maximum resolution for ink jet printers in the horizontal direction (in the CR scanning direction) is 2880 dpi. (this differs depending on the model). The printable resolution in one pass is determined by the CR print speed (IPS) in the relevant print mode and the print heads piezo drive frequency. (Example)

Print Mode 1440 dpi, CR speed = 20 IPS, piezo Drive Frequency = 7.2 kHz Calculation Formula: 7.2 kHz 20 IPS = 360 dpi Number of Print Passes = 1440 dpi 360 dpi = 4 passes

Figure 2-8. Microweave 1

With this type of microweave, there are two subtypes. One type controls printing to form the image by printing all the printing lines in the horizontal direction with different nozzles over several printing passes. The other type controls printing to form the image by using different nozzles only partially when printing lines in the horizontal direction over several printing passes.

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2.2.3.3 Variable Shot Technology

The system where the weight of the ink sprayed out is controlled through the combination of drive voltage, drive frequency and the number of driven nozzles and ink particles are created in three different sizes, large, medium and small, is called variable size dot (VSD) printing. In the Japanese market, ordinarily, this is called multi-size drop technology (MSDT). An image of this method is shown for reference in Fig. 2-10.

2.2.3.4 Multi-shot Technology

One printing method that resembles the variable shot technology is multi-shot technology. With this technology, only one type of dot is used, but printing is done by varying the number of shots at the same printing dot from 1 shot to; 3 shots in the print heads main scanning direction (horizontal direction). This technology realizes smoother tonal expression on plain paper.
360dpi x 360dpi print MSD
! $  @ F E

360dpi x 720dpi print MSD

! $  @ F E

1 shot
! $  @ F E %  @ F E

1 shot 2 shot 3 shot

2 shot

3 shot Print Data Example 1 The dot array all represents part of the image. 1 shot 1 shot 2 shot 3 shot 3 shot 2 shot 1 shot 3 shot 2 shot

Print Data Example 1 Print Data Example 2

Figure 2-10. Variable Shot Printing

In variable size dot printing, the dot size is varied in the print heads main scanning direction (horizontal direction) corresponding to the gradation of the print data, and a more smooth tonal expression can be realized on exclusive ink jet paper. The following figure shows examples of the printing modes for specific models.
720dpi x 720dpi Dots Used: Micro / Middle / Large 1440dpi x 720dpi Dots Used: Ultramicro/Micro/Middle

Print Data Example 2

3 shot

2 shot

1 shot

Figure 2-12. Multi-shot Printing

2.2.3.5 Printhead Temperature Control

Heat and cold change the physical properties of ink, meaning temperatures out of normal range may increase ink viscosity and decrease print quality. To prevent print quality problems due to temperature, the printhead contains a thermistor that measures printhead temperature and signals the control circuit if the printhead is too warm or cold. The control circuit can slow printing to keep the printhead in the normal temperature range or increase voltage to force the normal amount of ink through the heads when the ink is cold. The relationship between the temperature around the print head and the PZT drive voltage is as shown below.

720dpi

Print Data Example 1 Print Data Example 2 720dpi 720dpi

Temperature Around Print Head -> High:Drive Voltage -> Low Temperature Around Print Head -> Low:Drive Voltage -> High

Figure 2-11. Variable Shot Printing Ink Jet Printers Print Mechanism 47

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Revision C Table 2-2. Features of Pigment Based Inks

Advantage It is water resistant Chemically, its stability is high and it has good light resistance. (The internal color remains even if the outside is broken down by light. It doesnt blot easily. It is chemically stable and doesnt change to poisonous substances, and its safety characteristics are high. Highly concentrated colors can be rendered. Its color reproduction range is narrow. Disadvantage Coloring characteristics are poor.

2.2.4 Types of Ink

Some representative types of ink used in ink jet printers are dye based inks, pigment based inks and textile printing ink. Textile printing ink does not develop its original color unless it undergoes heat treatment after printing, so only die based inks and pigment based inks are used in EPSON ink jet printers. The differences and features of these inks are described below.

2.2.4.1 Ink Colors

Ordinarily, the ink colors used in color ink jet printers are made up of 4 colors, black, cyan, magenta and yellow. In order to improve on the graininess of highlighted portions of color images, there are some models in which light cyan and light magenta inks are added to these colors (photo printers). Also, in the PM-900C, in order to suppress graininess in the shadow portions, a new ink color, called dark yellow, has been added. In this way, it becomes possible to reproduce colors that are normally difficult to render, such as emerald green.

Table 2-3. Features of Dye Based Inks

Advantage It has beautiful coloration (its color expression range is broad). It has been used in a wide range of uses in ink jet printers. It is easy to express tones with. It is easily dissolved in water, glycol. It maintains its uniformity. It has a high level of brightness. Disadvantage Water resistance is poor. Its solubility is limited. Chemically, its stability is poor, so it has inferior light resistance. It blots easily.

2.2.4.2 Differences Between Dye Based Inks and Pigment Based Inks and their Features
Since dyes and pigments are differently physically, the features they express as a result come to differ. For details, see Table 2-1, Physical Differences, Table 2-2, features of Pigment Based Inks and Table 2-3, Features of Dye Based Inks.

Table 2-1. Physical Differences

Dye Based Ink Single molecules with a specific chemical structure. Minimum color element units: 1 ~ 2 nm The ink is from a liquid phase (solvent + color element) only. Transparent Liquid Dissolved in solvent (water, glycol, etc.) (The coloring agent is in molecular form and exists in the midst of the solvent. Pigment Based Ink Aggregates with molecules arranged on them. Minimum color element units: 50 ~ 200 nm The ink is from two phases, the liquid phase (solvent) and the solid phase (color element). Nontransparent liquid Not dissolved in solvent. It disperses only (The coloring agent exists in the midst of the solvent in the clumped state.)

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2.2.4.3 Printing States of Pigment Based Inks and Dye Based Inks
The printing state when pigment based inks and dye based inks are used is shown below.

2.2.4.4 Types of Pigment Based Ink

The different types of pigment based ink include thermal based pigment inks, Piezoelectric based pigment inks, solvent based pigment inks and oil based (wax type) pigment inks. Thermal based and Piezo-electric based pigment inks are the ordinary pigment inks, and their light resistance is related to the size of the pigment particles, their construction and hardness, etc. Solvent based pigment inks can be used for printing even on print media that do not have a coating. Conversely, since the compatibility with solvents is poor, there are some media that this type of ink cannot be used to print on. Although the resolution is slightly inferior, the light resistance of this type can be expected. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider ventilation to eliminate the solvent odors. Oil based (wax type) pigment inks can be expected to perform with good weather resistance without being laminated. Conversely, due to the characteristics of the ink, it cannot be laminated, so its weather resistance cannot be further enhanced by laminating it.

Dye Based Inks

The ink is dye based ink that is weak when used on plain paper, but dye particles are included in the solution.

Pigment Based Inks

Figure 2-13. Printing State of Pigment Based Inks and Dye Based Inks
In the case of dye based inks, they stain the paper. Therefore, the color elements are scattered and color density drops. On the other hand, in the case of pigment based inks, although the solvent penetrates into the paper, the pigments themselves adhere to the surface of the paper and form a film. Therefore, sharp and highly dense printing can be maintained.

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2.2.4.5 EPSONs Pigment Based Inks

The pigment based inks used in EPSONs ink jet printers are Piezo-electric based pigment inks with the name CRYSTA. The major features of these inks are as follows.

Ultra-fineness
EPSONs pigment based inks are composed of ultra-fine particles of 0.1 micron in size, as compared to the particles in ordinary pigment inks for printing, which are several microns in size. In addition, by making the particle size uniform (and making them virtually round in shape), a new type of pigment ink has been realized which makes highly precise outputs possible. The figure below shows an image of the different types of pigment inks.

The coloring agent is encapsulated in resin. (Image)

Coated printing surface (Image)

Figure 2-15. Coating Image Color Stability

The color of pigment ink stabilizes right away after it is output, and realizes outstanding color stability. However, since it is quick drying, it can be presented as a finished product as soon as it is output, and when combined with stable, high speed spraying by the Piezo-electric print head, high productivity can be realized. In addition, calibration can be carried out right away after the proof sheet is output, so DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proofing) can also be carried out easily. Fig. 2-16 shows an image of the color stability of pigment based inks.

Comparison of ink particles.

Ordinary pigment inks for printing.

CRYSTA ink with uniform

ultra-fine particles.

(94) EPSON Pigment Ink

Figure 2-14. Ink Particle Image Glossy Feel

Since the individual color materials in pigment inks are encapsulated in a clear resin, once the ink adheres to the paper surface, the resin gradually forms a film and coats the surface. This coating suppresses irregular reflections and enables printing of images which have a glossy feel on glossy paper media. In this way, superior color stability and quick drying characteristics are realized and make these inks ideal for use in making color proofs in the printing industry. An image of the surface coating is shown in Fig. 2-15. However, in this case, exclusive EPSON media (paper) is necessary, and it is difficult to achieve this feature on the plain paper that is normally used.
EPSON Dye Ink EPSON CRYSTA ink

Measuring Conditions: 23(C, RH 60%, Printing with gray dye ink and (CRYSTA ink.

Figure 2-16. Comparison of Color Stability of Dye Based Inks and Pigment Based Inks 50

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EPSON TOP The color reproduction range is broad.

Ordinary pigment inks have a narrow color reproduction range compared to dye based inks, but EPSONs CRYSTA has a color reproduction range like that of dye based inks.

Revision C Evaluation Method, Service Life Estimate

Evaluation Conditions Light Source: White Fluorescent Light (70000 lux) Temperature: 24C, Humidity: 60% A 2 mm thick sheet of soda lime glass was placed on the samples with an air layer in between. Judgment Standard: Cumulative illumination until the limit point of a 30% drop in the reflection OD Value (1.0) is reached (OD = 1.0 -> 0.7). Service Life Estimate: 500 lux x 10 hours is taken as one days illumination under average indoor fluorescent lighting. Service Life (Years) = Cumulative Illumination (5000 lux / hour x 365)

Difficult to Soil
Since the surface of sheets printed with these inks are coated smoothly with a clear film, they are strong against soiling.

Light resistance
Coloring materials are used in these inks that are extremely difficult for light to decompose, so they realize a light resistance of approximately 200 years.

ABOUT 200 YEARS LIGHT RESISTANCE

Light resistance tests involve tests where the inks are kept for long periods under ordinary indoor fluorescent lights where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. When kept for long periods, there are elements that have an influence on color changes (ozone, temperature, humidity, etc.). CRYSTA ink has characteristics which make discoloration difficult when exposed to these various elements, but it has particularly outstanding light resistance.

Premised Conditions
Storage Conditions: Printed images were kept in picture frames with glass under indoor fluorescent lights. Papers: MC-2000 / MC-5000 MC Matte Paper / MC image paper MC-7000 / MC-9000 MC Thick Matte Paper Roll / MC Image Paper Roll The above number of years, is based on an accelerated test simulation conducted by Seiko Epson Corporation, and is not a guarantee by Seiko Epson Corporation. The above number of years does not show concerning discoloration of the paper itself or the durability of the paper.

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2.2.4.6 Light Resistance of Dye Based Inks

With the combination of the most recently developed new inks and exclusive paper, "PM Photo Paper <Glossy>,"/ MC Photo Paper <SemiGloss>," it becomes possible to make a "10-year Print" and in combination with PM matte paper, a storability with 20year light resistance is realized.

10-YEAR / 20-YEAR EQUIVALENT LIGHT RESISTANCE TEST

10 Years: PM Photo Paper, MC Photo Paper 20 Years: PM Matte Paper

Conditions (Evaluation Method, Service Life Estimate)

Presupposed: Picture frame storage under indoor fluorescent lighting Evaluation Method Light Source: White fluorescent lighting (70000 lux) Temperature: 24C Humidity: 60% Storage: 2 mm thick glass was set on to of the samples with a layer of air in between (UV was not blocked). Judgment Standard: Cumulative illumination until the limit point of a 30% drop in the reflection OD Value (1.0) is reached (OD = 1.0 -> 0.7). Service Life Estimate: 500 lux x 10 hours is taken as one days illumination under average indoor fluorescent lighting. Service Life (Years) = Cumulative Illumination (500 lux x 365)

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In order to maintain high print quality, it is recommended that the following periods be used when establishing maintenance intervals. Recommended period for using up the cartridge after use begins:within 6 months Recommended period for using up the cartridge after manufacture:2 years.

2.2.5 Ink Cartridges

Ink supply mechanisms can be divided into two types, the on-carriage type and the stationary type. Also, depending on the model, in consideration of the large quantity of black ink used, there are combination models where the black ink only is made the stationary type and the color ink cartridge is made the on-carriage type.

On-carriage Type
In this type, the ink cartridges are mounted on the carriage.

Features
Because compact cartridges are used, this type is used with comparatively small printers. Basically, a lot of the printers using this type of ink cartridge are consumer-oriented products. In the type equipped with a memory chip, it is possible to remove and reset the ink cartridge any number of times up to the time Ink End occurs due to the following reasons. This type of ink cartridge is called an Intelidge ink cartridge. - By Intelidge is meant that the ink cartridge is designed with a structure that includes a valve mechanism inside the cartridge, and even if the cartridge is removed from the printer, air bubbles will not get inside. - Ink consumption information is stored in the memory chip on top of the cartridge. NOTE: For details concerning the Intelidge, see Ink Service Life Control. Also, a yellow sealing label is affixed to the on-carriage type ink cartridges, and this label must definitely be peeled off and the cartridge set in the CR unit before use. Types of on-carriage ink cartridge include the foam type and the sponge type parts which absorb the ink. The ink cartridge is manufactured in a decompressed condition, so if the yellow label is removed, atmospheric pressure passes through a narrow groove into the ink cartridge, making it possible to supply ink to the print head during printing. However, if the white or yellow film affixed next to the yellow label is peeled off, the amount of moisture that evaporates from the ink will increase and the inks viscosity will increase, so it will be impossible to use the ink cartridge for a long period of time.

Figure 2-17. Yellow Sealing Label

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EPSON TOP Stationary Type

With this type, the ink cartridges are separated from the carriage unit and are connected to the print head by ink tubes, etc. In order to absorb changes in the inks pressure that occur when the ink tubes move together with the side to side movements of the carriage, a shock absorbing mechanism called a damper is included on the carriage unit.

Revision C

Features
It is possible to use large volume ink cartridges. It is used for business uses such as LFP. Ink cartridges for each separate color are set, so only the cartridge of the ink color that has run out needs to be replaced. When the ink cartridge is removed, air bubbles do not enter, so it can be removed and reset any number of times before the Ink LOW state is detected. The ink in the stationary type ink cartridges is packed in a flexible aluminum pack and the pack has no definite form like those in the on-carriage type ink cartridges. Therefore, it is not necessary to release the atmospheric pressure by peeling off a label. Also, the ink cartridges themselves are set in a position lower than the height of the print head, so a negative pressure with respect to the print head is maintained. Just as with the on-carriage type, in order to maintain high printing quality, it is recommended that the following periods be used when establishing maintenance intervals. Recommended period for using up the cartridge after use begins:within 6 months Recommended period for using up the cartridge after manufacture:2 years.

Figure 2-18. Stationary Type External View

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Revision C Models that do not use the Intelidge (On-carriage Type)

The ink service life is stored in one area in the EEPROM on the Main board as a software counter. The ink that is used during printing is counted by the print head drive waveform, and the ink used during cleaning, etc. is calculated from the number of operation steps of the pump units drive motor and converted to a count. The ink consumption counter is reset in the only in cases where the ink cartridge is replaced in the ink cartridge replacement sequence.
+ 0 - + 2 1 6

2.2.5.1 Ink Service Life Control

Models Which Use Intelidge
In order to control ink consumption, the ink cartridges used in the latest printers are equipped with a memory chip. This memory chip is a 256-bit nonvolatile EEPROM memory chip. The information recorded there includes not only the amount of ink remaining, but also the number of times cleaning has been performed, the number of times the cartridge has been installed, the installation time, the model name of the printer used, ink cartridge manufacturing information and other information. In the case of models that use the Intelidge, the data on the memory chip is maintained at all times in the EEPROM on the main board. The priority order of memory chip and EEPROM ink life related information is given to the ink cartridge side, so if the information in the EEPROM differs from the information in the memory chip temporarily, priority is given to the information in the memory chip when it is used as control information. Therefore, it is possible to remove an ink cartridge any number of times up to the point when the Ink END state is reached. The ink consumption counter in the EEPROM on the main board is reset when a new ink cartridge is set in the printer.

When the main board has been replaced, if it is impossible to back up the data in the EEPROM, it is necessary to replace the ink cartridges as part of the set.

Memory Chip

Figure 2-19. Intelidge

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EPSON TOP Stationary Type

The ink consumption in stationary type ink cartridges is controlled in the following two stages.

Revision C

Hardware Detection
Hardware detection consists of the physical Ink LOW detection lever built into the ink cartridge and the Ink LOW detection sensor in the printer main unit, and is used only for the purpose of detecting when the ink level is LOW. If the ink level in the ink cartridge approaches the Ink LOW state, the Ink LOW detection lever makes contact with the ink LOW detection sensor on the printer side and the Ink LOW state is detected. If the Ink LOW state is detected, a flag is set in the EEPROM on the main board which indicates the ink LOW state.

Software Detection
If the ink LOW state is detected in the above hardware detection, the remaining ink from the Ink LOW state to the Ink END state is counted through software and stored in the EEPROM on the main board. The ink consumption counter is reset only when the ink cartridge is replaced with a new ink cartridge during the interval between Ink LOW and Ink END detection.

Ink LOW Detection Lever

Figure 2-20. Ink LOW Detection Lever Ink Jet Printers Print Mechanism 56

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Revision C

2.3 Ink System Mechanism

The ink system cartridge is a mechanical unit which performs suction and exhaust of ink via the ink cartridge and print head. This unit is configured from the following units.

2.3.1 Cap Unit

The cap unit is a mechanism that covers the print head nozzle surface with a cap in order to prevent exposure of the head nozzles to the air when the printers power is OFF or when not printing, causing the ink to dry and thus increase the inks viscosity. The cap also adheres closely to the surface of the print head and the vacuum generated by the driving of the pump unit functions to draw out the unused ink from the surface.

Cap Unit (including the air valve) Pump Unit (CR lock, including the wiper unit) Pump Motor Waste Ink Pad
Through the configuration of these units, the initial ink charge sequence, the ink cartridge replacement sequence and the head cleaning operation, etc. are performed with the purpose of maintaining the highest quality printing at all times.
Black Ink Cartridge Color Ink Cartridge

CR Unit Slider Flag

Print Head
Cap Unit Waste Ink Pad

Cap Unit

Wiper

Air Valve

Slider Cap

Figure 2-22. Cap Mechanism

The print head and cap unit are fitted tightly together by the following procedure.
Clutch Pump Unit

1. 2.

The CR unit moves to the home position side. The CR unit pushes the slider flag of the cap unit. The cap unit lifts up in the arrow direction shown in the figure above. The print head fits tightly against the cap.

Figure 2-21.
NOTE: The 2-cap type ink system is shown in the above figure.

3. 4.

There are two types of cap unit, the 1-cap type shown in the figure above and the 2head type. The latest trend is for the print head to get larger and larger, and since the majority of printer models have a 1-head construction, the 1-cap type is the most common type of cap unit.

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Also, recently, printer models which are not equipped with the air valve that the cap unit in previous models was equipped with have become popular. Outline sketches of the cap unit equipped with an air vale and the cap unit that is not equipped with an air valve are shown below.
Type with Air Valve Type without Air Valve

Revision C

Air Valve Valve Closed State Valve Open State

No air valve is incorporated into this part.

Figure 2-23. Cap Mechanism Air Valve

Following is a brief description of the function of the air valve. When the pump is run with the cap fitting tightly against the print head and with the air valve closed, a vacuum develops, causing ink to be sucked out. Therefore, at this time, the air valve is in the closed state. After ink suction, with the cap still fitting tightly against the print head, when the vacuum is released, only the remaining ink inside the cap is sucked out. This operation is called open suction. In models which are not equipped with an air valve, if open suction is performed, the CR unit is moved to the left of the cap unit, then the remaining ink is sucked up by the pump unit without the cap unit fitted tightly against the print head.

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Revision C Advantages
The pump mechanism can be made independent of the paper feed operation and throughput improves. Switching between paper feed related operations and pump operation is not done, so there is little possibility of banding occurring during switching of the drive function and as a result, print quality is excellent. During printing, (particularly when printing on roll paper), ink cartridge replacement is possible and printing is possible when printing resumes.

2.3.2 Pump Unit

During the ink ink charge operation or when the cleaning operation is performed, the pump unit sucks the waste ink inside the print head out via the cap that is fit tightly on the head and disposes of it in the waste ink pads. Also, the ink that has accumulated inside the cap, after the amount has reached a predetermined level, is expelled from the inside of the cap in the operation called open suction. (The amount of ink accumulated is controlled by a timer.) There are two types of pump, the type of pump that uses a combined drive, being driven either by the paper feed (PF) motor or the sheet feed (ASF) motor, or the type of pump that is driven by an exclusive pump motor.

Combined Drive
Through the switching mechanism, when the motor is not being used for paper feed during printing, its drive force is transmitted to the pump and drives the pump.

Disadvantage
An exclusive motor and control circuitry are necessary, and this adds to the cost.

Advantage
The number of parts is reduced, so lower costs can be realized.

Disadvantages
When driving the pump, (when replacing an ink cartridge or when cleaning), printing and paper feed cannot be done, so printer throughput (the time from the point when print data are sent from the PC to the time the actual printing operation ends) drops and when the above operations are being performed, the pump cannot be driven. A mechanism for switching the motors operation between the paper feed, etc. and pump operation is necessary, and the controls are complex.

Exclusive Drive
This method drives the pump using an exclusive motor. While the pump motor is turning, the pump drive roller inside the pump unit is turning at all times.

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2.3.2.1 Pump Operation

As shown in the following figure, the pump unit is configured from an ink tube that sucks in and expels ink, a pump drive roller that presses against and collapses the ink tube and a pressurization pulley that pushes the roller against the ink tube and releases it. The pump drive force, from the paper feed motor or the pump motor, rotates the pressurization pulley and the drive roller attached to the pulley turns as it pushes against and collapses the tube. The tubes volume changes when it is pushed against and collapsed by the roller, and just after the roller, a vacuum is formed that draws ink into the tube. At the same time, pressure is generated just in front of the roller which transports the ink forward. The ink is either drawn in or not drawn in, depending on the direction of rotation of the pulley (the motors direction of rotation).
From the Cap Pump Expulsion Operation Pressurization Pulley The pump drive roller is released from contact with the tube.

2.3.2.2 Head Cleaner Operation

The head cleaner operates by removing ink or dirt, etc. adhering to the print head nozzle surface during suction of ink and restoring the ink nozzles to the normal ink spraying state. Ordinarily, the head cleaner is incorporated in the pump unit and its operation is linked to the pumps operation, with the head cleaner being set or released according to the rotational direction of the pump motor. If the pump motor turns to create a suction action, the head cleaner is moved by the pump gear inside the pump unit via a clutch to the carriage units range of movement (cleaner head setting operation). The head cleaner wipes the surface of the print head and nozzles by the left to right movement of the carriage unit. Conversely, when the pump motor turns in the opposite direction, the head cleaner separates from the range of movement of the carriage unit. (Cleaner head release operation) The same cleaner head is used for both the black head and the color head.
Wiper Operation

Ink Tube

Head Cleaner

Pump Gear / Clutch

The pump drive roller applies pressure to the tube.

Waste Ink Pads

Figure 2-24. Theory of Pump Operation

In printers equipped with the 2-cap type cap unit, the pump unit is also an exclusive 2cap type pump. By switching the pump motors direction of rotation, the suction operation can be switched between the color head cap side and the black head cap side.

Figure 2-25. Head Cleaner Operation

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The head cleaner has a dual construction, with one side made of rubber and the other side made of felt. The rubber side removes ink or dust, etc. and the felt side removes mainly ink that has higher viscosity. If the head cleaner is mounted on the head cleaner lever, it is installed so that the rubber surface is on the pump side.

Revision C

Shape of a Rubber Integrated Cleaner Head

Head Cleaner Felt Surface Rubber Surface

PF Roller Side

Pump Unit Side

Figure 2-27. Integrated Type Rubber Head Cleaner

Pump Unit

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The surface of the head cleaner should absolutely never be touched with bare hands. Doing so could possibly cause clogging of the print head.

Figure 2-26. Example of a Head Cleaner

Also, recently, there are some models equipped with a head cleaner which is molded of rubber with an integrated construction without any felt. Unlike head cleaners with a dual rubber / felt construction, it has the shape shown in the following figure. This type of head cleaner is mounted in the direction shown in the figure below.

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2.3.3 Waste Ink Pad

The waste ink disposed of during head cleaning, etc. is absorbed by the waste ink pads. The amount of ink that is disposed of is controlled by counting in accordance with the number of rotational steps of the pump motor. This counter is called the protection counter or the waste ink consumption counter, and is stored in the EEPROM on the main board. When the amount of ink disposed of in the waste ink pads reaches the specified counter value, the printer displays a maintenance error message. This error is canceled by replacing the waste ink pads and performing the specified panel operation or by canceling the error using the adjustment program.
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When performing repairs, if the main board has been replaced, if the waste ink counter value cannot be read out and written in the EEPROM on the new board, the waste ink pads must be replaced at the same time to prevent a mismatch with the waste ink counter.

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Revision C To suck out and dispose of any ink that has increased in viscosity from the
print heads nozzles as well as any air bubbles that are inside the print head.

2.4 Ink System Control

In this item, we explain concerning an ink system which is controlled in order to protect the print head and ink supply system and to assure high quality printing. There are several types of ink sequence depending on the combination of multiple ink system basic functions, and depending on the information of the various types of timer, counter, flag and from each sensor, a still more appropriate ink sequence can be selected and implemented. In this item, the basic functions and representative types of timer, counter and flag as well as each type of ink system sequence are explained.

Open Suction
In this operation, the pump is run for the specified number of revolutions with the print head surface capped and the air valve open, and the ink inside the cap is sucked out and disposed of. This operation removes the ink that has accumulated inside the cap through ink suction or through flushing.

Minute Quantity Suction

In this operation, the pump is run the specified number of revolutions with the print head surface capped and the air valve closed, and is for the suction of minute quantities of ink from the print heads ink cavity. This operation expels extremely tiny air bubbles that are inside the head cavity.

2.4.1 Basic Ink System Functions

The basic functions which make up the ink system sequence are explained below.

Rubbing
This operation means the operation where the print head surface is rubbed by the felt side of the wiper when the CR is moved from left to right and is brought in contact with the felt side (the left half side of the wiper blade) of the wiper incorporated into the pump unit. The purpose of this operation is to remove hardened, viscous ink and foreign matter, etc. adhering to the print heads surface and restore the print head to the normal ink spraying state as well as to assure the tight fit of the cap. Before the rubbing operation control is exercised to draw out a minute quantity of ink to the nozzle surface make it wet.

Flushing
This operation causes the CR unit to move to the flushing position, then the specified amount of ink is sprayed out by driving the print head. The purpose of this operation is to prevent the ink in the nozzles from becoming increasingly viscous.

Minute Excitation
The purpose of this operation is to prevent the ink in the nozzles from becoming increasingly viscous. It applies a drive voltage and waveform to the piezo-electric element that causes it to vibrate minutely, and this causes the ink inside the head cavity to vibrate.

Wiping
This operation is the movement of the CR from right to left with respect to the rubber side (the right side half of the wiper blade) incorporated into the pump unit, which causes the rubber side of the wiper to rub against the print head surface. The purpose of this operation is to remove any ink or foreign matter, etc. adhering to the head surface before spraying of ink, to recover the system to the normal ink spraying state and to assure that the cap is able to fit tightly.

Main Suction
In this operation, the pump is run the specified number of revolutions and the ink is sucked out from the heads cavity and the ink cartridge with the head surface capped and the air valve closed. There are two purposes for this operation, which are as follows.

To suck the ink out of the ink cartridge into the head cavity.

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2.4.2 Ink Sequence

This sequence is made up from the basic ink system sequences explained in the previous item. Here, some representative ink sequences are explained.

2.4.3 Initial Ink Charge

An ink jet printer is shipped from the factory without the print heads being filled with ink. Therefore, after purchasing the printer, the user needs to set the ink cartridges in the printer and fill the print heads with ink. Initial ink charge is carried out automatically based on the initial ink charge request flag in the EEPROM on the main board. If initial ink charge is completed normally, the initial ink charge request flag in the EEPROM on the main board is cleared, then from the next time the power is turned on, this sequence is not executed. If this sequence is forcibly terminated during the initial ink charge operation due to some kind of trouble, the initial ink charge request flag in the EEPROM is not cleared, and the next time the power is turned on, the initial ink charge operation will commence from the start. In the initial ink charge operation, a large quantity of ink is consumed, so the amount of ink that can be used effectively for actual printing is small compared to the second cartridge. Also, several minutes are necessary until the initial ink charge operation is completed.
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Initial Ink Charge Ink Cartridge Replacement Cleaning Manual Cleaning Timer Cleaning Periodic Flushing
Among the above ink sequences, the sequences which use the pump units drive force to suck out ink from the ink cartridge via the print head are as follows.

Initial ink charge Ink Cartridge Replacement Cleaning Manual Cleaning Timer Cleaning
As for periodic flushing, the drive force expels ink by driving the piezo-electric element inside the print head. Each of the ink sequences above is explained in the following pages.

If the power is turned off repeatedly during execution of the initial ink charge sequence, a large volume of ink will be consumed, so adequate caution should be exercised.

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2.4.4 Ink Cartridge Replacement Cleaning

This cleaning is performed during the ink cartridge replacement sequence. Ordinarily, if an ink cartridge is replaced, the head is already filled with ink, but when a new ink cartridge is set, the space between the ink cartridge and the print head is filled with ink, and this sequence is performed to accomplish that task. Therefore, the amount of ink consumed when an ink cartridge is replaced is extremely small. During the ink cartridge replacement sequence, the flag in the EEPROM indicating that this sequence is being executed is activated, so if this sequence is forcibly terminated, this sequence is executed again from the beginning based on the flag in the EEPROM.
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Other than the ink cartridge replacement sequence, if the ink

cartridge is replaced with a new one, the ink cartridge consumption counter is not reset. Therefore, the ink consumption counter in the EEPROM on the main board maintains the count for the previous ink cartridges consumption and whether there is still ink physically remaining in the cartridge, the Ink Low / End Error messages will be displayed rapidly. The following troubles can occur if ink cartridges which are not equipped with the memory chip are removed once, then reinstalled. -- Air bubbles get mixed in with the ink inside the print head and skipping of dots occurs. -- In the ink cartridge replacement sequence, if the above operation is performed, the amount of ink registered in the EEPROM on the main board and the amount of ink that is physically in the ink cartridge will differ. Thus, even if the Ink End state has been reached physically, the Ink Low / Ink End error message will not be displayed printing will be done without ink in the print head.Also, if the printer is left to print without ink for a long period of time, it could cause the nozzles to become clogged, so caution is necessary.

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If cleaning is carried out intentionally from the printers control panel or from the printer driver, the manual cleaning sequence that is selected / implemented is determined by the special counter in the printer. This special counter stores the type of cleaning that was carried out the previous time in memory, and is reset when the power is turned OFF. The recommended method for using manual cleaning is to alternately perform a nozzle check with printing of the nozzle check pattern and manual cleaning. In this case, the manual cleaning modes are switched in the following sequence. CL1 -> CL1 -> CL2 -> CL 1 However, if manual cleaning is performed continuously without printing the nozzle check pattern or some other printing job between the previous and next cleaning operations, the following manual cleaning sequences are always performed.

2.4.5 Manual Cleaning

Manual cleaning is cleaning that it is possible to carry out intentionally from the printers control panel or through the printer driver. There are basically four types of manual cleaning, listed below.

CL1 (Normal Cleaning)

This is composed of wiping, main suction, minute quantity suction and open suction.

CL1 (Forced Cleaning)

This is composed of wiping, main suction, minute quantity suction and open suction. The basic operation is the same as CL1, but the large amount of ink drawn out in the main suction operation is due to the amount being set higher compared to CL1. Depending on the model, the suction volume with this type of cleaning is greater than with CL2.

Printers equipped with E-CHIPS Heads CL3 Printers equipped with U-CHIPS / G-MACH Heads CL1
For printers with two print heads, 2 cap units and 2 caps are used in the configuration, so if manual cleaning is performed on one of the heads, cleaning of the head on the relevant side only is performed and only the affected ink is consumed. For products with a 1-head configuration for both black and color, only one cap and one cap unit are used, so if cleaning is carried out, so cleaning is performed on both the black and color heads at the same time, and both black and color inks are consumed.

CL2 (Forced Cleaning)

This is composed of wiping, rubbing, main suction, minute quantity suction and open suction. The rubbing operation has been added to this mode.

CL3 (Open Cleaning)

This is composed of wiping, minute quantity suction and open suction. In this cleaning operation, since the main suction operation is not performed, the ink consumption is extremely low. The relationship between each manual cleaning operation and the amount of ink consumed is as follows in models equipped with the E-CHIPS head which is widely used in recent years. CL3 < CL1 < CL1 < CL2 However, the amount of ink consumed in each of these manual cleaning operations differs depending on the type of print head used. In models sold since fiscal 1999, CL3 is not incorporated, so the following sequences only are included. CL1 < CL1 < CL2 Also, the relationship between each manual cleaning operation and the amount of ink consumed differs as follows in models equipped with U-CHIPS print heads. CL1 < CL2 < CL1

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2.4.6 Timer Cleaning

Timer cleaning is cleaning that is performed automatically in accordance with the combination of the timer data measured by the timer IC and the various types of data / flags stored in the EEPROM mounted on the main board. The amount of ink consumed during this cleaning is extremely small, with the maximum amount at about the level of ink consumed in the CL1 manual cleaning sequence.

2.4.7 Periodic Flushing

In order to prevent the viscosity of ink inside the head nozzles from increasing during continuous printing operations, periodic flushing is performed automatically at the flushing position (cap unit / flushing position). This sequence is not an ink suction operation carried through the driving of the pump, but ink is expelled by driving the piezo-electric element in the print head.

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2.5 Paper Feed Mechanism

The paper feed mechanism in ink jet printers resembles the paper feed mechanism in impact dot printers. However, due to reasons inherent to ink jet printers, there are some features that differ, which are described below.

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The ceramic powder coating layer applied to the metallic PF

roller surface on ink jet printers is extremely delicate, so it should not be subjected to impacts or touched with bare hands.

Paper Feed Control During printing, there are no back feed operations. Paper feed is always in the
forward direction. When the printed surface is in the wet condition immediately after printing, backfeed would cause the printed surface to be smeared or soiled with the paper feed rollers just before the platen or the paper guide.

Paper Eject Roller

A paper eject roller, ordinarily called a star roller (star wheel), is used. This kind of roller is used because it makes no noticeable smudging of the printed surface immediately after printing, when the ink is not dry. However, when exclusive papers with a glossy finish, such as photo papers, are used, depending on the viewing angle, the pressure marks from the star rollers that remain on the surface can be faintly discerned (the ridge marks). In the PM-900C, a star roller release mechanism is provided to eliminate this.

Print Soiling Prevention Function

This is a function that helps the printed surface of sheets that have just been printed to dry in the stacker by slowing the paper feed speed during printing in order to prevent the printed surface of the paper from being soiled after printing while in the stacker and to prevent the back of the next printed sheet from being soiled from the ink on the previously printed sheet as it is ejected from the printer. It is used when the type of paper used makes it difficult for the ink to dry. However, a demerit of this function is that it slows throughput.

Platen
The platen surface is not necessarily a surface like a roller or fully flat surface, designed especially for receiving a sheet paper. This part has a ribbed construction so as to absorb excess ink used during printing and let cause the wrinkles in the extended paper to shift downward from off the platen surface. Depending on the model, there are some printers in which absorbent material is placed in the indentations in the platen to absorb ink. The purpose of this is to make it possible to absorb ink during print head flushing with ink and when printing borderless prints.

Paper Feed Gear Train

Since high level, precise paper feed is required, gears known as high precision gears are used lavishly.
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Motor
Sufficient caution is needed when handling the gears of ink jet printers. The tooth surfaces of gears should never be touched with bare hands. Ordinarily, a stepping motor is used, but in models which are required to be quieter, a DC motor with brushes is used.

PF Rollers
Compared to an SIDM printer, a high degree of paper feed accuracy is required in an ink jet printer, so metal rollers, which are not easily influenced by thermal expansion and which have outstanding durability, are used. The surface has a special ceramic powder coating applied to it.

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2.6 Detectors
An ink jet printer is equipped with a large number of sensors to control various operations. Types of detector which are used in large numbers are transmission type photoelectric transducers and mechanical contacts. Below is a list of detectors ordinarily used and a simple explanation of their uses.

PE Sensor: Photosensor
This is used to control the papers top edge movement and detect the papers bottom edge.

ASF HP Sensor: Photosensor

This detects whether or not the ASF paper feed roller is in the ASF home position.

CR HP Sensor: Photosensor
This detects the CR units home position.

Ink Cartridge Sensor: Mechanical Sensor

This detects whether or not ink cartridges are set in the CR unit.

Print Head Thermistor: Element

This senses the temperature around the head and is used to optimize the PZT drive voltage.

CR Encoder Sensor: Photosensor

In models where a DC motor is used for the CR motor, in order to detect the CRs current position, this sensor and a linear scale are incorporated into the printer as a set. Also, depending on the model, this is used in combination with the HP sensor.

PF Motor Encoder Sensor: Photosensor

In models which use a DC motor as the PF motor, the printer is equipped with this sensor and a loop scale as a set in order to detect the number of revolutions and the number of steps of the PF motor.

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Revision C Setting with the Printer Driver

Depending on the paper that is currently set in the printer, it is necessary to select the appropriate printing mode. If the paper type is selected in the printer driver, the settable printing modes are limited, so mis-setting of the printer driver is prevented, but if the print medium actually set in the printer is mistaken, the print quality will deteriorate markedly. Exclusive papers available as of December, 2000 and their features are described on the following and subsequent pages.

2.7 Media
In order to obtain high quality printing results with an ink jet printer, it is necessary to use exclusive print media. When actually carrying out printing, the optimum ink supply amount for the media used are decided by selecting the print medium to be used in the printer driver screen, then the optimum printing is carried out for the media that is used.
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If the medium set in the printer driver differs from the medium set in the printer, print quality will drop markedly. Adequate caution must be exercised.

Here, we explain concerning EPSON exclusive media (exclusive printing papers). If exclusive media are used, the following points must be taken into consideration.

The number of sheets it is possible to set in the ASF or the paper cassette.
Depending on the type of exclusive paper used, the number of sheets that it is possible to set in the ASF or paper cassette at one time is limited. If the limited number of sheets is exceeded when the print medium is set in the ASF or paper cassette, the paper may not feed into the printer or multiple sheets will feed, causing a misfeed. Therefore, it is necessary to set the appropriate number of sheets corresponding to the paper used. Depending on the medium, there are some types of paper that can only be set one sheet at a time.

Supplementary Sheet Set

There are some media for which it is necessary to set the supplementary sheet supplied with the exclusive media as the final sheet in the ASF or the paper cassette. The role of the supplementary sheet is to improve the feedability of the last sheet of print media. If this supplementary sheet is not set, possibility that problems will develop in feeding the last sheet of print media will increase.

Periodic Cleaning Sheet Feeding

Depending on the exclusive media, there are some types which generate paper dust quite easily during paper feeding. A cleaning sheet is packed together with the corresponding print media, so this cleaning sheet must periodically be set in the printer in the specified direction and fed through the printer. The cleaning sheet is not designed to be used with the metallic PF rollers, but for the purpose of cleaning the paper feed rollers.

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Revision C High Quality Double Sided Plain Paper (Recycled Paper)

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Fine / Super Fine / Photo Mode> Exclusive ink jet paper that can be printed on both sides when preparing business documents.

2.7.1 Dye Based Print Media

Exclusive paper types (except sizes) developed specifically for dye based ink printers and their features are shown below.

High Light Resistant Print Media PM Photographic Paper <Glossy>

<Compatible Printing Mode: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> Glossy photographic paper which does not fade easily for long periods of time and which has excellent light resistance and water resistance.

Glossy Paper (Thin) Exclusive Super Fine (Thin) Photo Quality Paper
<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is a glossy paper (thin) that is appropriate for printing photos or graphics.

MC Photographic Paper <SemiGloss>

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> Photographic paper with the glossy feel somewhat suppressed which does not fade easily for long periods of time and which has excellent light resistance and water resistance.

Glossy Film Exclusive Super Fine Glossy Film

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is a film with a glossy feel, and which is difficult to tear, that is appropriate for printing photos.

PM Matte Paper
<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> Matte paper which is not glossy but which has a settled quality feel, and which has excellent light resistance and water resistance.

Special Papers Iron Print Paper

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Fine Mode> This is a transfer paper which is used to transfer the printed media to a T-shirt, etc. with an iron.

Super Fine Exclusive Super Fine Paper

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This paper is appropriate for printing documents which contain both photographs and text.

Mini Photo Stickers

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> These are glossy stickers with 16 divisions per sheet.

Fine Exclusive Fine Paper

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Fine Mode> Appropriate for printing business documents that contain graphs.

Exclusive Super Fine Label Sheet

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> These are quality label sheets of super fine paper.

Plain Paper PM Series High Quality Plain Paper

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Fine / Super Fine / Photo Mode> Exclusive ink jet printer paper developed for economy.

Exclusive Super Fine Glossy Postcards

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode>

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<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine Mode> This is a cloth sheet in roll form that is easy to cut, sew, affix with glue or otherwise process.

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2.7.2 Pigment Based Media

Exclusive paper types (except sizes) developed specifically for pigment based ink printers and their features are shown below.

Exclusive Super Fine Backlight Film

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is a film with a transparent feel and can be affixed to a light box and used in shop displays, etc.

MC Matte Paper
<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is an economical, heavy, non-glossy paper aimed at general applications. It is appropriate for photos, graphics and similar printing. If this paper is set in a paper cassette, care should be taken to make sure its orientation in the paper cassette is correct. The printed side is the side that is whiter and which has no logo printed on it.

Exclusive OHP Film

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Fine Mode> This film is appropriate for making OHP sheets which include photographs and graphics.

Cleaning Sheet for Ink Jet Printer

This sheet removes dirt such as paper dust that accumulates on the printers paper feed rollers.

MC Design Glossy Paper

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is a heavy, glossy paper with high color reproduceability. It is appropriate for printing design images, comprehensive layout, etc. If printed sheets are stored in stacked up form, plain paper sheets packed with these sheets should be placed between the printed sheets. The printed side is the side that is a glossy white.

Color Calibration Paper

This is high quality color calibration paper designed to meet the needs of professional designers.

Roll Papers Matte Board Papers

This is cardboard type thick paper with a thickness of 1.2 mm.

MC Photographic Paper <SemiGloss>

<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is the same as the media for dye based inks. This is a heavy, micro-glossy paper which has a quality more like genuine photographs. It is the optimum paper for printer photographic data or posters, etc. The printed side is the side that is glossy, or the side that has no logo marks.

MC Image Paper
<Corresponding Printing Modes: Compatible with the Super Fine / Photo Mode> This is paper for images with a quality that differs from photographs. The printed side is whiter and has fewer indentations and bumps.

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2.7.3 Structural Outline of Exclusive Print Media

An outline of the structure of exclusive print media is shown below.

Structural Outline of Glossy Papers Glossy Layer: Gives gloss, gives a transparent feel, absorbs ink rapidly
(transmits the ink to the ink absorbing layer underneath).

Ink Absorbing Layer: Holds the ink coloring material and assists in
developing the colors.

Base Paper: Holds the glossy layer and ink absorbing layer.
Glossy Layer Ink Absorbing Layer

Base Paper

Figure 2-28. Structure of Glossy Paper Structural Outline of Matte Papers Ink Absorbing Layer: Holds the ink coloring material and assists in
developing the colors.

Base Paper: Holds the glossy layer and ink absorbing layer.
Ink Absorbing Layer

Base Paper

Figure 2-29. Structure of Matte Paper

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5. What is the system which prints while varying the printing dot size in correspondence with the print data in the head main scanning direction in order to improve the expression of tonal gradations on exclusive paper? Select one of the following choices. Variable Shot Technology Microweave Multi-shot Technology 6. What is the printing system called which changes the number of shots in the heads main scanning direction corresponding to the print media in order to improve printing quality on plain paper? Select one item from among the following choices. Variable Shot Technology Microweave Multi-shot Technology 7. If the ambient temperature around the print head becomes high, how is the heads drive voltage changed. Select the correct answer from the following items. The heads drive voltage becomes lower. The heads drive voltage becomes higher. 8. Select two characteristics of pigment inks from among the following choices. Color rendition is good. It doesnt blot easily. It has high light resistance. It has low water resistance. 9. Pigment ink was measured to have a light resistance of 200 years. Select the statement below that correctly describes the measuring environment. The data were measured outdoors under direct sunlight. The data were measured under normal indoor fluorescent lighting without exposure to direct sunlight. The data were measured under a constant level of ultraviolet light in a special indoor environment.

2.8 Comprehension Test

1. Select two features of the MACH system print head from among the following choices. Its construction is simple and its productivity is high. It is easy structurally to achieve high airtightness and incorporate many nozzles. It has outstanding spray control for ultra-small ink particles. 2. Which of the points below is a point where there is a great structural difference between the CHIPS system print head and the MACH system print head? Select one of the following. The direction in which the piezo is mounted. Head cavity construction. Nozzle diameter Material Inks that can be used. 3. If the number of nozzles in the CHIPS system print head and the MACH system print head were classified, what is the number of nozzles that serves as a reference? Select one from the following. 46 nozzles 32 nozzles 16 nozzles 4. In an ink jet printer, what is the name of the element that is deformed by the impressed voltage and sprays the ink? CR Solenoid Cavity PZT

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10. What is the general name for the IC chip that is mounted in the ink cartridge? CSIC PZT EPROM 11. Select the statement below that correctly describes handling of ink cartridges which are not equipped with a memory chip. It is possible to remove and install the ink cartridge any number of times up to the occurrence of the Ink END state. Once an ink cartridge is removed, it is impossible to use it again. Once an ink cartridge is removed, it can be removed and installed any number of times as long as it is kept in an exclusive box.

Revision C
15. What is the general name for the unit that fits tightly on the head surface and sucks out the ink by the driving force of the pump unit? Select one from the following. Cap Unit CR Unit Waste Ink Pad Unit 16. Select the function of the air valve mounted in the cap unit from among the following choices. Generates ink suction driving force. Valve which guides ink to the waste ink pad. Fits the cap unit tightly on the print head. When the print head and cap unit are fitted tightly together, it controls the vacuum state and the vacuum release state. 17. The cap units on all ink jet printers are equipped with an air valve. Is this statement correct or incorrect? 18. That is the outstanding function gained by equipping the printer with an exclusive pump motor as the driving force for the pump unit? Select two items from the following choices. Increase the paper feed speed Ink absorption speed gets higher and the head cleaning operation ends in a short time. Since there is no mechanism for switching between the paper feed and similar operations and pump operation, there is little possibility of banding occurring when switching pump motor operations, and print quality is excellent. 19. What kind of construction does a head cleaner with a 2-layer construction have? Select the correct description from among the following choices. When viewed from the printers front side, the head cleaner is constructed so that the right side is made of rubber and the left side is made of felt material. When viewed from the printers front side, the head cleaner is constructed so that the right side is made of felt and the left side is made of rubber material.

12. If the yellow label on the ink cartridge has not been peeled off, what kind of phenomenon occurs? Select the correct description from among the following choices. Since the ink is not sucked up, either no ink at all is sprayed out, or gradually skipping of dots occurs and finally all the dots are skipped. Ink is sucked up, but skipping of dots continues to occur here and there. The inks viscosity rises and skipping of dots occurs. 13. Give the general name for the IC chip on the main board where the ink cartridges consumption is stored. Select one from the following. EEPROM PROM CPU RAM 14. How is the Ink Low state detected in the stationary type ink cartridge? Select the correct description from among the following choices. The LOW detection lever on the ink cartridge side and the Ink LOW detection sensor on the printer side. It is detected by the software counter stored in the EEPROM on the main board.

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20. Give the name of the units incorporated into the head cleaner. Select one from the following. Pump Unit Cap Unit Head Cleaner Unit 21. How is the amount of waste ink disposed of in the waste ink pads controlled? Select the correct statement from among the following choices. The number of pump motor rotational steps is counted in software and this count is stored and controlled in the EEPROM. Also, when a flushing or other operation is performed, the amount of ink sprayed is counted in software from the print heads drive frequency. The waste ink disposed of in the waste ink pads is all disposed of through driving of the piezo-electric element, so ink spraying volume is counted in the software from only the head drive frequency. 22. Describe the method for resetting the waste ink counter. Select two items from the following. Special operation from the control panel. Reset function using the exclusive adjustment program. Turning the power switch On/Off. Special operation from the printer driver. 23. Select the correct statement concerning the wiping operation from among the choices below. It is an operation where the print head surface is scraped by the rubber right side of the head cleaners blade. It is an operation where the print head surface is scraped by the felt left side of the head cleaners blade. 24. What is the operation in which the head is filled with ink called after the printer is purchased? Select the correct operation name from among the following choices. Initial ink charge Operation Ink Replacement Operation Manual Cleaning Operation

Revision C
25. If the power is turned off during the initial ink charge operation, which of the following operations is performed when the power is turned on again? It starts the initial ink charge operation from the part where the power was turned off the previous time. It starts the initial ink charge operation from the beginning without relation to where the operation was when the printer was turned off the previous time. It does not perform the initial ink charge operation the second time. 26. Is the amount of ink that is actually effectively used from the 1st ink cartridge the same as the effective amount of ink used form the 2nd ink cartridge, or not? The same Different 27. If an ink cartridge is removed from the CR unit at any time except during the ink replacement sequence in a printer model which does not support ink cartridges with a memory chip (on-carriage type), then a new ink cartridge is installed, at first, skipping of dots will occur due to air bubbles mixed in the ink, but finally, what kind of phenomenon occurs? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. Even if the physical Ink END state exists, the printer will not sense the Ink End state and as a result, skipping of dots will occur. The Ink LOW / END message will be displayed when there is still enough ink left. Ink consumption counter mismatching will not occur, and printing will be conducted normally.

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28. If the ink cartridge in a printer model which does not support ink cartridges with a memory chip (on-carriage type) is removed during the ink replacement sequence, then is set again and used, what kind of phenomena will occur? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. The printer will enter the Ink END state without the Ink LOW / END message being displayed. Therefore, skipping of dots will gradually occur, then finally, nothing will be printed at all. There will be no particular problem. The Ink LOW / END message will be displayed when there is still enough ink left.

Revision C
32. What is the major difference between the CL1 and CL2 manual cleaning modes? Select the correct description from among the following choices. In CL1, wiping and rubbing are performed, but in CL2, only rubbing is performed. In CL1, rubbing is not performed, but in CL2, wiping and rubbing are both performed. 33. In U-CHIPS / G-MACH heads, if manual cleaning is done without performing any printing or other nozzle check between manual cleaning operations, what kind of manual cleaning is performed? CL1 is always performed. CL3 is always performed. CL2 is always performed. 34. In printer models with a 1-head / 1-cap configuration, if manual cleaning is performed, ink is consumed from both the black and color ink cartridges. Is this statement correct or incorrect? 35. Describe the features of PF rollers used in the latest ink jet printer paper feed mechanisms. Select two correct statements from among the choices below. Rubber roller It is easily influenced by thermal expansion and its wear resistance is low. The metallic roller is coated with a special ceramic powder coating. It is not easily influenced by thermal expansion and its durability against wear is high. 36. Select the correct statement of the reason why metallic star rollers are used for paper eject rollers from among the following choices. When paper that has been printed is fed out of the printer, parts where the ink is still not dry transfer ink to the rollers and this type of roller prevents the ink from being transferred again to the paper. They are used to improve the paper feed accuracy when the paper is ejected.

29. If the power is turned off during execution of the ink cartridge replacement sequence, what operation is executed when the power is turned on again? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. Ink replacement cleaning will be performed from the first. When the power is turned on the next time, ink replacement cleaning will not be performed. When the power is turned on the next time, the sequence will commence from the point where the power was turned off previously. 30. What driving force is used to perform initial ink charge, the ink cartridge replacement sequence and manual cleaning? Select the correct power source from the following two choices. Suction force via the pump unit - cap unit. Driving of the print head. 31. How many ordinary different cleaning modes are there in manual cleaning? Select the correct statement from the following choices. 1 to 2 types. 5 to 6 types 3 to 4 types

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37. Describe the function of the cleaning sheet. Select the correct description from among the following choices. It removes the paper dust adhering to the surfaces of rollers along the paper path. It removes foreign matter adhering to the print head surface. It is used to remove paper dust adhering to the surface of the metallic PF roller. 38. If the media set by the printer driver and the media that is actually set in the printer differ from each other, what kind of phenomena occurs? Select the correct description from among the following choices. A discrepancy will exist between the amount of ink delivered and the ink absorption capacity of the media, and print quality will drop markedly. (There will be either white streaks or the ink will blot.) Printing cannot be done. There will not be any particular drop in print quality. 39. Describe the role of the supplementary sheet packed with the exclusive media. Select the correct description from among the following choices. It increases the rigidity of the exclusive paper package and prevents the paper from being folded. It improves the paper feed performance of the last sheet set in the ASF unit or in the paper cassette. It is set in the stacker and improves the paper eject characteristics after the paper is printed on. 40. When the main board is replaced, if it is impossible to read the backup data from the EEPROM on the old board, indicate which units need to be replaced at the same time. Select 2 correct units from among the following choices. Ink cartridge. Waste ink pads Print head Panel board

Revision C

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Revision C
4. In an ink jet printer, what is the name of the element that is deformed by the impressed voltage and sprays the ink? CR: Incorrect. CR is an abbreviation for carriage. This is the component where the print head is mounted and which moves in the main scanning direction during printing. Solenoid: Incorrect. A solenoid is an element that switches the functions of a drive unit through magnetic force generated by the applied voltage. Cavity: Incorrect. The cavity is a part where ink accumulates temporarily inside the print head. PZT: Correct. 5. What is the system which prints while varying the printing dot size in correspondence with the print data in the head main scanning direction in order to improve the expression of tonal gradations on exclusive paper? Select one of the following choices. Variable Shot Technology: Correct. Microweave: Incorrect. Microweave is a technology that reduces banding and dot smudging that occur in the print heads main scanning direction during printing. Multi-shot Technology: Incorrect. Multi-shot technology is a technology that improves the tonal expression on plain paper. It does not change the size of the dots sprayed from the print head but by changing the number of dots sprayed, it changes the size of dots on the paper. 6. What is the printing system called which changes the number of shots in the heads main scanning direction corresponding to the print media in order to improve printing quality on plain paper? Select one item from among the following choices. Variable Shot Technology: Incorrect. Variable-shot technology is a technology that improves the tonal expression on exclusive paper. It changes the size of the printed dots in accordance with the print data in the print heads main scanning direction. Microweave: Incorrect. Microweave is a technology that reduces banding and dot smudging that occur in the print heads main scanning direction during printing. Multi-shot Technology: Correct.

2.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test

1. Select two features of the MACH system print head from among the following choices. Its construction is simple and its productivity is high: Incorrect. This is the feature of Chips system print head. It is easy structurally to achieve high airtightness and incorporate many nozzles: Correct. It has outstanding spray control for ultra-small ink particles: Correct. 2. Which of the points below is a point where there is a great structural difference between the CHIPS system print head and the MACH system print head? Select one of the following. The direction in which the piezo is mounted: Correct. The piezo is mounted horizontally in MACH system, and vertically in CHIPS system. Nozzle diameter: Incorrect. The nozzle diameters do not differ greatly between the different heads. Material: Incorrect. The materials differ, but they are basically the same. Inks that can be used: Incorrect. They are basically the same. 3. If the number of nozzles in the CHIPS system print head and the MACH system print head were classified, what is the number of nozzles that serves as a reference? Select one from the following. 46 nozzles: Correct. The CHIPS head has 46 or fewer nozzles. The G-MACH head has 96 or more nozzles. 32 nozzles: Incorrect. The CHIPS head is the one with 32 nozzles. 16 nozzles: Incorrect. The Chips head or the old MACH head is the one with 16 nozzles.

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7. If the ambient temperature around the print head becomes high, how is the heads drive voltage changed. Select the correct answer from the following items. The heads drive voltage becomes lower: Correct. The heads drive voltage becomes higher: Incorrect. If the head drive voltage becomes high, it is when the heads ambient temperature has become low. Due to the characteristics of ink, the inks viscosity increases when the temperature drops, so in order to spray the ink normally, the head drive voltage is controlled so that it increases. 8. Select two characteristics of pigment inks from among the following choices. Color rendition is good: Incorrect. Coloring characteristics are excellent in dye inks. It doesnt blot easily: Correct. It has high light resistance: Correct. It has low water resistance: Incorrect. The pigments in pigment ink adhere to the surface of the paper and form a film, so it increases the water resistance. 9. Pigment ink was measured to have a light resistance of 200 years. Select the statement below that correctly describes the measuring environment. The data were measured outdoors under direct sunlight: Incorrect. Data were obtained by measurements taken in accelerated tests in which printed sheets were kept in picture frames under ordinary indoor fluorescent lights where they would not be exposed to direct sunlight. The data were measured under normal indoor fluorescent lighting without exposure to direct sunlight: Correct. Under this environment, the prints were stored in picture frames and the data were obtained through measurements in accelerated tests. The data were measured under a constant level of ultraviolet light in a special indoor environment: Incorrect. Data were obtained by measurements taken in accelerated tests in which printed sheets were kept in picture frames under ordinary indoor fluorescent lights where they would not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Revision C
10. What is the general name for the IC chip that is mounted in the ink cartridge? CSIC: Correct. PZT: Incorrect. The PZT is an element inside the print head. EPROM: Incorrect. The EPROM is an element on the main board where the control program is written. 11. Select the statement below that correctly describes handling of ink cartridges which are not equipped with a memory chip. It is possible to remove and install the ink cartridge any number of times up to the occurrence of the Ink END state: Incorrect. If an ink cartridge that is not equipped with a memory chip is removed in the ink sequence, then is reset and used again, the ink consumption amount saved in the EEPROM on the main board is reset. Therefore, if an ink cartridge that has been removed once is reset, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge will not match the amount on the ink consumption counter saved in the EEPROM on the main board. As a result, the printer will not recognize the Ink END state even though there is physically no more ink in the ink cartridge, but printing will continue and the condition where no ink is sprayed out will occur. Once an ink cartridge is removed, it is impossible to use it again: Correct. Once an ink cartridge is removed, it can be removed and installed any number of times as long as it is kept in an exclusive box: Incorrect. If an ink cartridge that is not equipped with a memory chip is removed in the ink sequence, then is reset and used again, the ink consumption amount saved in the EEPROM on the main board is reset. Therefore, if an ink cartridge that has been removed once is reset, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge will not match the amount on the ink consumption counter saved in the EEPROM on the main board. As a result, the printer will not recognize the Ink END state even though there is physically no more ink in the ink cartridge, but printing will continue and the condition where no ink is sprayed out will occur.

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12. If the yellow label on the ink cartridge has not been peeled off, what kind of phenomenon occurs? Select the correct description from among the following choices. Since the ink is not sucked up, either no ink at all is sprayed out, or gradually skipping of dots occurs and finally all the dots are skipped: Correct. If absolutely no ink is sprayed, this will occur during initial ink charge. Gradually, skipping of dots will occur, then finally, when all the dots are skipped, it will be time to replace the ink cartridges. Ink is sucked up, but skipping of dots continues to occur here and there: Incorrect. Ink is not sucked up. When the yellow label is removed. By peeling off the yellow label, the ink is caused to flow into the cavity. The inks viscosity rises and skipping of dots occurs: Incorrect. If the yellow label is not peeled off, the ink cartridge will be in the sealed state, and the inks viscosity will not rise. 13. Give the general name for the IC chip on the main board where the ink cartridges consumption is stored. Select one from the following. EEPROM: Correct. Not only the amount of ink consumed, but also the other setting values and data are saved in the EEPROM. PROM: Incorrect. The EPROM is the element where the printers control program is written. CPU: Incorrect. The CPU is the element that executes control processing based on the control program inside the PROM. RAM: Incorrect. The RAM is the element used for buffering print and other data and image development. 14. How is the Ink Low state detected in the stationary type ink cartridge? Select the correct description from among the following choices. The LOW detection lever on the ink cartridge side and the Ink LOW detection sensor on the printer side: Correct. It is detected by the software counter stored in the EEPROM on the main board: Incorrect. The stationary type ink cartridge can be removed any number of times up to the time the Ink LOW state is detected The Ink LOW detection lever in the ink cartridge and the Ink LOW detection sensor on the printer detect the Ink LOW state.

Revision C
15. What is the general name for the unit that fits tightly on the head surface and sucks out the ink by the driving force of the pump unit? Select one from the following. Cap Unit: Correct. CR Unit: Incorrect. The CR unit is the unit where the print head is mounted. Waste Ink Pad Unit: Incorrect. The waste ink pad unit holds the pads where ink and transport fluid are disposed of. 16. Select the function of the air valve mounted in the cap unit from among the following choices. Generates ink suction driving force: Incorrect. The air valve opens and closes in accordance with the CR position. When the valve is in the open state, the vacuum inside the cap is released and through driving of the pump unit, only the ink inside the cap is sucked out and disposed of. When the valve is in the closed state, a vacuum state is created inside the cap by the driving force of the pump unit and the ink inside the print head and the ink cartridge are sucked out and disposed of. Valve which guides ink to the waste ink pad: Incorrect. Fits the cap unit tightly on the print head: Incorrect. The air valve opens and closes in accordance with the CR position. When the valve is in the open state, the vacuum inside the cap is released and through driving of the pump unit, only the ink inside the cap is sucked out and disposed of. When the valve is in the closed state, a vacuum state is created inside the cap by the driving force of the pump unit and the ink inside the print head and the ink cartridge are sucked out and disposed of. When the print head and cap unit are fitted tightly together, it controls the vacuum state and the vacuum release state: Correct. 17. The cap units on all ink jet printers are equipped with an air valve. Is this statement correct or incorrect? Incorrect: Correct. Correct: Incorrect. Practically all the consumer-oriented models sold since the start of the year 2000 are not equipped with an air valve.

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18. That is the outstanding function gained by equipping the printer with an exclusive pump motor as the driving force for the pump unit? Select two items from the following choices. Increase the paper feed speed: Correct. Ink absorption speed gets higher and the head cleaning operation ends in a short time: Incorrect. The ink suction speed is determined by the motors control, so even if an exclusive pump motor is used, the ink suction speed is not speeded up. Since there is no mechanism for switching between the paper feed and similar operations and pump operation, there is little possibility of banding occurring when switching pump motor operations, and print quality is excellent: Correct. 19. What kind of construction does a head cleaner with a 2-layer construction have? Select the correct description from among the following choices. When viewed from the printers front side, the head cleaner is constructed so that the right side is made of rubber and the left side is made of felt material: Correct. When viewed from the printers front side, the head cleaner is constructed so that the right side is made of felt and the left side is made of rubber material: Incorrect. Viewed from the front of the printer, the right side of the cleaner blade is made of rubber and the left side is made of felt material. 20. Give the name of the units incorporated into the head cleaner. Select one from the following. Pump Unit: Correct. Cap Unit: Incorrect. Since the head cleaner operates in linkage with the direction of rotation of the pump unit (cleaner set / cleaner reset), it is incorporated inside the pump unit. Head Cleaner Unit: Incorrect. Since the head cleaner operates in linkage with the direction of rotation of the pump unit (cleaner set / cleaner reset), it is incorporated inside the pump unit.

Revision C
21. How is the amount of waste ink disposed of in the waste ink pads controlled? Select the correct statement from among the following choices. The number of pump motor rotational steps is counted in software and this count is stored and controlled in the EEPROM. Also, when a flushing or other operation is performed, the amount of ink sprayed is counted in software from the print heads drive frequency: Correct. The waste ink disposed of in the waste ink pads is all disposed of through driving of the piezo-electric element, so ink spraying volume is counted in the software from only the head drive frequency: Incorrect. The ink disposed of in the waste ink pads is roughly divided into the two following types. The ink that is sprayed during flushing by driving the piezo-electric element. The ink that is expelled by driving the pump unit during initial ink charge / head cleaning, etc. Therefore, the number of pump motor revolution steps is counted in software and saved and controlled in the EEPROM. Also, when the flushing and other operations are performed, the amount of ink sprayed out is counted in software from the print heads drive frequency. 22. Describe the method for resetting the waste ink counter. Select two items from the following. Special operation from the control panel: Correct. Reset function using the exclusive adjustment program: Correct. Turning the power switch On/Off: Incorrect. Control of the waste ink counter requires that the waste ink pads also be replaced as a set. Therefore, it is not reset with this operation that can be performed by the user. Special operation from the printer driver: Incorrect. Control of the waste ink counter requires that the waste ink pads also be replaced as a set. Therefore, it is not reset with this operation that can be performed by the user. 23. Select the correct statement concerning the wiping operation from among the choices below. It is an operation where the print head surface is scraped by the rubber right side of the head cleaners blade: Correct. It is an operation where the print head surface is scraped by the felt left side of the head cleaners blade: Incorrect. This operation is the rubbing operation.

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24. What is the operation in which the head is filled with ink called after the printer is purchased? Select the correct operation name from among the following choices. Initial ink charge Operation: Correct. Ink Replacement Operation: Incorrect. This is the operation performed when replacing an ink cartridge. Manual Cleaning Operation: Incorrect. This is the operation that is carried out willfully by the user when cleaning the surface of the print head or when expelling the ink that is inside the print head. 25. If the power is turned off during the initial ink charge operation, which of the following operations is performed when the power is turned on again? It starts the initial ink charge operation from the part where the power was turned off the previous time: Incorrect. The initial ink charge operation is started automatically when the power is first turned on based on the flag set in a specific address in the EEPROM and at the point when all the operations in the initial ink charge operation sequence are completed, the flag in the EEPROM is reset. Therefore, if the power is turned OFF during initial ink charge, the next time the power is turned ON, the operation will start from the beginning. It starts the initial ink charge operation from the beginning without relation to where the operation was when the printer was turned off the previous time: Correct. It does not perform the initial ink charge operation the second time: Incorrect. The initial ink charge operation is started automatically when the power is first turned on based on the flag set in a specific address in the EEPROM and at the point when all the operations in the initial ink charge operation sequence are completed, the flag in the EEPROM is reset. Therefore, if the power is turned OFF during initial ink charge, the next time the power is turned ON, the operation will start from the beginning. 26. Is the amount of ink that is actually effectively used from the 1st ink cartridge the same as the effective amount of ink used form the 2nd ink cartridge, or not? The same: Incorrect. With the first ink cartridge, the initial ink charge operation is performed, so a large amount of ink is consumed. Therefore, the amount of ink that is effectively used in actual printing is smaller for the first ink cartridge than for the second ink cartridge. Different: Correct.

Revision C
27. If an ink cartridge is removed from the CR unit at any time except during the ink replacement sequence in a printer model which does not support ink cartridges with a memory chip (on-carriage type), then a new ink cartridge is installed, at first, skipping of dots will occur due to air bubbles mixed in the ink, but finally, what kind of phenomenon occurs? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. Even if the physical Ink END state exists, the printer will not sense the Ink End state and as a result, skipping of dots will occur: Incorrect. If an ink cartridge that is not equipped with a memory chip is removed in the ink replacement sequence, the ink consumption amount stored in the EEPROM on the main board is reset. Therefore, if an ink cartridge is removed at a time other than during the ink cartridge replacement sequence, the ink consumption counter in the EEPROM on the main board is not reset. If a new ink cartridge is set with the printer in that state, the printer will not recognize that a new ink cartridge has been set, and the ink LOW / END messages will be displayed based on the consumption counter set for the previous ink cartridge. The Ink LOW / END message will be displayed when there is still enough ink left: Correct. Ink consumption counter mismatching will not occur, and printing will be conducted normally: Incorrect. If an ink cartridge that is not equipped with a memory chip is removed in the ink replacement sequence, the ink consumption amount stored in the EEPROM on the main board is reset. Therefore, if an ink cartridge is removed at a time other than during the ink cartridge replacement sequence, the ink consumption counter in the EEPROM on the main board is not reset. If a new ink cartridge is set with the printer in that state, the printer will not recognize that a new ink cartridge has been set, and the ink LOW / END messages will be displayed based on the consumption counter set for the previous ink cartridge.

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28. If the ink cartridge in a printer model which does not support ink cartridges with a memory chip (on-carriage type) is removed during the ink replacement sequence, then is set again and used, what kind of phenomena will occur? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. The printer will enter the Ink END state without the Ink LOW / END message being displayed. Therefore, skipping of dots will gradually occur, then finally, nothing will be printed at all: Correct. There will be no particular problem: Incorrect. The ink consumption counter is reset at the point when the ink cartridge is removed during the ink replacement sequence. Therefore, if an old ink cartridge is set in place of a new ink cartridge, there will be a mismatch between the amount registered in the ink consumption counter and the actual physical amount of ink in the ink cartridge, and the Ink END state will occur without the Ink LOW / END message being displayed. The Ink LOW / END message will be displayed when there is still enough ink left: Incorrect. The ink consumption counter is reset at the point when the ink cartridge is removed during the ink replacement sequence. Therefore, if an old ink cartridge is set in place of a new ink cartridge, there will be a mismatch between the amount registered in the ink consumption counter and the actual physical amount of ink in the ink cartridge, and the Ink END state will occur without the Ink LOW / END message being displayed. 29. If the power is turned off during execution of the ink cartridge replacement sequence, what operation is executed when the power is turned on again? Select the correct statement from among the choices below. Ink replacement cleaning will be performed from the first: Correct. When the power is turned on the next time, ink replacement cleaning will not be performed: Incorrect. When the ink replacement sequence starts, a flag is set in a specific address in the EEPROM on the main board, and at the point when all the operations in the sequence are completed, the flag is reset. Therefore, if the power is turned off during execution of the sequence, the flag in the EEPROM remains during execution of the ink replacement sequence and the next time the power is turned ON, the ink replacement sequence will be executed from the start based on this flag in the EEPROM. When the power is turned on the next time, the sequence will commence from the point where the power was turned off previously: Incorrect. When the ink replacement sequence starts, a flag is set in a specific address in the EEPROM on the main board, and at the point when all the operations in the sequence are completed, the flag is reset. Therefore, if the power is turned off during execution

Revision C
of the sequence, the flag in the EEPROM remains during execution of the ink replacement sequence and the next time the power is turned ON, the ink replacement sequence will be executed from the start based on this flag in the EEPROM. 30. What driving force is used to perform initial ink charge, the ink cartridge replacement sequence and manual cleaning? Select the correct power source from the following two choices. Suction force via the pump unit - cap unit: Correct. Driving of the print head: Incorrect. The initial ink charge and ink cartridge replacement sequences, and manual cleaning, are carried out by operation of the pump with drive force from the pump motor, and ink is sucked out of the print head and ink cartridge through the vacuum generated between the cap unit and the print head. 31. How many ordinary different cleaning modes are there in manual cleaning? Select the correct statement from the following choices. 1 to 2 types: Incorrect. Many of the models sold prior to 1998 had 4 cleaning modes, CL1, CL1, CL2 and CL3, and many of the models sold since 1999 have 3 cleaning modes, CL1, CL1 and CL2. 5 to 6 types: Incorrect. Many of the models sold prior to 1998 had 4 cleaning modes, CL1, CL1, CL2 and CL3, and many of the models sold since 1999 have 3 cleaning modes, CL1, CL1 and CL2. 3 to 4 types: Correct. 32. What is the major difference between the CL1 and CL2 manual cleaning modes? Select the correct description from among the following choices. In CL1, wiping and rubbing are performed, but in CL2, only rubbing is performed: Incorrect. In CL1, rubbing is not performed, but in CL2, both wiping and rubbing are performed. In CL1, rubbing is not performed, but in CL2, wiping and rubbing are both performed: Correct.

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33. In U-CHIPS / G-MACH heads, if manual cleaning is done without performing any printing or other nozzle check between manual cleaning operations, what kind of manual cleaning is performed? CL1 is always performed: Correct. CL3 is always performed: Incorrect. Running of CL3 is done in printers equipped with E-CHIPS system print heads. In models equipped with the UCHIPS and G-MACH system print heads which became the mainstream print heads from 1999, there is no CL3 mode, and the cleaning mode which has the smallest ink consumption, CL1, is performed. CL2 is always performed: Incorrect. Under this condition, there are no printer models that run CL2. In models equipped with the U-CHIPS / G-MACH system print heads, CL1 is performed and in models equipped with the E-CHIPS system print heads, CL3 is performed. 34. In printer models with a 1-head / 1-cap configuration, if manual cleaning is performed, ink is consumed from both the black and color ink cartridges. Is this statement correct or incorrect? Correct: Correct. Incorrect: Incorrect. In models with the 1-head / 1-cap construction, the black and color nozzle arrays are arranged on the same head and there is only one cap, so when manual cleaning is performed, ink is sucked from both the black and color nozzle arrays. 35. Describe the features of PF rollers used in the latest ink jet printer paper feed mechanisms. Select two correct statements from among the choices below. Rubber roller: Incorrect. All the ink jet printers sold in recent years use the metallic rollers. It is easily influenced by thermal expansion and its wear resistance is low: Since the metallic rollers have been used in ink jet printers sold in recent years, they are not easily influenced by thermal expansion, and their durability with respect to wear has become high. The metallic roller is coated with a special ceramic powder coating: Correct. It is not easily influenced by thermal expansion and its durability against wear is high: Correct.

Revision C
36. Select the correct statement of the reason why metallic star rollers are used for paper eject rollers from among the following choices. When paper that has been printed is fed out of the printer, parts where the ink is still not dry transfer ink to the rollers and this type of roller prevents the ink from being transferred again to the paper: Correct. They are used to improve the paper feed accuracy when the paper is ejected: Incorrect. If we want to improve paper feed accuracy, then accuracy is improved by using plain shaped rollers. These start wheel rollers are used for the purpose of reducing the roller surface area that comes in contact with the printed surface at the time the paper is ejected, and thus preventing the transfer of ink to the rollers. 37. Describe the function of the cleaning sheet. Select the correct description from among the following choices. It removes the paper dust adhering to the surfaces of rollers along the paper path: Correct. The cleaning sheet is used for the rubber rollers in the paper feed path. It removes foreign matter adhering to the print head surface: Incorrect. Cleaning of the print head surface is done by the cleaner blade mounted on the pump unit. It is used to remove paper dust adhering to the surface of the metallic PF roller: Incorrect. It cannot be used for the metallic PF roller. If the adhesive surface of the metallic roller cleaning sheet is run through the printer, it could possibly peel off the special ceramic coating on the PF roller. Therefore, the method of brushing the roller lightly with a soft hair brush is recommended.

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38. If the media set by the printer driver and the media that is actually set in the printer differ from each other, what kind of phenomena occurs? Select the correct description from among the following choices. A discrepancy will exist between the amount of ink delivered and the ink absorption capacity of the media, and print quality will drop markedly. (There will be either white streaks or the ink will blot.): Correct. Printing cannot be done: Incorrect. Printing can be done, but a discrepancy exists between the amount of ink delivered, which is decided automatically in accordance with the media setting in the printer driver and the ink absorbing capacity of the media, causing the print quality to drop markedly. (Either there will be white streaks or the ink will blot.) There will not be any particular drop in print quality: Incorrect. A discrepancy exists between the amount of ink delivered, which is decided automatically in accordance with the media setting in the printer driver and the ink absorbing capacity of the media, causing the print quality to drop markedly. (Either there will be white streaks or the ink will blot.) 39. Describe the role of the supplementary sheet packed with the exclusive media. Select the correct description from among the following choices. It increases the rigidity of the exclusive paper package and prevents the paper from being folded: Incorrect. This sheet is packed with the paper for the purpose of improving the paper feed characteristics of the last sheet in the ASF unit or the last sheet in the paper cassette. It improves the paper feed performance of the last sheet set in the ASF unit or in the paper cassette: Correct. It is set in the stacker and improves the paper eject characteristics after the paper is printed on: Incorrect. This sheet is packed with the paper for the purpose of improving the paper feed characteristics of the last sheet in the ASF unit or the last sheet in the paper cassette.

Revision C
40. When the main board is replaced, if it is impossible to read the backup data from the EEPROM on the old board, indicate which units need to be replaced at the same time. Select 2 correct units from among the following choices. Ink cartridge: Correct. Waste ink pads: Correct. Print head: Incorrect. The print heads head ID is also saved in the EEPROM on the main board, but after the main board is replaced, there is no problem if the head ID printed on the label affixed to the print head is written to the EEPROM from the exclusive program. The amount of ink consumed in the ink cartridge and the amount of waste ink in the waste ink pads are reset when the main board is replaced, so it is also necessary to replace these when the main board is replaced. Panel Board: Incorrect. Information related to the panel board is not normally saved in the EEPROM. The amount of ink consumed in the ink cartridge and the amount of waste ink in the waste ink pads are reset when the main board is replaced, so it is also necessary to replace these when the main board is replaced.

Ink Jet Printers

Answers to the Comprehension Test

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PAGE PRINTERS

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3.1 Outline
Unlike IJ and SIDM printers, a page printer is called a page printer because it prints out an entire page from top to bottom in one operation. Also, there are two types of page printer, which differ according to the exposure system used, either laser or LED. Epson page printers are all laser printers.

FEATURES OF PAGE PRINTERS

Page printers have the following features.

Advantages Their printing speed is fast. There is no bleeding of printed images as in an ink jet printer, and high quality
printing can be obtained (black text printing).

They are quiet during printing operations. Exclusive paper is not necessary as with ink jet printers, and it is possible to
print stably on various types of paper.

Disadvantages Generally, the control circuits and mechanical parts are complex, so they are
more expensive than other types of printer.

Consumables (toner) are high in cost. Special safety precautions are necessary because most of these printers use
laser systems.

Page Printers

Outline

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The basic configuration of a page printer is shown in the following figure.
Polygonal Mirror Refective Mirror Electrifier Lens Laser light source Controller Polyester Resin Magnetic Particle Toner Approx. 10 m Cartridge

3.2 Basic Configuration of Page Printers

A page printer is basically configured from the following components.

Toner: This is dry ink, a hardened powder made up of magnetic particles and
polyester resin.

Print Head: This unit has the laser light emitter, or deflecting system (polygonal
mirror) and a reflector lens, etc. built into it.

Photosensitive Drum (OPC Drum): This is the heart of the mechanism. It is a

cylinder with a diameter of several centimeter. Its surface is charged with static electricity and toner adheres to it in the form of characters and images.

Cleaning Blade

Transfer Mechanism: The force of static electricity attracts the toner from the
surface of the photosensitive drum to the paper, transferring it there.

Controller: In accordance with commands sent from the personal computer, text
or graphics dot patterns are generated and these are transferred to the printer mechanism and printing is carried out.

Fixer: This mechanism has heat rollers or pressure rollers built into it which fuse
the toner and fixed it to the paper.

Paper Feed and Eject Mechanism: This mechanism consists of paper feed rollers,
paper eject rollers, etc. which accomplish paper pickup, transport and delivery.

Other Electrical Components: Low voltage power supply board, high voltage
power supply board, etc.

Fixer Roller

Discharger

Transfer Roller

Developer Cylinder Paper Feed Roller

Drive Mechanism: Various motors, solenoids Various Safety Switches and Sensors Outer Case

Figure 3-1. Page Printer Configuration

Page Printers

Basic Configuration of Page Printers

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Revision C
Table 3-2. shows the materials used for each coloring agent.

3.3 Toner
Toner is dry ink, a powder made up of magnetic particles and hardened polyester resin. The diameter of these particles is approximately 5~20 m. Ordinarily, toner is placed in toner cartridges. Depending on the development method, there are two types of toner, one part toner and two part toner. Thisis due to difference in the development methods. For details, see Development Process on page 96 Also, the toners used in color page printers have a basic configuration that is different due to the coloring involved. Fig. 3.2 shows the configuration. Also, the function of each ingredient in toner is shown in Table 3-1.
Resin Coloring Agent

Table 3-2. Coloring Agents in Colors

Color Yellow Magenta Cyan Azo; Base Quinacrinadon base or Carmine 6B base Phthalocyanine base pigment. Coloring Agent

5-15m

External Processing Agent Electrostatic Charge Control Agent (CCA)

Figure 3-2. Basic Configuration of Color Toners Table 3-1. Configuration of Color Toners and Functions of its Ingredients
Constituent Chemical Resin Proportion of Total 80 - 90% Functions Binding characteristics, thermal characteristics, electrostatic charge characteristics under friction. Coloration, electrostatic charge characteristics under friction. Electrostatic charge characteristics under friction Fluidity, electrostatic charge characteristics under friction

Coloring agent Electrostatic Control Agent External Processing Agent

5 - 15% 1 - 5% 0 - 5%

Page Printers

Toner

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Revision C

3.4 Printing Process

For the printing process in a page printer, the eletrophotographic method is used. This is the same printing method used in the photo-copy machines. The electrophotographic process uses photoconductive development to form an electrostatically charged image (static electric latent image) on a photosensitive drum, then attract minute electrostatic particles (toner) to that static electric latent image and make it a visible image. As the representative system using the electrophotographic process in the following figure shows, this process consists of five processes listed below.
Electrification Charging roller Exposure Toner

Development OPC drum Cleaning

Chargeing Process Exposure Process Development Process Image Transfer Process Fusing Process
fusing Transfer

Media

Transfer roller

Figure 3-3. Printing Process

Each process is explained in detail below.

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The bias charge roller of the electrification unit is always in contact with the drum and follows the rotation of the drum. The bias charge roller is a conductive elastic unit, so if a negative high voltage is applied, a negative electric charge builds up on the surface of the photosensitive drum (approx. 700 V). This system, because the bias charge roller is always in direct contact with the photosensitive drum, means that if there is a pinhole or other defect in the photosensitive drum, the current will concentrate there and cause the breakdown of the photosensitive drum. Also, the efficiency of the cleaner in the cleaning process that follows after will be poor and if the photosensitive drum is dirty from toner, the electrostatic potential may drop. As a result, defects will show up in the printing results, such as black spots or blank spaces. Therefore, if the photosensitive drum is removed from and reinstalled in the printer, sufficient caution is necessary to prevent dirt from adhering to it or causing scratches on it. Another means of employing the contact electrification method is to use an electrostatic brush in place of a bias charge roller.

3.4.1 Charging Process

Charging process is the process of causing a high voltage electric current to flow near the photosensitive drum (OPC drum) and store a negative electric charge uniformly on its surface. There are two electrification methods, the normal contact electrification and the noncontact electrification. Fig. 3-4 shows an image made using the contact electrification method.
BCR Negative Electric Charge Positive Electric Charge

HVPS

Photoconductor

DC

Drum

In the case of a noncontact electrification methods, corona discharge (corotron method or scorotron method) is the method that is used the most. In that case, charge wires (40 ~ 100 m tungsten wires) are used to apply an electric charge to the surface of the photosensitive drum by discharge. However, this method generates a lot of ozone and is not used in recent years.
+ 0 - + 2 1 6

Drum Surface Potential on the Drum

Corona discharge is the method whereby a sharp pointed wire or thin wire has a high voltage applied to it then a discharge can be seen accompanied by a bluish white light around the sharp tip of the wire.

Figure 3-4. Outline of Contact Electrification

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Printing Process

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Revision C
The photosensitive element can actually be in the form of a sheet, a belt or a drum, and is made of various materials, The latest elements have a body made of metal, with a coating about 15~20 nm thick of semiconductor called OPC (Organic Photo Conductor) on the surface, and are in the form of a drum. Therefore, there are many instances where the photosensitive drum is called an OPC drum. In the ordinary state, the surface of the photosensitive drum is an insulating body, so it can store an electric charge. However, by exposing it to light, the resistance of area where have been hit by laser beam, drops lose their electric charge. As a result, an image (static electric latent image) which cannot be seen visually but which is expressed by the presence or absence of an electric charge is formed (see Fig. 3-6) In this process, if the image on drum surface is formed by eliminating the static electric charge by laser beam exposure, this is called Negative latent image. On the other hand, if the image is formed by eliminating the charge at non-image area, it is called Positive latent image.
.

3.4.2 Exposure Process

Exposure is the creation of a static electric latent image on the photosensitive drum using light output from the print head in accordance with the print data. There are two exposure methods, the laser beam method and the LED method. Just as the name implies, the former uses a semiconductor laser light to scan over the surface of the photosensitive drum and expose it (see Figure 3-7). the latter uses a LED array which contains rows of several thousand ultra-small LEDs (light emitting diode) spaced at intervals of less than 0.1 mm which expose the photosensitive drum directly (see Fig. 3-5).

OPC OPC Drum

OPC

Laser Light

Circuit Board LED Array Rod Lens Array Enlargement Drum Surface Light Beam Photosensitive Drum Potential on the Drum (Laser Beams)

Figure 3-5. LED System Exposure Mechanism

The reason why page printers are recognized as laser printers is because most page printers use the laser beam system these days.

Static Electric Latent Image

Photosensitive Drum

Figure 3-6. Formation of the Static Electric Latent Image and Surface State of the Photosensitive Drum.

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Printing Process

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3.4.2.1 Laser System Exposure

An example of the laser system exposure mechanism (print head) is shown in the following figure. The print head consists of the laser diode (exciter), polygonal motor control board, polygonal mirrors, toric lens, etc. The laser beam used to expose the photosensitive drum is subjected to On/Off control by the control circuit board and light shines from the print heads laser diode. The laser beam is caused to sweep in the main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum by the polygonal mirror mounted on the polygonal motor. The polygonal motor is driven by the polygonal motor control board mounted on the print head.
Mirror

LASER BEAM SCANNING

Since a laser beam scans only 1 line at a time, it is necessary to scan repeatedly while rotating the photosensitive drum. In order to determine the timing for printing an image, the following controls are implemented.

Sub Scanning Direction (Vertical Scanning Direction)

1. 2. If the printer receives a print signal, the polygonal motor and main motor (paper feed motor) turn and the paper feed operation starts. When the top edge of the sheet of paper that has been fed into the printer causes the paper feed sensor to go ON (TOD Signal), after a predetermined period of time has passed, a video signal is sent to the print head by the main control circuit and printing starts. The writing position when shifting from one sweep to the next sweep is caused to move downward by a delay in the video signal sending time.

Cylindrical Lens Mirror

3.

Main Scanning Direction (Horizontal Scanning Direction)

In order to systematize the lasers light emission timing for each main scanning sweep, a SOS (Start of Scan) sensor is mounted on the laser diode control board.

Light Sensor Focal Point Lens (F @ Lens)

Toric Lens Polygonal Mirror

Figure 3-7. Laser System Exposure Mechanism

Page Printers

Printing Process

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CORRECTION OF SURFACE IRREGULARITIES

If there is even the slightest angularity in the surface of the polygonal mirrors (surface irregularities), the laser beam will diverge either up or down from its course and will not be linked with the correct focal point on the photosensitive drum. A cylindrical lens and toric lens are used to correct for such surface irregularities. The following figure shows the corrected image.
Cylindrical Lens (1) If the mirror surface is superimposed.
The laser beam is reflected straight by the mirror surface and strikes the center of the photosensitive drum.

Toric Lens

Focal Point Lens

(2) If the mirror surface is bent

The beams course deviates, but when it passes through the toric lens, it is bent back to the horizontal and connects with the correct focal point.

(3) If there is no corrective lens

If the beam deviates from its course, it continues along that path and strikes the drum at an incorrect position.

Mirror Surface

Figure 3-8. Correcting for Surface Irregularities

Also, since the output of the laser beam has the characteristic of changing greatly depending on the temperature, it is necessary to monitor the laser output at all times and control it so that it is stable.

Page Printers

Printing Process

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Revision C Table 3-3. Features of the Dry Development System

Development System Electrostatic Charge Stability Transport Stability 1-part Development 2-part Non-magnetic Development Magnetic Development Development

3.4.3 Development Process

Development is the process of causing toner to adhere to the static electric latent image on the photosensitive drum which was created by exposure, through the field effect, thus creating a toner image. That is, the process that makes a visible image is a development process. the basic function of the developer in the development process are 1, to charge the toner, 2 to transport the paper to the development process and 3, to fuse the toner of the electrostatically charged latent image to the paper. When the toner is charged and brought near the photosensitive drum, the charged portions of the photosensitive drum react by repelling the toner, while it is adsorbed on the portions only which have been exposed to light and have lost their electrical charge. As a result, the shapes of an image are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Development methods can concretely be divided into two types, the dry development method and the wet development method, as shown in Fig. 3-10.
Two-part Development Dry Development System One-part Development Nonmagnetic Magnetic Nonmagnetic Contact Magnetic Noncontact Contact Noncontact

Development System & Stability Running Cost

Developer Handling Characteristics Compactness, Simplicity Compatibility with Color Print Systems

In 2-part development, besides toner, it is necessary to have another ingredient called a carrier. Fig. 3-11 shows one example of this. In this case, it is necessary to have an agitation mechanism that mixes the toner and carrier uniformly as well as a control mechanism that controls the toner concentration so that it will be uniform.
Photosensitive Drum Flow of Developer Density Sensor Toner Hopper

Electrophotographic Development System

Wet Development System

Figure 3-9. Classification of Development Methods

Originally, the wet development system was developed, but the dry development system came to be used widely because of easy handling and maintenance. The features of the two types of dry development, 2-part development and 1-part development, are shown in the following table.

Toner Supply Development Roller Agitation Screws Agitation Blades

Figure 3-10. Example of a 2-part Developer

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Printing Process

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On the other hand, in the case of 1-part development, there are two systems, the magnetic development and nonmagnetic development systems. In magnetic development, it is necessary for magnetic particles to be mixed in the toner. This magnetic materials hinders the toners coloration (it eliminates the toners transparency). In the case of 1-part nonmagnetic development, as shown in Fig. 3-12, the developer (toner cartridge) is configured from the toner replenishment roller that transports the toner to the development roller and the development roller that causes the toner to adhere to the OPC drum, so it is outstanding in its compactness and simplicity.
OPC drum Toner cartridge Toner

Revision C
amount of toner filled in the cartridge, and it became useless once filled toner rans out. Therefore, there is another type of cartridge also used in Epson page printers that the cartridge is separated into two individual unit; one containing OPC drum, charger and developer mechanism, and another one is toner cartridge. So that operational cost can be minimized.

Toner replenishment roller Development roller

Figure 3-11. Outline of One Part Nonmagnetic Development

However, when it comes to applying a stable electrostatic charge to the toner, and maintain the toners transport stability, this method is inferior to the other methods, so some special design related measures are necessary. Almost all of EPSONs single color page printers use the 1-part nonmagnetic development system. Also, there are many cases in the low end page printer market where the photosensitive drum and toner cartridge are integrated into shingle cartridge, which makes the printer more compact. However, the life of single all-in-one cartridge is denpendent of the

Page Printers

Printing Process

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Revision C
Fig. 3-14 shows an outline of corona transfer and roller transfer. OPC Drum Toner OPC Drum Toner

3.4.4 Transfer Process

Transfer means that toner images on the photosensitive drum which have been made in the "development" are transferred to the paper. That is, if the paper is brought into close contact with the photosensitive drum and the positive electrostatic charge is brought about from the back side of the paper, the negatively charged toner is attracted in the pattern of an alligators jaws, shifting the charged particles. Transfer methods can be divided as shown below.
Corona Transfer Method Electrostatic Transfer Method Roller Transfer Method

Paper

Corona Electrostatic Charger <Corona Transfer Method>

Transfer Roller

<Transfer Roller Method>

Transfer Method

Pressure Transfer Method

Belt Transfer Method

Figure 3-13. Transfer Outline Corona Transfer Method

Adhesive Transfer Method

Figure 3-12. Classification of Transfer Methods

Among these methods, the most widely used electrostatic transfer methods are corona discharge, conductive rollers and belts.

The construction of the corona discharge device is the same as an electrostatic charge device, with wires, etc. in back of the paper used to create a corona discharge by giving the paper an electric charge which is the opposite in polarity of the electric charge on the toner, which causes the toner to be absorbed through static electricity to the paper side. After the transfer, it is necessary to have a mechanism for removing the electrostatic charge from the photosensitive drum so that the paper will separate from it.

Roller Transfer Method (Bias roller method)

In place of corona discharge, in roller transfer, a conductive roller applies voltage directly to the back of the paper, causing toner to be transferred to the paper. Since the paper is pinched between the drum and the transfer roller at all times during printing, so there is little transfer deviation. Also, there is practically no ozone generated with the roller transfer method like that in corona discharge transfer, so the transfer roller method is the most common method used at present.

Page Printers

Printing Process

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3.4.5 Fusing Process

After "Transfer," the toner transferred to the paper is fused to the paper using pressure, solvent, or other actions. Table 3-4 shows each type of fusing method.

Cleaning pad Fixer roller Separator Pawl

Heat lamp Thermistor, Thermostat, Thermal fuse, etc. Toner

Table 3-4. Features of Each fusing Method

fusing Method Merits Thermal efficiency is high (60~80%). Safety level is high. Its high speed and compactness are advantageous. Click start is possible. Low rated power Saves energy. Demerits Warmup time is long It is easy for wrinkles and curling to occur. Product life is short. Its construction and assembly are complex. There are a lot of parts. Belt tensioning control is necessary. Thermal efficiency is low (30~40%). Parts costs are high. It requires a large amount of space. fusing characteristics are poor. Images tend to be glossy. Drive torque is great.

Heat Roller Contact Heating Type SURF

Paper Pressurization roller

Figure 3-14. Outline of the Fixer Mechanism Heat Roller

The heat roller is heated by an internally placed heater lamp (150 ~ 200 degrees) which fuses the toner on the paper.

Noncontact Heating Type

Flash

Warmup time is short. Safety level is high. Product life is long.

Thermistor
Monitors the fusing temperature.

Pressure

Click start is possible. Pressure A heat source is not necessary. Rollers Construction is simple.

Thermostat
If the temperature adjustment function of the thermistor or control circuit fails, the contacts of the thermostat go OFF automatically for safetys sake if the temperature reaches the set temperature, cutting of power to the heater lamp and protecting the fixer. If the temperature drops, the contacts of the thermostat recover automatically.

From the features of the above fusing methods, at present, the most widely used method is the heat roller method. This method uses heat rollers that are heated by a halogen lamp heater combined with pressurization rollers. Paper with toner on it is passed through these rollers, and the toner is fused and becomes bonded tightly to the paper. The surface of the heat rollers is coated with teflon or other resin to increase its ability to separate from the toner. Ordinarily, the fixer unit is configured from heat rollers (with built-in heater lamp), a thermistor / temperature fuse, cleaning pad, separation pawl and pressurization rollers.

Thermal Fuse
If the temperature adjustment function of the thermistor or control circuit fails, the thermal fuse burns out for safetys sake if the temperature reaches the set temperature, cutting of power to the heater lamp and protecting the fixer. If the thermal fuse functions once, it is necessary to replace it.

Page Printers

Printing Process

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If an excessive current flows all of a sudden, the thermostat cannot respond instantly, to the thermal fuse responds.

Revision C

OPC Drum Toner Blade

Cleaning Pad
This cleans the surface of the fixer roller.

Separator Pawl
This prevents the paper from wrapping around the fixer roller (it prevents the paper from jamming inside the fixer).

Pressurization Roller
This supports the paper. A metallic core is covered with a heat hardened silicone rubber, etc. and a nip is created by its being pressed against the heat roller on the top side. I order to assure fusing quality (fusing strength), the following parameters are important fusing mechanism and control points. To Fixer Waste Toner Paper Feed Path

Roller Temperature: Heating of the toner layer. Contact Heating Time: Time it takes for the toner layer to pass through the
nip.

Figure 3-15. Cleaning

Contact Pressure: Improvement of the toner layers thermal conductivity and

fluidization assistance through smashing down of the toner.

3.4.7 Pre-exposure
The cleaning described in the precious item is the process of removing the remaining toner only, but there are cases where not only there is toner remaining but also the electrostatic image remains. In this case, depending on the printer, a mechanism that shines light on, and thus removes the electrical charge remaining on the photosensitive drum completely, is provided. However, since almost all modern printers use an electrically charged roller, even if an electrostatic image remains from the previous process, the drum can be cleanly charged.

3.4.6 Cleaning
If the toner on the OPC drum was transferred completely to the paper, then there would be no problem, but some of the toner remains on the drum. If it continues to be used while in this condition, when the electrostatic charge process is performed next time, a faint remnant (ghost) of the image on the previous page will be carried over to the new page and print quality will deteriorate. The cleaning process removes this remaining toner from the OPC drum. The remaining toner is scraped off the OPC drums surface by a resin blade that makes contact with the drum. In some cases the waste toner is stored in the waste toner box and in some cases it is reused.

Page Printers

Printing Process

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3.5 Mechanism Operating Theory

Eject roller (F/U)

Eject roller (F/D) Backup roller Heat roller Charging roller Transfer roller OPC drum Sleeve roller

3.5.1 Outline of Mechanism

The page printer mechanism is configured from a main motor which generates drive power to feed paper through the printing process, and various rollers and gears. An example is shown in Fig. 3-17, which shows an outline of the mechanism used in the LP-1800 / LP-800.

3.5.2 Paper Path

There are two paper feed methods, the paper tray and manual paper feed (1 sheet at a time), and it is possible to add an optional lower cassette. Paper fed by the paper feed roller is transported tot he transfer roller -> Fixer roller -> paper eject roller, and ejected into the paper eject tray.
Main motor

Toner feed roller

3.5.3 Paper Ejection

Paper that has passed through the printing unit is ejected either face up (F/U) or face down (F/D).
Paper feed roller

Face Down Paper Ejection

The paper is ejected with the printed side face down, and with each sheet ejected on top of the sheet ejected previously. The pages are printed in continuous order and page arrangement is easy.

Fact Up Paper Ejection

The paper is ejected with the printed side face up, and the sheets are ejected on top of the sheets ejected previously. When the paper is ejected, the paper path subsequent to the fixer is virtually a straight path and there is little resistance, so this method is appropriate for printing thick paper and OHP film. In an ordinary printer mechanism, the face down paper path is longer than the face up paper path, so from the viewpoint of throughput speed, face down is slower.

Engage gear

2nd paper feed roller

Lower cassette

Figure 3-16. Outline of Mechanism

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Revision C High Voltage Power Supply Board (HVPS)

This board supplies high voltage to the electrification rollers and print head as well as the developer and transfer rollers for the electrification, development, transfer and other processes.

3.6 Electric Components

The electric components of a page printer basically consist of the following units.

Main Board
This board serves the role of overall control of the printer. This board processes print commands and print data received from the higher order host PC, generates image video signals, controls and drives video signals and each engine mechanism through synchronous signals with the engine controller, carrying out the page image on the paper. In some models which are host based, all the processing of print data and generation of page image video signals, etc. are carried out in the printer driver in the PC, so the main board simply carries out interface signal processing and delivers each type of signal.

Operation Panel Board Other

3.6.1 Safety Switch and Each Sensor

Most of the page printers available use laser beams and it is necessary to pay deep attention to safety when handling lasers. In all page printer models, the design is such that if the user is removing paper jams or replacing a toner cartridge, etc., when they open the top cover or the front cover, etc., a safety switch, called an interlock switch, operates, cutting off the supply of power to the print head and preventing injury from laser beams. Also, in order to carry out printing normally, the page printer uses sensors, actuators and other devices to monitor the following items at all times and control them.

Mechanical Components Board

This board controls the print operation based on communications with the printer controller (main board) and information form sensors and switches. It has mainly the following functions.

Communications with the printer controller. Reception of information from sensors and switches. Control of the print head, fixer and each drive motor, control of the printing
process.

Paper loaded or not, amount of paper remaining, paper size. Toner Cartridge set or not, amount of toner remaining. Recognition of genuine toner cartridges. Paper jams in the paper feed unit, transport unit, paper eject unit, etc. Toner density on the photosensitive drum. Start of print head scanning. Ambient temperature and humidity. Fusers heat roller temperature.

Distribution of low voltage DC power, output from the low voltage power
supply board, to each component. NOTE: There are some cases of low end models in which the main board is integrated with the mechanical component board to make the unit more compact and to reduce costs.

Low Voltage Power Supply Board (LVPS)

This board supplies AC power from the power supply to the fixer units heater lamp and in addition, creates and supplies stabilized low voltage DC power used in logic circuits, etc.

Page Printers

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3.7 Color Page Printers

3.7.1 Outline
Color page printers are page printers which use the same electrophotographic system. For images, in addition to the single color toner in single color page printers, they also use 3 additional colors of toner, cyan, magenta and yellow. That is, images divided into 4 colors are printed one time for each color, making the image transfer process a 4-time process. By adding multicolored toners, the toner mechanism and the transfer mechanism become more complex compared to a single color page printer, the printer is larger in size and the requirements for control the of the amount of toner of each color adhering to the paper, control of the exposure, control of positional alignments and image processing, etc. become a whole order higher. If viewed from the standpoint of the printing process, there are many modern color page printers which use either the multiplex transfer system or the multiplex transfer + intermediate transfer system.

4 color toner cartridges

LED Head

Paper

fusing Unit Photosensitive Drum

Figure 3-17. Image of the Tandem System Intermediate Transfer System

With this system, the images formed from each color of toner are transferred to photosensitive drum and superimposed on each other in sequential order on the intermediate transfer unit, then are transferred all at once to the paper to obtain a color image. The features of this system are shown below.

3.7.2 Multiplex Transfer System

A representative of this system is the tandem system. In this system, the image formation unit is divided into 4 separate color sections, forms a toner image separately for each color and transfers the images to the paper in order, thus obtaining a color image in a single pass. The features of this system are shown below.

The volume of space taken up by the printer after the transfer unit is
comparatively small.

It can be used for thick paper. Curvature and separation are possible. The degree of freedom in the process design is high. Positional alignment control is somewhat difficult. The transfer rate is lower than other systems. Speeding up the process is difficult.

High printing speeds are possible. It can be used for thick paper. The degree of freedom in the process design is the highest. Control of positional alignments is the most difficult. The construction of the printer is complex and the number of parts is large,
thus making the cost high.

Page Printers

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Fig. 3-19 shows an example of the intermediate transfer unit type color page printer mechanism using an intermediate transfer belt.

Revision C

3.7.3 Color Printing Process Using an Intermediate Transfer Belt

The page printer color printing process is explained using the LP-8500C/8300C as an example. Fig. 3-20 shows an overall view of the process.
ROS ASSY <2. Exposure>

Photosensitive Drum

Toner Cartridge

Laser Scanner Unit Photosensitive Drum Cleaner Waste Toner Box

Drum BCR <1. Charge> ROTARY FRAME ASSY Developer Assy <3. Development> Toner Cartridge ERASE LAMP ASSY <5. Cleaning (drum)>

Laser beam LED Paper path

Developer Turret

Cleaning Blade <5. Cleaning (drum)>

Fixer Unit

Paper Transport Direction

Cleaning Blade <9. Cleaning (Belt)>

DRUM CARTRIDGE

Intermediate Transfer unit Cleaner

Intermediate Transfer unit (Belt)

HEAT ROLL <10. fusing>

Figure 3-18. Color Page Printer Mechanism

EPSONs current color page printers use this system.
PRESSURE ROLL <10. fusing> BELT CLEANER ASSY 2nd BTR ASSY 2nd BTR (7. 2nd transfer (Belt -> paper)

1ST BTR <4. 1st transfer (drum -> Belt)> 1st BELT ASSY (Belt) <4. 1st transfer (drum -> Belt)> <6. Repeat (development of toner image)> <7. 2nd transfer (Belt -> paper)> CONTACT ROLL <7. 2nd transfer (Belt -> paper)>

Detack Saw <8. Discharge> BACK UP ROLL <7. 2nd transfer (Belt -> paper)>

Figure 3-19. Color Page Printer Print Process

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Revision C Trickle Development Method

As shown in Fig. 3-22, the developer agent in the developer is agitated by a spiralshaped agitator called an auger, then is supplied to a magnet roll placed near the photosensitive drums surface. The toner and carrier that make up the developer agent have a friction electrostatic charge built up in them through the agitation (the toner gets a negative charge and the carrier a positive charge, causing them electrically to attract to each other. Since the carrier is a magnetic substance, it is attracted to the magnet roll which has magnetic force and a uniform layer is formed by the trimmer blade being passed over it. The magnet roll is covered with a thin semiconductive sleeve on its surface. This semiconductive sleeve is supplied with a developing bias voltage from the high voltage power supply board. The developing bias voltage is a negative DC voltage superimposed on an AC voltage. Through the DC voltage, the magnet roll preserves a negative constant voltage with respect to the drums photoconductive layer, so the portions of the drum surface where the negative charge does not drop become lower in potential than the magnet roll, and the portions where the negative electric charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum drops, come to have an electric potential that is greater than that on the magnet roll. The AC voltage swings the developer against on the surface of the magnet roll causing the toner to jump to the photosensitive drum. For that reason, the negatively charged toner the portions on the photosensitive drums surface that have a reduced negative charge (the static electric latent image) attract toner from the magnet roll and thus a toner image is formed on the drum. When the toner has adhered to the drum, the negative charge at those portions with toner increases and their electric potential drops, and thus the force that attracted the toner weakens. The carrier gradually deteriorates in its electrostatic characteristics as a developing agent due to dirt on the surface from toner, etc. or due to surface destruction from agitation, etc. In order to maintain its electrostatic characteristics, a minute amount of carrier is mixed with the toner in the toner cartridge, then when the toner is dispensed (see the next item), carrier is supplied at the same time as toner.
TONER CARTRIDGE BK DEVELOPER ASSY BK

1. Electrostatic Charge
This creates an electrostatic charge on the drum surface.

2. Exposure
The image portion of the drum is exposed to laser light.

3. Development
The actual image is developed using toner. For the developer, the "Rotary Development Method" and the "Trickle Development Method", which uses the 2-part developer consisting of a carrier and toner are used.

Rotary Development Method

This development method, as shown in Fig. 3-21, by placing the printers 4 developers (developer assemblies) inside a cylinder, spaced at 90( intervals, thus achieving a Rotary Frame Assembly, each developer is brought to face the drum in sequence and the toner image for each color is developed.
DEVELOPER ASSY M TONER CARTRIDGE M TONER CARTRIDGE Y DEVELOPER ASSY Y

DRUM

DEVELOPER ASSY C TONER CARTRIDGE C ROTARY FRAME ASSY

On the other hand, the carrier inside the developer is recovered to a special chamber inside the toner cartridge a tiny amount at a time. In this way, developing agent (the most part of which is carrier) is changed a little at a time, so the electrostatic characteristics can be maintained. This is called the "Trickle development method."

Figure 3-20. Rotary Development Method Page Printers Color Page Printers 105

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Revision C
Trickle development utilizes the rotation of the Rotary Frame Assembly during rotary development. The trickle development mechanism is shown below. (1) An L-shaped pipe is inserted in the developing agent.
Negative Electric Charge Positive Electric Charge Toner Carrier

Toner Cartridge

Trimmer Blade Magnet Roll

(2) A minuscule amount of developing agent enters the pipe. (3) The developing agent is skimmed off and enters deep inside the pipe. (4) The developing agent is recovered to the toner cartridge.
ROTARY FRAME ASSY

Drum
L-shaped Pipe

Developer Assy Drum Auger

Toner Cartridge Drum Surface Potential on Drum

Development Bias Separate Chamber for Recovery Toner Image

Figure 3-22. Trickle Development Method (II) Figure 3-21. Trickle Development Method (I)

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EPSON TOP Toner Dispensing

As the number of prints increases, the toner inside the developing agent gets used up. In order to maintain the appropriate developer concentration, the developer needs to be replenished with an amount of toner from the toner cartridge corresponding to the amount consumed. This is called toner dispensing. Toner dispensing is performed through the use of two types of control, PCDC and ADC.

Revision C

4. 1 Primary Transfer (Intermediate Transfer, Photosensitive Drum -> Belt)

The toner image on the drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer units belt (IBT) by the primary bias charge transfer roller (1st BTR).

PCDC (Pixel Count Dispense Control) calculates the amount of toner

consumed in the development process by counting the video signals input to the print head. In order to supply that amount of toner, it turns on the dispense clutch for the corresponding period of time (dispense time), the auger in the developer is turned, being driven by the fixer motor, and toner is supplied to the developer from the toner cartridge. In PCDC, the method of counting the video signal is to count the number of charges and discharges of the condenser corresponding to the video signal in the CR circuit, which is arranged in parallel with the video signal line.

Negative Electric Charge Positive Electric Charge Toner

Drum

In ADC (Automatic Density Control), the "BIAS Development Band" is

formed of each color (Y, M, C, Bk) by differing standards "BCR Voltage" / "Development Voltage" when printing on the photosensitive drum, and this bands density is measured by the ADC sensor. The measured value is compared to the standard value and if the amount of toner is decreasing (if the concentration of toner in the developing agent is low), the dispense clutch is turned ON for the corresponding period of time (dispense time) and through the driving of the fixer motor, the auger inside the developer is turned while toner is supplied to the developer from the toner cartridge. If the toner volume is too great (if the amount of toner in the developing agent is too high), a "BIAS Development Band" is formed for the number of operations until the toner volume will become normal and the toner in the developing agent is left to be consumed. In the case of the Epson A4 size color page printers; AcuLaser C2000/C1000, the toner cartridge and the developer have been integrated in an attempt to make the product more compact and reduce its cost.
Untransferred Toner 1ST BTR

HVPS

Belt

Drum Surface

Belt Surface

Figure 3-23. Primary Transfer

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5. Cleaning
Toner on the drum surface that is not needed, and the residual electric charge is cleaned off in preparation for the next exposure. The residual toner is scraped off by the cleaning blade that comes in contact with the drum. the scraped off toner is transported by the auger inside the drum cartridge and recovered in the waste toner box. The residual electric charge is removed by LED light from the ERASE LAMP assembly.

1. Cyan Image Formation

The cyan portion of the image is transferred to the photosensitive drum, then developed with cyan toner. The developed image is then transferred to the intermediate transfer unit surface.

2. Magenta Image Formation

The magenta portion of the image is then formed on the intermediate transfer unit on top of the cyan image.

3. Yellow Image Formation

The yellow portion of the image is then formed on the intermediate transfer unit on top of the cyan and magenta images.

Scanned Image

6. Repetition (Finished Toner Image Formation)

During color printing, the above steps from 1 to 5 are repeated for each color. On the IBT, a finished 4-color toner image is created (see Fig. 3-25). Therefore, the reason that a color page printers print speed is approximately 1/4 that of a single color page printer is because of this. In the single color print mode, this step is not performed.

Cyan Toner Selected

Magenta Toner Selected

State of image formed on the intermediate transfer unit.

Yellow toner Selected

7. Secondary Transfer (Intermediate Transfer Unit Belt -> Paper)

The 4-color finished toner image on the IBT is transferred to the paper that is brought into close contact with the intermediate transfer belt (IBT) through the supply of voltage to the secondary transfer roll (2nd BTR). The 2nd BTR makes contact makes contact with the belt only during the transfer to the paper and in other cases, it is separate from the belt so that the toner image that is being formed on the belt will not be destroyed. During color printing, since each of the toner layers are stacked on each other, there are indentations and bumps on the intermediate transfer unit, and the close contact between the paper and the intermediate transfer unit worsens, thus making it easy for transfer defects to occur. For that reason, in color printing, the roller transfer method which assures close contact by applying pressure to the back of the paper is used widely in many printers.

4. Black Image Formation

The black portion of the image is then formed on the intermediate transfer unit on top of the cyan, magenta and yellow images. That completes the color image.

5. Transfer to the Paper

The color image formed on the intermediate transfer units surface is transferred to the paper. Following this, the image is fixed and printing is completed.

Black Toner Selected Paper

Figure 3-24. Color Printing Process

NOTE: In the case of EPSON, the order is Y -> M -> C -> Bk. The reason for this is shown in item Color Reproduction Methods on page 110.

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Revision C
The results of supplying silicone oil are that a glossy finish is imparted to the paper after fusing. There are some printed images where a glossy finish gives a better impression, but text also becomes glossy and oil adheres to areas where there are no data, and it is inconvenient for later handwritten corrections or applying a seal, etc. In order to alleviate this inconvenience, recently the oil roller has been discontinued, and in its place, oil (wax) has started being added in the toner. Fig. 3-27 shows an image of this toner with oil mixed in. This kind of toner is being used in the LP-8300C / 8500C. Toner Wax

8. Discharge
This neutralizes / removes the electrical charge fro the papers back.

9. Cleaning
This physically removes any remaining toner from the intermediate transfer unit.

10. fusing
Heat and pressure fix the toner on the paper. Concerning the fusing method used for color images, from the standpoint of simplicity and safety of the equipment, the most widely used method is the heat roller method. However, due to the toner materials heat characteristics (fusion viscosity characteristics), and due to the fusing temperature of the heat roller, etc., it is difficult to adequately assure the separability of the toner from the heat roller. To solve this problem, the method of applying silicone oil to the heat roller has been adopted. Fig. 326 shows an image of this. This method is used in the LP-8000C/8200C. Oil Roll fusing Roller
An internal heater is used, with the toner melting at high temperatures of 400C or higher.

about 6.5m

Figure 3-26. Toner with Oil (Wax)

If this toner with oil is used, gloss is imparted to only the portions where there are data on the paper, but on other parts, there is nothing on the paper, so that the condition is the same as in single color printing.

Fixed Toner

Transferred Toner

Figure 3-25. Oil Roll fusing Method

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Revision C

3.7.4 Color Reproduction Methods

Color page printers, as well as other kinds of color printer, use the subtractive color mixture system. (See 6.1.1.5, "Color Mixture Methods" on page 127. Fig. 3-28 shows the state of the color image formed on the IBT in the primary transfer. Each colors toner is placed in the print position on the BIT in accordance with the print data. In the secondary transfer, the BK, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow, in that order, are transferred, in the reverse order from that used for the primary transfer, to the paper. The reason for this is that by printing the light colors after the dark colors, they are not influenced by the dark colors. Black toner Cyan toner Magenta toner Yellow toner

Drum Surface (Yellow Toner Image)

Drum Surface (Magenta Toner Image)

Belt Surface Yellow Toner Image Magenta Toner Image Drum Surface (Cyan Toner Image) Cyan Toner Image Black Toner Image

Drum

Drum Surface (Black Toner Image)

1ST BTR

Figure 3-27. Each Colors Toner on the IBT (Primary Transfer) Figure 3-28. Repetitive Process

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Revision C
6. In the past, the electrostatic charge process used corona discharge, but select the reason why this method is not longer regarded as suitable in recent printers from among the following choices. The electrostatic charge quality is unstable. A lot of ozone is generated, and this is unsuitable for the environment. 7. Which of the following items is the major cause of printing defects such as black spots or blank spaces? There are pinholes or scratches, etc. in the photosensitive drum. Cleaning of toner remaining on the photosensitive drum was not sufficient. The fixer is dirty. 8. Possible roles of the photosensitive drum are listed below. Select the ones that are correct. It builds up a negative charge. It creates a static electric latent image. It creates a toner image. It transfers the toner image to the paper. It fixes the toner image on the paper. 9. If exposure is carried out using a laser beam, how is deviation from the focal point prevented? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. It uses a cylindrical lens. It uses a toric lens. It uses a combination of a cylindrical lens and toric lens. It is constantly correcting the position of the photosensitive drum.

3.8 Comprehension Test

1. Select the correct statement below that is an advantage of page printers. The print speed is fast. Blotting, etc. occurs easily, and it is difficult to obtain high quality printing. The printing sound is quite. Exclusive paper is necessary. 2. What is the reason why the laser system is used in many page printers? Its construction is comparatively simple and it takes up less space. Print speed is fast and print quality is high. 3. Page printers have the image that they print a whole page of data at a time, but in reality, how does the light beam carry out scanning? Line Scanning Area Scanning 4. In which of the following methods are one part toner and two-part toner different? Different exposure methods. Different fusing methods. Different development methods. 5. In which of the 5 processes which are ordinarily identified in electrophotographic printing systems, which is different? Electrostatic charge process Exposure process Development process Transfer process fusing process Cleaning process Pre-exposure process

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10. Color printing that uses an intermediate transfer unit uses the same electrophotographic system as single color printing, but when viewed from the printing process, which process differs greatly from the single color printing process? Electrostatic charge process Exposure process Development process Transfer process fusing process 11. As opposed to a single pass tandem system color page printer, the features of an EPSON color page printer using the intermediate transfer unit are given below. Which of the following items is incorrect? Print speed is fast. The structure is complex and there are a lot of parts, making the manufacturing cost high. Position alignment control is comparatively simple. The space requirements are comparatively small. 12. Among dry development methods, in the case of a color page printer, why is the 1part magnetic development method not used? Since it is necessary to mix magnetic powder in the toner, it has an influence on the color brightness. The magnetism of the magnetic powder has an influence on the electrostatic charging of the photosensitive drum, exposure and other processes. 13. What is toner dispensing in a color page printer? In order to maintain the appropriate development density, an amount of toner equivalent to the consumed amount is supplemented in the developer from the toner cartridge. Toner is caused to adhere uniformly to the photosensitive drum and a toner image is formed.

Revision C
14. What is the reason that not only photos and text printed on an ordinary color page printer, but also the surface of paper, has a glossy look? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. Oil is supplied from the heat rollers in the fixer. Oil is supplied from the oil roller in the fixer. Oil is included internally in the toner. 15. Which of the following statements describes "face down?" The printed side of paper is facing down when the paper is ejected from the printer, and the paper is normally ejected from the top of the printer. The printed side of paper is facing up when the paper is ejected from the printer, and the paper is normally ejected from the rear of the printer. 16. Why are most fixers of the heat roller type? The thermal efficiency is high. Its safety level is high. It is advantageous in that it has high speed and is compact. Quick start is possible. It saves energy. 17. What are the merits of the fusing method which uses oil less rollers in color page printers? Indicate which of the following answers is incorrect. An oil roller becomes unnecessary and the fixer can be simplified. Oil does not adhere to places where there are no graphics or characters, and it is convenient for adding comments or affusing seals. fusing time is short. It is difficult for paper jams to occur inside the fixer. 18. In the case of a host based page printer, where are the print data processing and generation of image video signals, etc. executed? Printer main board. Host PC Driver Printers mechanical control board

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19. What is the method of color reproduction used in color page printers? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. Additive mixture of color stimuli Subtractive mixture of color stimuli 20. A color page printer which uses an intermediate unit carries out printing as described below. Select the correct answer. Printing on the paper involves transferring the image data one color at a time in accordance with the 5 printing processes. Among the 5 printing processes, the "Electrostatic Charge," "Exposure," "Development" and "Transfer" processes are repeated to transfer the image one color at a time to the intermediate transfer unit, then when the image is composed, it is transferred to the paper all at once.

Revision C

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Revision C
5. In which of the 5 processes which are ordinarily identified in electrophotographic printing systems, which is different? Electrostatic charge process: Correct. Exposure process: Correct. Development process: Correct. Transfer process: Correct. fusing process: Correct. Cleaning process: Incorrect. The cleaning process has the role of supplementing the page printer printing process and is not a main process. Even without this process, printing can be done, but the print quality would not be good. Pre-exposure process: Incorrect. This process is an electrical cleaning process, and in the same way, it serves merely a supplementary role in the printing process. 6. In the past, the electrostatic charge process used corona discharge, but select the reason why this method is not longer regarded as suitable in recent printers from among the following choices. The electrostatic charge quality is unstable: Incorrect. Since the corona discharge process generates ozone, recently it has been decided not to use this system. A lot of ozone is generated, and this is unsuitable for the environment: Correct. 7. Which of the following items is the major cause of printing defects such as black spots or blank spaces? There are pinholes or scratches, etc. in the photosensitive drum: Correct. Cleaning of toner remaining on the photosensitive drum was not sufficient: Correct. The fixer is dirty: Incorrect. Black spots and blank areas are basically due to the photosensitive drum.

3.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test

1. Select the correct statement below that is an advantage of page printers. The print speed is fast: Correct. Blotting, etc. occurs easily, and it is difficult to obtain high quality printing: Incorrect. This is a disadvantage of ink jet printers. The printing sound is quite: Correct. Exclusive paper is necessary: Incorrect. Exclusive paper is not necessary. However, in the case of a color page printer, if exclusive paper is used, beautiful color development can be obtained. 2. What is the reason why the laser system is used in many page printers?

Its construction is comparatively simple and it takes up less space: Incorrect. This is a feature of the LED system. Print speed is fast and print quality is high: Correct. 3. Page printers have the image that they print a whole page of data at a time, but in reality, how does the light beam carry out scanning? Line Scanning: Correct. Area Scanning: Incorrect. Area scanning is virtually impossible for a page printer from the aspects of both construction and manufacturing cost. 4. In which of the following methods are one part toner and two-part toner different? Different exposure methods: Incorrect. One-part toner and two-part toner are different because they are used for different development methods. Different fusing methods: Incorrect. Different development methods: Correct.

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8. Possible roles of the photosensitive drum are listed below. Select the ones that are correct. It builds up a negative charge: Correct. It creates a static electric latent image: Correct. It creates a toner image: Correct. It transfers the toner image to the paper: Correct. It fixes the toner image on the paper: Incorrect. fusing is the role of the fixer. 9. If exposure is carried out using a laser beam, how is deviation from the focal point prevented? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. It uses a cylindrical lens: Incomplete. If it is not used in combination with the toric lens, the focus will definitely deviate. It uses a toric lens: Incomplete. If it is not used in combination with the cylindrical lens, the focus will deviate in the same way. It uses a combination of a cylindrical lens and toric lens: Correct. It is constantly correcting the position of the photosensitive drum: Incorrect. The photosensitive drum rotates inside the printer, but its center position is fixed. 10. Color printing that uses an intermediate transfer unit uses the same electrophotographic system as single color printing, but when viewed from the printing process, which process differs greatly from the single color printing process? Electrostatic charge process: Incorrect. Even in the color printing system, there are basically only 5 electrophotographic processes, but through the use of the intermediate unit, the transfer process is divided into the primary transfer and the secondary transfer. Exposure process: Incorrect. The reason is the same as above. Development process: Incorrect. The reason is the same as above. Transfer process: Correct. fusing process: Incorrect. The reason is the same as above.

Revision C
11. As opposed to a single pass tandem system color page printer, the features of an EPSON color page printer using the intermediate transfer unit are given below. Which of the following items is incorrect? Print speed is fast: Incorrect. If the intermediate transfer unit is used, image data are transferred temporarily to the intermediate transfer unit one color at a time, then finally, the 4-color image is transferred all at once to the paper, so no matter what, the printing speed ends up being slower. The structure is complex and there are a lot of parts, making the manufacturing cost high: Incorrect. Compared to the tandem system, exposure corresponds to a single print head, so structurally, it is comparatively simple. Position alignment control is comparatively simple: Correct. The space requirements are comparatively small: Correct. 12. Among dry development methods, in the case of a color page printer, why is the 1part magnetic development method not used? Since it is necessary to mix magnetic powder in the toner, it has an influence on the color brightness: Correct. The magnetism of the magnetic powder has an influence on the electrostatic charging of the photosensitive drum, exposure and other processes: Incorrect. The magnetism of magnetic powder does not have an influence on each of the processes which the photosensitive drum is involved in. 13. What is toner dispensing in a color page printer? In order to maintain the appropriate development density, an amount of toner equivalent to the consumed amount is supplemented in the developer from the toner cartridge: Correct. Toner is caused to adhere uniformly to the photosensitive drum and a toner image is formed: Incorrect.

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14. What is the reason that not only photos and text printed on an ordinary color page printer, but also the surface of paper, has a glossy look? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. Oil is supplied from the heat rollers in the fixer: Incorrect. Oil is not supplied from the heat roller itself. Oil is supplied from the oil roller in the fixer: Correct. Oil is included internally in the toner: Incorrect. If oil is mixed into the toner, the places where image and text data are printed will be glossy, but places without data will not have oil adhering to them 15. Which of the following statements describes "face down?" The printed side of paper is facing down when the paper is ejected from the printer, and the paper is normally ejected from the top of the printer: Correct. The printed side of paper is facing up when the paper is ejected from the printer, and the paper is normally ejected from the rear of the printer: Incorrect. Since the photosensitive drum is ordinarily set above the paper, the papers printed side faces up. 16. Why are most fixers of the heat roller type? The thermal efficiency is high: Correct. Its safety level is high: Correct. It is advantageous in that it has high speed and is compact: Correct. Quick start is possible: INcorrect. It saves energy: Incorrect. It takes time to head the fixer rollers until they reach a constant temperature: Incorrect. Heating the fixer rollers until they reach a constant temperature, and maintaining their temperature at that level, consumes a considerable amount of electricity. 17. What are the merits of the fusing method which uses oil less rollers in color page printers? Indicate which of the following answers is incorrect. An oil roller becomes unnecessary and the fixer can be simplified: Correct. Oil does not adhere to places where there are no graphics or characters, and it is convenient for adding comments or affusing seals: Correct. fusing time is short: Incorrect. The fusing time doesnt change much at all. It is difficult for paper jams to occur inside the fixer: Under the same conditions, mechanical factors have a strong influence on paper jams.

Revision C
18. In the case of a host based page printer, where are the print data processing and generation of image video signals, etc. executed? Printer main board: Incorrect. Host PC Driver: Correct. Printers mechanical control board: Incorrect. 19. What is the method of color reproduction used in color page printers? Select the correct answer from among the following choices. Additive mixture of color stimuli: Incorrect. The subtractive mixture of color stimuli, which prints the light colors after the dark colors in order that the influence of dark colors will not be felt, is used Subtractive mixture of color stimuli: Correct. 20. A color page printer which uses an intermediate unit carries out printing as described below. Select the correct answer. Printing on the paper involves transferring the image data one color at a time in accordance with the 5 printing processes: Incorrect. It is in reality impossible to align the image data positions after passing through all 5 of the printing processes. Among the 5 printing processes, the "Electrostatic Charge," "Exposure," "Development" and "Transfer" processes are repeated to transfer the image one color at a time to the intermediate transfer unit, then when the image is composed, it is transferred to the paper all at once: Correct.

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CHAPTER

IMAGE SCANNERS

EPSON TOP

Revision C

4.1 Outline
There are several types of image scanner, categorized by the method used to scan (read) an original, the flat bed type, the sheet feed type and the handy type. Furthermore, the flat bed type is divided into two subtypes, the type with a moving carriage and the type with moving mirrors. There are also specialty scanners called film scanners which accept only film as the scanning original. The features of such a scanner are included in the following description. Furthermore, there are large model image scanners called drum scanners for professional use, but EPSON products do not include this type, so a description of it is omitted here.

4.1.1 Scanning (Reading)

The linear CCD (Charge Coupled Device) used in a scanner has its elements arranged in only a single dimension, so it can read the first line but from the 2nd and subsequent lines, it cannot read anything as it is. Therefore, in order to read the original document, either the original needs to be moved or the linear CCD sensor needs to be moved. In an image scanner, the reading direction (scanning direction) of the linear CCD sensor is called the main scanning direction and the direction at right angles to that is called the sub scanning direction. Light source Sensor

Sub Scan

Main Scan

Figure 4-1. Main Scan and Sub Scan

Image Scanners

Outline

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Revision C
This type of scanner uses a lens like those used in cameras to reduce the size the original so that it is projected onto a 2~5 cm linear CCD. A detailed image is shown in Fig. 4-3, "Scanning Image of the reduced Optical System Scanner."

4.2 Flat Bed Scanner

Flat bed scanners can be mainly divided according to their lens system, between the reduced optical system scanner and the close contact scanner. Also, due to differences in the mounting structure of the lens, CCD and carriage, scanners can be divided between the moving lens/CCD type and the fixed lens/CCD type.

4.2.1 Reduced Optical System Scanner

EPSON scanners are basically reduced optical system scanners. The basic construction of a scanner is shown in Fig. 4.2, "reduced Optical System Scanner." Linear CCD

Cover

Glass Original Table Drive Belt

Figure 4-3. Scanning Image of Reduced Optical System Scanner

This type of scanner has the following features. Carriage

Since a lens is used, a small, low-cost linear CCD can be used. The focal depth of field is deep, making it possible to scan 3-dimensional
objects.

Guide Rail Stepping Motor

Since a lens is used and there is a carriage on which to move the lens, it is
difficult to make the product thinner.

Figure 4-2. Reduced Optical System Scanner

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Revision C
This type of scanner scans images by the scanning method shown in Fig. 4-5, "Close Contact Scanner Scanning Image."

4.2.2 Close Contact Scanner

The basic construction of a close contact scanner is shown in Fig. 4-4, "Close Contact Scanner."

Original Cover

Control Circuit Glass Original Table

Stepping Motor Carriage Guide Rail Drive Belt

Rod Lens Array Linear CCD

Figure 4-5. Close Contact Scanner Scanning Image

In contrast with the lens used in the reduced optical system scanners, the close contact type uses a special lens called a rod lens array, which is a long linear CCD with the same length as the width of the original which projects the image in a 1 to 1 size. The rod lens array has a construction with more than 100 small glass rods with a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 6 mm, arranged in two rows. This close contact type scanner is also called a contact image sensor (CIS). The features of this type of scanner are as follows.

Figure 4-4. Close Contact Scanner

It uses a linear CCD that is as long as the document being scanned is wide, so
the cost is high.

The original and the linear CCD are brought to within about 1 cm of each
other, so the scanner has the advantage that it can be made more compact and thinner.

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EPSON TOP Since the optical lens and reflective mirrors, etc. are not necessary, it is easy
to simplify the product.

Revision C

The focal length is shallow, and it is inconvenient for scanning 3-dimensional

objects. This type of scanner is not used by EPSON.

Lens CCD sensor

Document Lamp (light source)

Light path

4.2.3 Moving Lens, CCD Type

This type of image scanner incorporates the lens and CCD unit in the carriage and it has the feature that when an image is scanned, these components move together with the carriage. The mechanism is configured from the following parts and units.

CCD unit that includes the lens Image sensor circuit board. Light source lamp and inverter circuit board for the light source. Reflective mirrors Mechanisms for moving the carriage.
The mechanical unit is configured from the carriage motor, timing belt 1, timing belt 2, pulley, timing belt, follower pulley and home position (HP) sensor. Many of EPSONs A4 size scanners are of this type. This type of scanner configuration is shown in Fig. 46, "Scanner Mechanism Outline." The document to be scanned is placed with the side to be scanned face down on the scanners glass document table. The light emitted by the light source shines on the document surface, the image is scanned in the main scanning direction and reflected by multiple mirrors, then detected by the CCD.
Timing belt2 Carriage motor Timing belt1 Pulley Flag HP sensor Follower pulley

Figure 4-6. Scanner Mechanism Outline

The carriage motor moves the scanner head in the sub scanning direction via a pulley and two timing belts. The home position is detected by the HP sensor. The carriage motor is a stepping motor, so when the carriage head is detected to be in a position other than the home position, its position is controlled by an open loop. The scanners single dimensional array performs scanning in the sub scanning direction with the scanning origin set from the home position as the reference.

Merit: The original document is stationary and the carriage is placed inside the
body, so the scanning accuracy is comparatively high.

Demerit: The scanners installation area is larger than the size of the original
document, so it takes up space.

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4.2.4 Fixed Lens and CCD Type

This type of scanner uses the system that has been adopted for the ES-8000, 6000/ 6000H and ES-9000H, and the GT-12000 / 10000 / 1000+ / 30000 and other A3 size scanners. The original, lens and CCD sensor are in fixed positions and the light source and mirrors are moved independently to carry out scanning. There are two kinds of lens mechanism, the fixed focus and auto focus types. This type of scanner has the following merits and demerits.

Merits Since the lightweight light source and mirrors only are moved, the scanner
can be made more compact.

Through focus adjustment and range selection, a multiple magnification

mechanism (auto focus) can be built in and still the scanner can be set without becoming large.

Mechanically, it is possible to increase the scanning speed. Demerit The construction is complex and the price is high.
Lens LV1 (variable) Document L1 (fixed) CCD sensor
x2 x1

Document glass

Lamp/Mirror unit L2 (fixed)

LV2 (variable)

Figure 4-7. Mirror-moving Type Mechanism

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4.3 Sheet Feed Type

In the case of the sheet feed type, unlike the flat bed type, the CCD sensor that scans the original document and the light source are stationary, and the scanning is performed by moving the original by a motor, etc. This type is also called a sheet through type or moving document type image scanner. EPSON products of this type are the GT-2000 and GT-300.

Merit
The scanner installation space can be made small.

Demerit The original exits outside the scanner, so the paper feed operation will be
influenced by the surrounding environment. This puts a limit on the document size and the scanning accuracy.

Only documents in sheet form can be scanned.

Roller Light source Roller Lens Document

Paper feed motor

Mirror

CCD

Figure 4-8. Sheet Feed Scanner Mechanism

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4.4 Handy Type

The handy type, like the flat bed type, has the original document stationary and moves the CCD and light source to carry out scanning. The flat bed type scanner relies on the power of a motor, etc. to scan the document, but the handy type scans by a manual operation.

Merit The scanner is generally compact in construction, so it is easy to handle. Demerits Basically, since this type relies on human power for the scanning operation, it
is difficult to get good scanning accuracy and the scanning speed is slow.

The scanning range on the document that this type of scanner can read is
narrow.
Light source Roller Mirror CCD sensor Roller

document

Figure 4-9. Handy Type Mechanism

EPSON does not product this type of scanners.

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4.5 Film Scanner

Film scanners will be explained using the FS-1200 / 1300 as an example. This image scanner is designed exclusively for scanning film. An outline of the film scanner is shown below. The film scanner is configured from the CCD sensor that scans the image, the light source to enable the image to be scanned from the film, a mirror to direct the light to the CCD sensor, and a film carrier, etc. for moving the film in order to scan it. Light from the light source passes through the film, is reflected in the mirror, then enters the CCD sensor. The CCD sensor scans the image in the main scanning direction. Scanning in the sub-scanning direction is accomplished by transporting the film in the sub-scanning direction by means of the film carrier. In the case of the FS-1200, 35 mm negative and positive film images can be scanned. The FS-1300 can scan not only 35 mm film but also APS film images.

Light source Film carrier

Film

CCD sensor

Lens

Mirror

Figure 4-10. Film Scanner Mechanism

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4.6 CCD
A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is one type of picture element that picks up images electrically (corresponding to the retina of the human eye). The CCD was developed as the photographic element for video cameras. In the past, when a photographic element was mentioned, the reference was to a picture tube, but since this device had a large power consumption and could not be made more compact, researchers set out to develop individual photographic elements in chip form like the CCD. Other than the CCD, other individual photographic elements that have been developed include the BBD, PCD and MOS photographic elements, but the CCD, which has structural advantages in the areas of performance and picture quality, etc., has become the mainstream individual photographic element.

4.6.2 Types of CCD

CCDs can be divided into two different types in accordance with their construction, the linear CCD and the area CCD. A linear CCD is used in an image scanner. See the chapter on digital still cameras concerning area CCDs. (See 5.2,CCD)

4.6.2.1 Linear CCD

A linear CCD is made up of several thousand closely packed elements, each composed of a photodiode and MOS condenser combined together and arrayed in a single dimension to form a photosensitive element. Thus, this CCD can serve for the input of only single dimension (green) images, so if it is used as an image scanners sensor, either the CCD or the original must be moved , thus making it possible to input a 2dimensional image (plane). The GT-9500 is used as an example in the explanation of a color linear CCD, the ILX718K (made by SONY)

4.6.1 CCD Construction

The CCD is constructed with a multiple groups of photodiodes and condensers lined up side by side. The CCD generates an electrical charge in the photodiode in accordance with the strength of the light shining on it. (photoelectric conversion) Also, the electrical charge thus generated is stored in condensers that are connected in parallel with the photodiodes. Photosensitive part Read-out gate Light CCD analog -shift register

Features Effective Number of Pixels:16089 Pixels (5363 pixels x 3 colors) Pixel Size: 8 x 8 m (8 pitch)

Photodiode

MOS capacity

Figure 4-12. Color Linear CCD Figure 4-11. CCD Construction

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This linear CCD is arrayed in parallel with sensors which exclusively pick up the R, G and B, respectively, in color images. Each CCD is equipped with 5363 individual elements with R, G, B color filers included. The CCD senses the color image simultaneously, separates it into RGB signals and outputs each respective color independently as signals. In the case of the GT-9500, the maximum scanning range is 5096 x 7020 pixels (when the resolution is 600 dpi). Also, the linear CCD used in the EPSON scanner models GT7600S / 7600U / 7700U / 8700 is called a 6-line staggered color CCD, so it uses 2 lines for one color, for a total of 6 lines, and by staggering each CCD row by one half a CCD cells width, it can simulate a higher input resolution. (See Fig. 4-13.)

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4.6.3 CCD and Resolution

A linear CCD is made on a silicon substrate like a CPU. The linear CCD used in ordinary image scanners is configured from 2500 to 5000 elements. The width of the light receptor is 1 inch to 2 inches and the pitch of the elements is approximately 10 m, which is very small. In the case of high end image scanners, more elements are used in order to increase the resolution and the element pitch is made even smaller. As a result, the manufacturing cost is considerably high. The resolution in the main scanning direction is determined by the number of pixels in the linear CCD and the resolution in the subscanning direction is determined by the smallness of the movement steps of the carriage, so there are cases where the resolution in the subscanning direction is higher than the resolution in the main scanning direction. When we consider the cost performance of the product, it is more advantageous to make the carriages movement steps smaller rather than to increase the number of CCD elements. Resolution is expressed in dpi (dots per inch). The maximum effective range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches and the if the maximum number of effective pixels in the main scanning direction is 5100, the resolution in the main scanning direction becomes 600 dpi.

Figure 4-13. 6-line Staggered Color CCD

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4.7 Linear CCD Operating Theory

As described in 4.6.1, "CCD Construction," a linear CCD is made up of several thousand closely packed elements, each composed of a photodiode and MOS condenser combined together and arrayed in a single dimension to form a photosensitive element. This is then combined with a shift register.

4.7.1 CCD Photosensitive Element Operating Theory

In the photosensitive element, light energy is converted to an electrical charge and has the function of temporarily storing the signal charge thus obtained. The operation of the photosensor is shown in sequence below. 1. When the light reflected off the original shines on the photodiode, the photodiode carries out photoelectric conversion corresponding to the strength of the light, and causes a current to flow. The MOS condenser stores this current as an electric charge which is proportional to the strength of the light. Light 3.

Figure 4-15. Read-out Gate ON

When the signal charge sending is complete, the read out gate goes OFF and waits the next photosensor action.

Figure 4-16. Read-out Gate OFF Figure 4-14. Photoelectric Conversion

2. When the read out gate (read out signal) goes On, the signal charge stored in the MOS condenser sends that charge to the analog shift register.

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The transfer process is explained below. 1. First, if transfer pulse 2 goes ON, each signal charge is shifted to the neighboring register on the right. However, the charge in the right end register is transferred to the output unit.

4.7.2 CCD Analog Shift Register Operating Theory

The shift register receives the signal charge from the photosensor, then functions to transfer it as a signal output to the control board. The shift register, as shown in the figure below, has only 2 times the number of addresses as the number of photodiodes in the photosensor. There is one output unit, so the signal charges must be output 1 pixel at a time.

D13 D14 D15

D63 S1 S2

S5363

D64

D75

Sensor Read out gate CCD shift register

D1-D75: Dummy sensor S1-S5363: Sensor

Figure 4-17. Shift Register Construction

The following figure is an easy to understand model of the structure of the shift register. 1 and 2 are the transfer pulses. The photoelectrically converted signal charges are stored in the shift registers. Output unit 2.

Figure 4-19. Step 1

Transfer pulse (2 goes Off and the state becomes stable.

Output unit

Figure 4-18. Shift Register Model

Figure 4-20. Step 2

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3. Next transfer pulse (1 goes On and the signal charge is transferred to the neighboring register on the right.

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Figure 4-21. Step 3

4. Transfer pulse (1 goes Off and the state becomes stable. Thereafter, this process is repeated, transferring the signal charges for all the pixels to the output unit.

Figure 4-22. Step 4

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6. Select the item below that is a feature of a sheet feed type scanner. The scanners installation space becomes larger than the size of the documents scanned. The document size and scanning accuracy are limited. Items other than sheets can be used. 7. Select two of the choices below that are features of a handy type scanner. It has a compact construction, so it is easy to handle. The scanning speed is high. The range of documents that can be scanned is narrow. 8. Select two types of document that can be scanned by a film scanner from among the following choices. Negative film APS film Photographs 9. If the maximum number of effective pixels in a CCD is 102000dot x 3 colors, and the maximum scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, what is the resolution in the main scanning direction in dpi? Select one from the following. 150dpi 300dpi 600dpi 1200dpi 10. If the maximum effective number of pixels of a 6-line staggered color CCD is 6800 dots x 6 lines (2 lines per color, total 3 colors), and the maximum scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, what is the resolution in the main scanning direction in dpi? Select the correct answer from the following choices. 800dpi 1600dpi 4800dpi

4.8 Comprehension Test

1. Select the type of CCD that is ordinarily used in image scanners from among the following choices. Linear CCD Area CCD 2. Select two of the features of the reduced optical system scanner from among the choices below. A wide linear CCD is used, so the cost is high. Compact, low-cost linear CCDs can be used. Scanning of 3-dimensional objects can also be scanned. It has the advantage of enabling compact, thin scanner products to be made. 3. Select 3 of the features of a close contact scanner from among the choices below. It uses a special lens called a rod lens array. It uses an optical lens and reflective mirrors. A wide linear CCD is used, so the cost is high. The gap between the original and the linear CCD is narrow, so the scanner can be made thinner. 4. Select the one device that is not mounted on the carriage that is installed in a flat bed scanner with a moving lens and CCD from the following choices. CCD Reflective Mirror Roller Inverter Board 5. Select two features of a flat bed scanner with a fixed lens and CCD from among the following choices. It is possible to mechanically speed up the scanning process. The structure becomes complex and the price is high. There is no optical lens or reflective mirror. It is advantageous in that the product is more compact and thinner.

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3. Select 3 of the features of a close contact scanner from among the choices below. It uses a special lens called a rod lens array. It uses an optical lens and reflective mirrors. A wide linear CCD is used, so the cost is high. The gap between the original and the linear CCD is narrow, so the scanner can be made thinner. [Explanation] The close contact type scanner uses a CCD that is the same width as the original document, and a special lens called a rod lens array, so it can project an image at a 1 to 1 ratio between the image and the CCD. For this reason, an optical lens and reflective mirror are unnecessary and this type of scanner is advantageous for making a thin scanner product. 4. Select the one device that is not mounted on the carriage that is installed in a flat bed scanner with a moving lens and CCD from the following choices. CCD Reflective Mirror Roller Inverter Board [Explanation] The devices mounted in the moving lens and CCD type flat bed scanner include the CCD unit which includes the lens, the image sensor circuit board, light source lamp and light source inverter circuit board, the reflective mirrors and mechanical units for moving the carriage. In this connection, rollers are used in a sheet feed type or handy type scanner.

4.9 Answers to the Comprehension Test

1. Select the type of CCD that is ordinarily used in image scanners from among the following choices. Linear CCD Area CCD [Explanation] A linear CCD can input a 1-dimensional image and an area CCD can input a 2dimensional image. Ordinarily, a linear CCD is used in an image scanner and either the carriage or the original document is moved, thus inputting a 2dimensional image. In this connection, the area CCD is used in digital cameras, etc. 2. Select two of the features of the reduced optical system scanner from among the choices below. A wide linear CCD is used, so the cost is high. Compact, low-cost linear CCDs can be used. Scanning of 3-dimensional objects can also be scanned. It has the advantage of enabling compact, thin scanner products to be made. [Explanation] A scanner with a reduced optical system uses a reflective mirror and lens which reduces the image and then inputs it into the CCD, so a narrow linear CCD can be used. In addition, since the depth of field is deep, it is also possible to scan 3dimensional objects. The use of a reflective mirror and lens make it disadvantageous for this type of scanner unit to be made more compact or thinner.

Image Scanners

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5. Select two features of a flat bed scanner with a fixed lens and CCD from among the following choices. It is possible to mechanically speed up the scanning process. The structure becomes complex and the price is high. There is no optical lens or reflective mirror. It is advantageous in that the product is more compact and thinner. [Explanation] A flat bed scanner with a fixed lens and CCD have the original, lens and CCD sensor fixed, and move the light source and mirrors independently to carry out scanning. Since the lightweight light source and mirrors only are moved, it is possible to speed up this type of scanner mechanically, but its construction becomes more complex and its price becomes higher. 6. Select the item below that is a feature of a sheet feed type scanner. The scanners installation space becomes larger than the size of the documents scanned. The document size and scanning accuracy are limited. Items other than sheets can be used. [Explanation] In a sheet feed type scanner, the CCD sensor and light source are fixed and the scanned original is moved by a motor, etc. to carry out scanning, so the space needed to install the scanner can be made smaller than the size of the original. However, since the document is moved, there are limitations on the size of document that can be scanned and on the scanning system, and it can be used only for documents that are on separate sheets. 9. 7.

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Select two of the choices below that are features of a handy type scanner. It has a compact construction, so it is easy to handle. The scanning speed is high. The range of documents that can be scanned is narrow. [Explanation] The handy type scanner has the original fixed, and moves the light source and CCD to carry out scanning. This type relies on human strength for power, so power for a motor, etc. is not necessary and it can have a compact structure, but it is difficult to have scanning accuracy and its scanning speed is slow. 8. Select two types of document that can be scanned by a film scanner from among the following choices. Negative film APS film Photographs [Explanation] A film scanner shines light from the light source through the document, which is then input to the CCD. For this reason, documents scanned with this type of scanner are limited to transparent documents, and it cannot scan reflective documents such as photographs. If the maximum number of effective pixels in a CCD is 102000dot x 3 colors, and the maximum scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, what is the resolution in the main scanning direction in dpi? Select one from the following. 150dpi 300dpi 600dpi 1200dpi [Explanation] The maximum number of pixels per color in a CCD is 10,200 dots, and the scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, so the resolution is as follows. 10,200 [dots] ( 8.5 [inches] = 1200 [dpi].

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10. If the maximum effective number of pixels of a 6-line staggered color CCD is 6800 dots x 6 lines (2 lines per color, total 3 colors), and the maximum scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, what is the resolution in the main scanning direction in dpi? Select the correct answer from the following choices. 800dpi 1600dpi 4800dpi [Explanation] The maximum number of pixels per color in a CCD is 6800 [dots] x 2 = 13,600 [dots], and the scanning range in the main scanning direction is 8.5 inches, so the resolution is as follows. 13,600 [dots] ( 8.5 [inches] = 1600 [dpi].

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CHAPTER

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA

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Revision C Flash light

LIke an ordinally silver-halide film camera system, the digital still camera system is also equipped with a flash light, which helps to capture the image in night time or in dark place.

5.1 Outline
The basic construction of a digital still camera is shown in Fig. 5-1.
Top Cover Flexible Board Mode Dial Shutter Button Zoom Lever LCD Flash Smart Media Slot CPU

View Finder
Usually, the digital still camera is equipped with both ordinally optical view finder and the LCD panel viewer.

Flash Condenser Work Memory Flash Circuit

Image Data Storage Media

Since the digital still camara stores a captured image by means of digital data, it requires data storage media to store the image data. There are various different type of data storage media available today, but among most of digital still camera system, each camera supports only one of these device for data storage. The most of digital still camera available today uses one of the following media.

Compact Flash Memory

Optical Finder Battery Box Zoom Lens Video Output Circuit CCD LCD Unit

This media is usually called as CF Memory. This memory is originally developed by SanDisk, and is a flash ATA card compatible small memory media containing flash memory device (EEPROM). This is a memory used on Epson digital still camera system.

SD Card
Secure Digital card. This memory has been co-developed by Matsushita, Toshiba and SanDisk. This memory is developed based on MMC memory and supports copyright protection function.

Front Cover

Frame

MMC
Multi Media Card. This memory has been co-developped by SanDisk and Siemens. Mainly used on digital still camera and PDA.

Figure 5-1. Basic Construction

The major components which composed of a digital still camera system are as follows.

Memory Stick
This is a small stick shape memory developed by Sony.

Lens
The lens is works as to reduce the size of subjects optically and forming an image on a surface of image capture device like CCD. In some products, zooming function or auto-focusing funciton is built in the optical lens system.

Battery
Usually, power source of digital still camera is either a dry battery cell/module or AC adaptor. There are various kind of dry battery cell in the market place, but due to a nature of digital still cameras power requirements (it requires instantaneous large current supply capability), Ni-MH type or Litium-ion type battery cell should be used.

Aperture
In order to adjust an exposure in accordance with the ambient blightness, the digial still camera system also has the aperture control mechanism, similar with an ordinally silver-halaid film camera system.

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Outline

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This sensor is a pixel color CCD sensor which is 8 mm square. Color filters for the complementary colors of R, G and B, Y, M, C and G are used at each respective element (sensor filters. They work to raise the resolution). Complementary filters pass light over approximately 2/3 the range of visible light, so compared to primary color filters, their light use efficiency is high and they have approximately double the sensitivity. In contrast with this, primary color filters pass light over only about 1/3 the range of visible light, so it is difficult to obtain good sensitivity with them.

5.2 CCD
In this chapter, the basic technologies used in Digital Still Cameras made by EPSON are explained.

5.2.1 CCD Sensor

There are two types of CCD sensor, the CCD area sensor and the CCD linear sensor, but in digital cameras, CCD area sensors are used. (See "Types of CCD" on page 110 for an outline of the linear CCD sensor.)

Features Total Number of Pixels: Effective Number of Pixels: Chip Size: Pixel Size:
Approximately 2.11 million pixels (1688 (H) x 1248 (V)) Approximately 2.02 million pixels (1636 (H) x 1236 (V)) 7.6 (H) x 6.2 mm (V) 3.9 (H) x 3.9 (V) (m

5.2.1.1 CCD Area Sensor

A CCD area sensor is unlike a CCD linear sensor, in that it has a light sensor unit with photodiodes arranged 2-dimensionally in a closely packed layout. This CCD is used mainly in video cameras and digital still cameras. The color CCD area sensor ICX224AK (made by SONY), used in the CP850Z digital still camera, is used here as an example in this explanation.

C Sensor Element G Sensor Element

M Sensor Element Y Sensor Element

Figure 5-2. Color CCD Area Sensor

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5.3 Transfer Method

The CCD is constructed to send stored electrical charges representing light information as a string of analog signals in the same direction, so not all the pixel data can be acquired simultaneously. Also, the CCD used as an area sensor has a 2-dimensional arrangement, so transfers must be divided into two, in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Then, to overcome all these problems, there are a number of methods for transferring these electrical charges. Here, we explain two methods used in many digital still cameras, the frame transfer method and the interline transfer method.

Photosensor Area CCD Mask

5.3.1 Frame Transfer

In the same 2-dimensional array CCD (photodiode array), two groups are lined up on the screen in the vertical direction. One group has the CCD light receptor surface masked so that light does not strike it. The photosensor of the group that is not masked functions as the photosensor and the masked portion is used as the light storage area. The gate electrode of each photodiode comprising the CCD is made of transparent polysilicon. When exposed to light, the charge stored up in the photosensor is sent instantly at high speed to the masked light storage area. The charges are then transferred sequentially to the horizontal transfer area.

Light Storage Area

To Control Circuit Horizontal Transfer Unit

Figure 5-3. Frame Transfer

Advantage The area from which light can be received is large so high sensitivity can be
obtained.

Disadvantages There is a danger that a lot of light information can be mixed up due to the
transferred second half data.

Light is introduced through the polysilicon gate electrode so short wavelength

light (from blue to violet) is absorbed, causing sensitivity in that band to be inferior.

It is necessary to have two CCD areas, the photosensor and the light storage
area, so the CCD area sensors size becomes large, with the result that the cost increases.

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5.3.2 Interline Transfer

Beginning with EPSON in its digital still cameras, this method is used by many camera makers. A photodiode is provided for every pixel, and the device is divided between the photosensor and the transfer unit. After light reception, the electric charge from the photosensor is transferred to the vertical transfer unit where it is transferred vertically. After that , as in the frame transfer method, the signals are transferred to the horizontal transfer unit. This method is convenient for obtaining a television video signal.

Photodiode

Vertical Transfer Unit

Advantages There is no mixture of a lot of light information from the last half of the
transfer as with the frame transfer method, but data can be transferred just as it is received.

The sensors size can be small compared to the sensor in the frame transfer
method.

To Control Circuit Horizontal Transfer Unit

Disadvantage On the CCD surface, not only photodiodes are arranged, but there are also
vertical transfer units placed there, making it impossible to enlarge the effective area where light strikes (the area of the photodiode) and making the aperture ratio poor, so sensitivity is low. recently, in order to overcome those defects, a new type in which a lens is being set in each pixel to gather light has been developed.

Figure 5-4. Interline Transfer

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5.4 Digital Still Camera Operating Theory

The CP-800 is used as an example in the following explanation of the control circuit of a digital still camera.
object

Figure 5-5. Digital Still Camera

Digital Still Camera

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The operation of each circuit block is as shown below. The flow of data after photographing is as shown below. 1. 2. The image data are picked up by the CCD on the CA1 board.

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Table 5-1. Operation of Each Circuit Block

Circuit Board Role 8-bit microprocessor (runs at 4 MHz) Operation key input Control liquid crystal panel display Clock control and backup Power supply circuit control Flash charge control Interline Type CCD Image Sensor CCD clock drive Image data A/D conversion Lens assembly, drive, etc. 32-bit RISC-CPU (runs at 72 MHz), ASIC, Flash ROM, SDRAM Correction Color signal generation SDRAM control USB control 10-bit voice data A/D conversion Color liquid crystal monitor control, etc. Power Supply Circuit Switching regulator control Digital / analog system, LCD system 5 V power output Digital 3.3 V power output Digital 3.4 V power output Analog / LCD system power output Backlight power output Flash power, etc.

The analog signals from the CCD on the CA1 board are amplified by an op-amp, then after being converted to digital signals by the A/D converter, they are transferred as data to the CA2 board. In the CA2 board, the input data are briefly transferred to 64 Mbit SDRAM. In the CA2, correction, R G B signal and other conversions are performed, then the signals undergo JPEG compression and are stored in compact flash memory. The CA2 board also functions to display the images from the image data or JPEG compression data on the monitor via the Video Driver.

3. 4.

SY1

5.

CA1

CA2

PW1

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5.4.1 Storing the Image

Depending on the image resolution and the data format for image storage, the size of one image data becomes relatively large. (i.e. the data size of 320 by 240 pixel color image is become approx. 300KB.) Therefore, if the size of image storage memory is small, the number of image can be stored is limited.

DATA FORMAT FOR IMAGE STORAGE

The data format for image data storage on digital still camera is standardized and the most digital still camera supports DCF format (Design rule for Camera File System) which established y JEIDA. The basic format of DCF is as follows.

IMAGE COMPRESSION
In order to store more image data in limited memory space, most of digital still camara has the image compression function to reduce the size of one image data. Generally, photo image contains a lot of same color pixel subsequent to the surrounding pixels, and gathering these pixels into single data pattern, the whole image data can be abbriviated to smaller one. Therefore, this process is built in the camara as a data compression function. There are various kind of image data compression algorithm exists, and most of digital still camera is using JPEG compression algorithm. With JPEG compression, the size of one image can be reduced to 1/10 of original size without image quality loss.

Directory Structure
\root\DCIM\100EPSON\(name of image data)

Data type (per image) Image data file (JPEG format) Sound data file (WAV) *Only if sound recording is performed. File name format
If the name of image data file is 2Z140001.JPG, this represents; 2: Last digit of YEAR (anno domini) Z: MONTH (1 to 9, X=October, Y=November, Z=December) 14: DAY 0001: Number of image (the number is assigned by the system to each image automatically in sequential order).

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5.5 Comprehension Test

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. What is the photographic element in a digital still camera? List the features of the construction of the CCD area sensor. Describe the construction of the CCD linear sensor. Give the advantages of frame transfer. Give the disadvantages of frame transfer. Give the advantages of interline transfer. Give the disadvantages of interline transfer. Describe the flow of data in a digital still camera. What are the features of a primary color filter?

10. What are the advantages of a complementary filter?

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COLOR IMAGING ESSENTIALS

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6.1 Basic Knowledge about Color

6.1.1 What is Color?
6.1.1.1 Three Factors Enabling Color to be Seen
Ordinarily, color is taken to be synthesized from physical characteristics and psychological characteristics, and has come to be distinguished in that way. In order to be able to see color, there are three factors that are necessary, light, an object and the sense of sight.

6.1.1.2 Relationship Between Color and Wavelength

The light that enables us to see colors is called visible light. Visible light is a type of electromagnetic wave which has a wavelength ranging from approximately 380 nm to approximately 720 nm. Light in which all the wavelengths are well balanced is called white light. The typical white light is sunlight. However, sunlight includes ultraviolet light and infrared light, which we cannot see with our eyes. If we shine white light on objects, most of those objects will reflect some light and absorb some light, so right away, the result of that light being reflected and absorbed is no longer white light. This is called the objects color. An objects light is recognized by the cells in the retina of the human eye as that objects color. In the example in the previous figure, the yellow of the objects color shows that its color is recognized by the yellow and green of the reflected light from the object.

Sense of Sight Natural Light

Reflection

400

500

600

700nm

Figure 6-2. White Light Spectrum

6.1.1.3 Way of Thinking on Primary Colors

Object Absorption Color is composed from three primary colors and if these are to be expressed, it is necessary first to have an understanding of the three primary colors.

Figure 6-1. Three Factors Enabling Color to be Seen Physical Characteristics of Light
The characteristics of the light that is being used for illumination and the selective difference between the light frequencies that are absorbed and those that are reflected by the object are the greatest determinants of differences in color.

Definition of the Three Primary Colors Of the three colors, one of those colors cannot ever be created by blending the
other two colors.

If the primary colors are blended together, practically all the other colors can
be created according to the proportions of each of the primary colors used. The three primary colors of light and the three primary colors of printing exist in the three primary colors.

Psychological Characteristics of Light

Light is divided into the primary colors at the retina, and is transmitted to the brain as nerve stimulating signals. The cells that make up the sense of sight in the process of transmitting these signals from the eyes to the brain have the property of distinguishing the colors.

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EPSON TOP Three Primary Colors of Light (Coloring Light)

Red (R), Green (G), Blue (B) The cone cells in the human eye show a different reaction to the respective primary colors of light.

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6.1.1.5 Color Mixing Methods

Mixing of colors is done by subtractive mixture of color stimuli and by additive mixture of color stimuli.

Additive mixture of color stimuli

In the mixing of luminescent colors (R, G, B), if we increase the number of components to be mixed, the brightness of the color resulting from mixing of the colors will be additive, resulting in added brightness. Furthermore, in additive mixture of color stimuli, there is simultaneous mixture, successive mixture and side by side mixing.

Three Primary Colors in Printing (Noncoloring Light)

Magenta (Red-Violet, M) Yellow (Y), and Cyan (Blue-Green, C) That which reproduces the three primary colors from these colors is color imaging technology. That which is being attempted is for the color printer, etc. to faithfully reproduce the color of the object through the use of inks, whether dyes or pigments, because it cannot collect the light from that actual object as is and accumulate it on a sheet of paper or other recording medium.

Simultaneous Mixing
This is mixing colors simultaneously. Example: Stage lighting

6.1.1.4 Mixed Colors

The color reproduction that is being done in modern color printing, on television and in photographs, etc., is all based on the mixing of colors through the three primary colors.

Mixed Colors
This is mixing 2 or more colors together.

Coloring Light
This is light from a light source.

Noncoloring Light
Light that is reflected off of the surface of objects or light that is absorbed (object color). When we think about mixing of colors, we must think about mixing of coloring light and mixing of noncoloring light.

Figure 6-3. Simultaneous Mixing

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EPSON TOP Successive Mixture

For example, if two frames, one colored red and the other colored green, are rotated at high speed, the result would be that they appear yellow.

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Figure 6-6. Subtractive Mixture of Color

Figure 6-4. Successive Mixture Side by Side Mixing

This is the placing of sprinkling differently colored dots side by side, then when they are observed from a predetermined distance or from farther away, they appear to be a mixed color. Examples: Color TV, dot drawings, etc.

Figure 6-5. Syde by side Mixing Subtractive mixture of color stimuli

When mixing non-luminescent colors (Y, M, C), as we increase the number of components being mixed, the brightness of the mixed colors is subtracted and becomes darker. Example: Filter, printers color printing, etc.

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6.1.2

Types and Attributes of Color

Hue

There are three attributes of color, called the three attributes of color. The three attributes of color are hue, brightness (value) and saturation (chroma).

Hue H
This is the color, such as red, yellow or blue.

Brightness (Value) V
This is the degree of luminosity. The two extremes are white and black.

Saturation

Saturation Brightness

Saturation (Chroma) C
This is the degree of vividness of the color. The relationship between these three attributes, expressed as a color solid, is shown in the following figure. Colors are also divided into achromatic colors and chromatic colors.

Achromatic Colors
These are colors without hue and chroma, which are only an expression of brightness (value). for example, white, black, gray.

Figure 6-7. The Three Primary Colors

Chromatic Colors
These are colors which have all three color factors.

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6.1.3 Methods of Transmitting Color

6.1.3.1 Color Name
Methods of transmitting color include the method of transmitting it by Color Name and the method of transmitting it by Symbol. Each respective method has its own features and different ways to be used.

6.1.3.2 Symbols
The method of expressing color by symbols can be used to express a color accurately and in details, but if there is no common name attached, the color is intuitively difficult to understand. Methods for expressing colors by symbols include the use of various types of color chart and methods of using color samples.

Color Name
Color name is used frequently every day, and enables colors to be transmitted simply and kept in memory. However, fine differences in color cannot be transmitted. The color name of a physical color is divided into the system color name and the common color name. Object Color Name System Color Name Common Color Name Achromatic Color

Standard Color Charts

These are like a scale, with classification according to a given assignation (for example, value, chroma, hue or their intervals). However, specific colors are not expressed. Munsel System

Ostwald System Chromatic Color Standard Color Charts L*a*b* system

Figure 6-8. Types of Color Name

CIE System

System Color Name of Achromatic Colors

Example: Bright Bluish Gray = Bright (Value) + Bluish (Hue) + Gray (Basic Color Name)

Figure 6-9. Types of Standard Color Chart

System Color Name of Chromatic Colors

Example: dark Reddish Purple = Dark (Value) + Reddish (Hue) + Purple (Basic Color Name) Common Color Name

128 types are specified in JIS.

Example: Amber Display Symbol: 8.5YR5.5 / 6.5 R

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EPSON TOP Table 6-1. Features of Each Color System

Color System Name Contents Object colors are displayed by hue, value and chroma. Value is shown on the vertical axis, hue is shown on the circle around the circumference and chroma is shown on an axis extended radially from the longitudinal axis. Object colors are displayed by hue, whiteness and blackness. The relationship between the whiteness (W), blackness (S) and pure color (each hue, V) is W + S + V = 100. Colors are displayed by a* and b* which shows the chromaticity index (hue and chroma) and by L* (value). It is used with a colorimeter and color difference gauge. This system was decided by the Commission Internationale de lEclairage (International Commission on Illumination). the convenient to use Yxy system is used. a* b* Green is strong Blue is strong Red is strong Yellow is strong

Revision C Table 6-2. Chromaticity Index (a*b*)

a*b* +

Munsel System

Ostwald System

Yellow

L*a*b* System

CIE System

Green

Red

NOTE: Color Difference: The visual difference between colors is expressed quantitatively.

Blue

Color Sample Chart

A color sample chart is used when you want to supply a color that cannot be expressed with a standard color chart or express a specific color. Example: DIC (Dai Nihon Printing), Pantone

L*a*b* System
This is the system that was studied, created and proposed to determine color differences as a uniform visible color space at the conference of the CIE (Commission Internationale de lEclairage (International Commission on Illumination)) in 1975.

Figure 6-10. L* a* b* Chromaticity Diagram

L* (Luminance Index, called L star)

The higher the value, the more diverse and bright.

a* b* (Chromaticity Index, called A star, B star)

a* and b* combined express hue and chroma.

Chroma C is expressed by the following formula.

C = a*2 + b*2)

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EPSON TOP CIE Color System (Yxy color system)

The trichromatic value (the color recognized by the sense of sight) expressed by the amount of mixing of the primary colors with each having uniform strengths) xyz and the luminous reflection (penetration) rate (Y (%)). Since the relationship is such that x + y + z = 1, ordinarily, xy (xy: called chromaticity. Hue and chroma are expressed.) only are used.

Revision C Table 6-5. Proper Use of Color Expression

Color Expression Color Name HVC System CIE System Use In the case of rough expression. In the case of detailed expression In the case of still more detailed expression

The luminous reflection (penetration) rate approximately correlates with

value (object color, objective brightness or darkness).

6.1.4 Color Measurement Methods

Color measurement methods are summarized below.

Table 6-3. Tristimulus Value

Chromaticity Small X Y Z Redness is weak Greenness is weak Yellowness is weak Great Redness is strong Greenness is strong Yellowness is strong

Table 6-6. Color Measurement Methods

Measurement Method Visual Method Contents Method of comparing visually between a sample and the actual material with the naked eyes. Spectralphotometric Colorimetry Direct stimulus value reading method The spectral reflectance (or transmittance) of a material is measured using a spectralphotometer, then this is used to calculate the tristimulus value. The direct tristimulus value is determined using a photoelectric colorimeter.

6.1.3.3 Proper Use of Color Expression

Color expression methods differ depending on the type of color used, so they are here shown in a list.

Physical Method

Table 6-4. Usable Color Displays

Type of Color Primary Colors Transmitted Light Surface Light CIE System (Yxy) HVC System

Object Color

NOTE: O: Possible, x: Not possible The Munsel system, Ostwald system and other HVC systems (those systems which express colors by value, chroma and hue) can only be used for the surface colors of objects. Therefore, the proper use of these systems in color expression is as follows.

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6.2 Color Printer Printing Methods

6.2.1 Color
6.2.1.1 Primary Colors
Color expression methods of color printers are the same as the color expression methods in printing, with magenta (reddish violet), cyan (blue green) and yellow being used.

6.2.2 Gradiation
6.2.2.1 Gradiation
This is called the change of the value (brightness). In gradiation, there are two types, density gradiation and area gradiation.

Density Gradiation
This gradiation is expressed by changing the inks density.

Area Gradiation
This method changes the number of dots in a given area, and uses the eyes retina to express tonal gradiation. In the area gradiation method there are binary, multivalue and error diffusion methods for halftone processing.

6.2.1.2 Printing Colors

For primary colors, the above primary colors were used previously in color printing. However, the black created by mixing the three primary colors (composite black) had a different tint when compared to real black (pure black). Therefore, printing is done with four colors, the three primary colors plus black. Also, in the latest printers, printing is done using the error diffusion method in which, in order to improve an image in which the printing grain is poor, 2 ink colors, light cyan and light magenta have been added for a total of 6 colors of ink.

Binary
This expresses whether to print or not to print a pixel. 1 Pixel

6.2.1.3 Inks
Inks have transparency, and the subtractive mixture method is used to express color (See Color Mixing Methods on page 146). If magenta is added to yellow, red is expressed. <Not printed> <Printed>

<White> Portion not printed. Cyan Magenta

<Black> Printed with black ink. Cyan Yellow

<Cyan>

<Magenta>

<Yellow>

Figure 6-12. Binary Gradiation

Yellow

Magenta

Cyan

Magenta

<Blue>

<Green>

<Red>

Yellow Yellow <Composite Black>

Figure 6-11. Color Expression in 1-dot Units

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EPSON TOP Multi-value

This expresses tonal gradiation by changing the area in a single pixel that is printed. 1 pixl

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Figure 6-13. Multi-value Gradiation Error Diffusion Method (The most commonly used method of expressing
tonal gradiation with an ink jet printer.) As in a dot drawing, by adjusting the density of dots printed at random, virtually stepless gradiation can be expressed. However, the image looks rough (graininess of the image worsens), so this improved using the light inks (light cyan, light magenta).

Figure 6-14. Error Diffusion Method

yy ;;

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6.3 Comprehension Test

1. 2. What are the three primary colors in non-coloring light? What is subtractive mixture of color stimuli?

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ADJUSTMENT

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7.1 Outline
Here we explain concerning adjustment of a terminal printer. Among the terminal printers, the type of printer with a comparatively large number of adjustment items is the ink jet printer. In the case of a dot impact printer, some of the adjustment contents resemble those in the ink jet printer. In the case of a page printer, adjustments are almost unnecessary for a single color printer, but for a color printer, adjustments are necessary depending on the particular unit that has been replaced or the part involved. For scanners, basically, those models which are basically consumeroriented do not need adjustment, but for professional or business oriented models, the content of adjustments will differ depending on the model.

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7.2 Ink Jet Printer Adjustments

Ink jet printer adjustment items can be roughly divided between adjustments by hardware (mechanical) and adjustments by software.

7.2.1 Parallelism Adjustment (PG Adjustment)

The parallelism adjustment (PG adjustment) means the adjustment contents for obtaining the optimum gap between the print head and printed paper and the optimum parallelism. When carrying out the actual adjustment, since a special gauge or thickness gauge is used to control the distance between the cover (made of metal) and the front rib paper guide, it is also called the platen gap (PG) adjustment. When making the adjustment, the parallelism adjustment bushings on the left and right sides of the printer are turned. Conditions for this adjustment also include use of the actually installed print head and the ink cartridges. (There are many cases where dummy ink cartridges are used at the service center.) The parallelism adjustment is necessary under the following conditions.

ADJUSTMENTS BY HARDWARE
Adjustments by hardware are mainly mechanical adjustments that are necessary when some particular unit or parts have been replaced or when the printer has been disassembled and reassembled. It also depends on the model, but basically, the following adjustment items are necessary.

Parallelism Adjustment (PG Adjustment) Backlash Adjustment ADJUSTMENTS BY SOFTWARE

Adjustments by software are adjustments those adjustments that are carried out using an exclusive adjustment program installed in advance in a PC, which are necessary when a particular unit or parts are replaced, or when the printer has been disassembled and reassembled. In the same way, it depends on the model, but basically, the following items can be included amount the adjustment items.

If the CR guide shaft has been removed or replaced. If the parallelism adjustment bushings (one each on the left and right sides) have
been removed or replaced.

If the carriage assembly has been replaced. If the carriage unit has been replaced.
Also, in the case of high end models, the CR guide shaft consists of the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft, so after the PG adjustment has been completed with the main shaft, it is also necessary to adjust the parallelism of the auxiliary shaft.

Head ID Input Head Inclination Adjustment Head Height Adjustment Head Gap Adjustment Uni-D Adjustment Bi-D Adjustment USB ID Input Protection Counter Clear Ink Initial ink charge

7.2.2 Backlash Adjustment

In the case of high end printers, in order to maintain paper feed accuracy, the meshing of the high precision spur gear with the PF motors pinion is always kept in the optimum condition. If the product is disassembled and reassembled, and any of the above units or parts are removed or replaced, a mechanical adjustment called the backlash adjustment must definitely be performed. If this adjustment is not performed, there is danger that the meshing of the spur gear and PF motors pinion will be destroyed and of deviation of the paper feed pitch occurring as well as noise being generated.

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7.2.2.1 Cases in which Backlash Adjustment is Necessary

Basically, backlash adjustment is necessary in the following cases.

If the PF motor assembly has been replaced or has been removed. If the PF spur gear has been replaced or removed. If the PF units rollers have been removed.
Head ID <Example>

7.2.2.2 Backlash Adjustment Control Method

In the gap between the PF motor pinion and spur gear (the amount of backlash), the standards for each printer are set and controlled by the Mini Master. Fig. 7-1 shows the amount of backlash in the PM-900C. PF Spur Gear Backlash is 0 ~ 0.05 mm. 06B4A 2B5826 4AWROR WWOOXE

Figure 7-2. Example of the Head ID

PF Motor Pinion

Figure 7-1. Backlash Adjustment

7.2.3 Inputting the Print Head ID

This operation records the print heads drive voltage and other information inherent to that print head in the control board, etc. The head inherent information is set uniquely for that print head in order to maximum print quality, so if the print head is replaced, the ID of the new print head must be input. The information is entered on the print head itself in encoded or numerical form. The place where the head ID is affixed will differ depending on the model. Figure7-2. shows an example. Read from left to right, and from top to bottom.

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7.2.4 Head Inclination Adjustment

This adjusts the print head so that the nozzle arrays orientation and the main scanning direction (direction of carriage movement) are at right angles to each other. If the black head and color head are separate, this adjustment is performed on each respective head. The following figure shows this adjustment in the case where one is looking at the print head from above. As shown in the figure, if this adjustment is not done thoroughly, even if the Bi-D adjustment is accurate, the vertical ruled lines will zigzag and banding, with a gap between different colors, will occur. To adjust, correct the head inclination by operating the angle adjustment lever on the carriage. Carriage Unit Print Head

7.2.5 Head Height Adjustment

If the black head and color head are separate, or if there is a two-head configuration with Black + 2 colors on one head and 3 colors on the other head (almost totally limited to LFP), this adjustment corrects the print timing between heads by matching them mechanically in the sub scanning direction. Since gaps show up between inks printed by different print heads, or the inks overlap unnecessarily in some places, this increases the ink ink charge amount, thus causing bleeding, etc. This adjustment is not necessary when the black head and color head are integrated into a single print head. Fig. 7-4 shows an image of the adjustment when the black head and the color head are separate. for the adjustment, in some cases, the black head is made the reference, and magenta is used to make the correction since it has a high visibility. Black Head Color Head Head Height Adjustment Lever

Angle Adjustment Lever

Figure 7-3. Head Inclination Adjustment

Figure 7-4. Head Height Adjustment in the case of 2 Heads

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7.2.6 Head Gap Adjustment

If the black head and color head are separate, due to the head installation structure, a gap is created through the delay in the ink impact time in the time calculations for the black head and color head (hereafter, T). If the color head prints with the same timing as the black head prints, a deviation equal to time T only will be created. The color heads print start timing is adjustment by the time amount T so that the black ink printing timing and color ink printing timing coincide in the main scanning direction. The adjustment value is stored in the printers control circuit board. Therefore, if a print head with the black head and color head integrated is used, the head gap T is already fixed in advance, so this adjustment is not necessary. For the adjustment, the black ink is made the reference and magenta is used as a representative color printed by the color head. If this adjustment is neglected, there will be gaps between the black portions and color portions of documents and irregular color will occur.
Black Print Head Color Print Head

7.2.7 Uni-D Adjustment

The Uni-D adjustment is an adjustment that corrects the deviation in the column direction between successive lines when printing in one direction at different print densities. Due to sliding resistance when the carriage unit is moving to carry out printing, the carriage motor characteristics, the timing belt and other characteristics, there are cases where deviation occurs between each of the printing lines. Therefore, if the carriage motor is replaced or if the carriage unit has been removed, etc., adjustment is necessary. However, since the Uni-D deviation is small, there are many cases where it would ordinarily not be performed

Uni-D Deviation

Nozzle Array

Sub-scanning (Paper feed direction)

Main scanning (direction of carriage movement)

Figure 7-6. Uni-D Adjustment

Figure 7-5. Head Gap Adjustment

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7.2.8 Bi-D Adjustment

The Bi-D adjustment is an adjustment the deviation in the column direction between successive lines when printing in both directions. Due to sliding resistance when the carriage unit is moving to carry out printing, the carriage motor characteristics, the timing belt and other characteristics, there are cases where deviation occurs between each of the printing lines. Also, if the main board is replaced, or if it removed, and the printer mechanism is removed from the case, Bi-D deviation may become great, so basically, it is necessary to perform the Bi-D adjustment at such times. This adjustment is carried out using the exclusive adjustment program. A special pattern is printed out and adjustment is made so that the pattern lines up straight. The adjustment procedure follows the pattern Print Check Adjust Print Check, repeated over again until the adjustment is correct. The results of the adjustment are stored in the EEPROM. Uni-D Deviation

Figure 7-7. Bi-D Adjustment

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7.2.9 Inputting the USB ID

At present, almost all the consumer oriented printers have a USB interface. Under the Windows 98 or iMac environment, the USB port driver has a USB ID which is used for controlling devices, so the inherent USB ID is defined in each printer. the USB ID is stored in the EEPROM on the main board and in the case that the main board is replaced, not only does it become impossible to use the USB ID that was used up to that point, but if a USB ID exists that duplicates the USB ID for some other USB peripheral device (limited to companion EPSON printers), it becomes impossible to connect via the USB interface, so it is necessary to input the USB ID again. The USB ID is composed of a character string with 18 inherent alphanumeric characters, and it is registered in a specific address in the EEPROM. The method of assigning a USB ID at the factory is shown below.

Manufacturing process line No. (3 digits) PC No. (2 digits) Year/Month/Day (12 digits)
The PCs internal time data are used.

Figure 7-8. USB ID Input Screen

"0" (1 digit)
At the repair center, 10 digits of the USB ID are assigned for the product serial No., then the remaining 8 digits are generated by the adjustment program and added automatically to the serial No. to create a new USB ID. Then this new USB ID is input to the EEPROM on the new main board. Figure 7-8 shows an example of the USB ID input screen.

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7.2.10 Clearing the Protection Counter

Clearing of the protection counter means the clearing of the protection counter stored in the EEPROM on the main board. The protection counter monitors the total amount of waste ink not used in printing (used in cleaning and flushing), which is absorbed and held by the waste ink pads so that it will not flow outside the printer. For that reason, when the waste ink pads are replaced, it is necessary to reset the protection counter Furthermore, in printer models which can perform borderless printing on 4 sides, absorbent material which absorbs the waste ink that overflows the edges of the sheet onto the platen is provided, but finally runs down to the waste ink pads in the bottom of the printer and is counted together with the total amount of waste ink absorbed. Also, the protection counter counts at a specific ratio of the normal count when borderless printing is performed. This ratio differs depending on the printer model. Fig. 7-9 shows the protection counter clearing screen.

7.2.11 Ink Charge

Ink ink charge is carried out if the following repairs have been selected.

Print head replacement Print mechanism replacement

Ink ink charge consumes a large amount of ink. The amount consumed differs depending on the model. The following ink consumption amounts shown below for ink ink charge are in the case of the PM-780C. Black: 1/10 of an unused ink cartridge. Color: 1/5 of an unused ink cartridge. Fig. 7-10 shows the screen when carrying out ink ink charge with the exclusive adjustment program.

Figure 7-9. Protection Counter Clearing Screen

Figure 7-10. Ink Charge Screen

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TROUBLE SHOOTING

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8.1 Outline
START In this chapter, we explain the conventional items included in troubleshooting of the EPSON products included in the Service Manual from the past. This troubleshooting has the purpose of detecting the trouble by following flow charts which isolate the trouble, then searching out the faulty unit by replacing the most likely units. However, SIDM and ink jet printers differ greatly in their mechanisms, so the explanation is divided into two parts.
Return to START Is the power supply voltage normal? YES NO NO The power supply voltage is normal.

8.1.1 SIDM
The troubleshooting procedure here uses the VP-4200 as an example. In the table below, the manifestation (symptoms) of each kind of trouble are listed, together with the flow chart that should be selected to determine the causes of the trouble.

Is the power fuse blown?

Check the power supply boards output voltage.

Is the voltage NO normal? YES

YES Replace the fuse and disconnect all output connectors. Replace the control board.

Table 8-1.
Manifestation The printer does not run at al even when the power is turned on. An error message is displayed. Operation is abnormal during self-test printing. The paper feed operation is abnormal. Detailed Manifestation None of the LEDs or liquid crystal displays light up. The printer mechanism does not move at all. It does not perform the initialization operation. An error message is displayed. Printing is not performed. Faulty printing occurs. Print quality is poor. Paper does not feed. A paper jam occurs. The top of sheet position deviates. The printer does not respond even when the buttons are pressed. The displays on the operation panel are abnormal. Flow Chart

YES

Normal? NO Replace the printer mechanism.

Proceed to Flow Chart 1.

Does the fuse NO blow when the power is turned on again?

Proceed to Flow Chart 2. Proceed to Flow Chart 3. Proceed to Flow Chart 4.

YES YES Replace the power supply board. Normal? NO NO Has the NO control board been replaced? YES END

Normal? YES

The operation panel is abnormal.

Proceed to Flow Chart 5. Proceed to Flow Chart 6.

Operation is abnormal The self-test is normal, but the data from the when the printer is on-line. PC are not printed out correctly.

Figure 8-1. Flowchart 1

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START
Check the type of error. Is it a YES carriage error? NO If foreign matter is sticking to the CR guide shaft, remove it. NO Normal? YES Turn off the power and try moving the carriage manually. Replace the control board. Is it 27 V NO or higher? YES Replace the power supply board. Normal? NO Normal? NO Replace the control board. YES Normal? NO Replace the printer mechanism. YES Normal? YES NO Replace the printer mechanism. Return to START. Does the NO carriage move smoothly? YES

START
Carry out self-test printing. Return to START.

Is the printer skipping dots? NO

YES B Does theYES carriage move? NO Measure the print heads coil resistance. NO Is the resistance value normal? YES NO

Is it failing YES to print? NO

Replace the print head.

YES Is the +35 V on Is the power supply normal? the power supply board normal? NO Do any other YES errors appear? NO Go to other YES troubleshooting.

Normal? YES

Check if some foreign matter is not causing faulty operation.

YES

Normal? NO

Is the print YES abnormally light or dark? NO

Readjust the adjust lever, or set it automatically.

Replace the control board. YES Normal? NO Replace the power supply board. END

Does it print YES something else? NO Proceed to other troubleshooting.

Normal? NO Adjust the platen gap.

YES END Replace the control board.

Normal? Normal? NO YES NO

YES

Replace the printer mechanism. END END

YES

Normal? NO Replace the power supply board.

YES

Is the platen gap motor abnormal? NO Replace the platen gap motor.

END

Figure 8-2. Flowchart 2 Figure 8-3. Flowchart 3

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START Is the paper set correctly? NO Set the paper correctly. Return to START.

START
Return to START. Press the paper feed button on the control panel. Does the LED indicate the printer is out of paper? YES Turn on the printers power and feed paper using the buttons on the control panel. Is the paper YES feed operation normal? NO Adjust the timing belt. NO Check the output voltage of the power supply board. Is the voltage normal? YES Replace the operation panel. Replace the power supply board.

YES Turn off the printers power and check if the knob moves smoothly when turned manually. Does the knob YES turn smoothly? NO Replace the printer mechanism. Turn the printers power on and check if the PF motor is excited. NO Is the PF motor excited? YES Replace the control board. YES Normal? NO Replacev the control board. END YES

NO

Operate each button on the control panel, checking the printers operation.

Is the LED indication normal? YES

NO

Replace the operation panel. YES Normal? NO

Normal? NO Does the paper YES get caught on the print head? NO Adjust the Replace the printer platen gap. mechanism. YES YES

Replace the control board.

Normal?

NO Replace the printer mechanism. END

YES

Normal? NO A

Normal? NO Replace the platen gap motor. Normal? NO A

END

Figure 8-5. Flowchart 5

Replace the control board.

YES

END

Figure 8-4. Flowchart 4

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START
Return to START. Carry out self-test printing. Is the self-test printing normal? YES

NO

Proceed to other troubleshooting.

Is the interface selected automatically? YES Replace the interface cable.

NO

Return to interface auto selection.

Normal? NO Replace the control board.

YES

Normal? NO Replace the power supply board.

YES

END

Figure 8-6. Flowchart 6

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8.1.2 Ink Jet Printer

The PM770C is used as an example for troubleshooting of an ink jet printer.

START

Table 8-2. Trouble Manifestations

Manifestation The printer does not operate at all. Errors are detected. Cause Flow Chart Proceed to Flow Chart 7. Proceed to Flow Chart 8. Proceed to Flo w Chart 9.

None of the LEDs light up. The printer mechanism does not move
at all. The LED indicates an error message. The printer does not print. Print errors occur. Print quality is poor. The paper feed operation is abnormal. Paper jams occur. The top of sheet position deviates.

Is the AC power supply normal? YES

NO

Input the normal power supply.

The printing operation is abnormal. The paper feed operation is not performed normally.
The operation panel is abnormal.

Is fuse F1 on the power supply board blown? NO

YES

Replace the fuse. Disconnect CN10 on the control board and turn the power on again.

Proceed to Flow Chart 10. Proceed to Flow Chart 11.

Check the output voltage at CN2 on the power supply board.

NO

Is fuse blown again? YES

The printer doesnt respond when the buttons are pressed.

Is the power supply NO boards output voltage normal? YES Replace the control board. Check the motors and heads. Refer to the printer mechanism repairs. Replace the power

END

Figure 8-7. Flowchart 7

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START

START
Carry out self-test printing.

Check the error message.

Could the printer NO print? Is it a carriage error? NO Does the carriage move smoothly? YES Check the CR motor, and if there is no problem, replace the control board. Was the problem solved? YES Was the problem solved? NO NO Replace the ink cartridge with a new one. YES Turn off the power and move the carriage manually. YES Was the print quality normal? YES NO NO Perform cleaning Carry out adjustment. Are all the cables connected to the control board? YES NO Connect all the cables. Was the problem solved? NO YES NO Was the problem solved? YES

Is it an ink cartridge error? NO Is it a maintenance error?

YES

Replace the ink cartridge with a new one.

Proceed to printer mechanism repairs.

YES

Did the error happen again? NO YES

Replace the waste ink pads and reset the EEPROM.

YES Was the problem solved? NO

Proceed to printer mechanism repairs.

Replace the control board.

check the ink cartridge sensor and if nothing is abnormal, replace the print head.

Refer to the printer mechanism repairs.

YES

Was the problem solved?

NO

END

END

END

END

END

Figure 8-8. Flowchart 8

Figure 8-9. Flowchart 9

Trouble Shooting

Outline

170

EPSON TOP

Revision C

START

START

Is the paper set correctly in the NO ASF? Set the paper correctly?

Is the operation panel connected correctly? YES

NO

Connect the operation panel correctly.

Is the paper feed roller turning? YES

NO

Does the PF motor turn? YES

NO Check the PF motor, and if there is no problem, replace the control board. Replace the operation panel.

Was the problem solved? NO

YES

If a foreign object has gotten in the paper path, remove it.

Clean the rollers along the paper path.

Was the problem solved? YES

Replace the operation panel. NO Repair the printer mechanism. YES

NO Replace the control board.

END

END

END

END

Figure 8-10. Flowchart 10

Figure 8-11. Flowchart 11

Trouble Shooting

Outline

171

CHAPTER

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

EPSON TOP
In this chapter, the terminology used for EPSON products is explained.

Revision C 10BASE-5 (Ten Base Five)

This standard has a communications rate of 10 Mbps, and uses a thick coaxial cable, enabling connections up to a maximum length of 500 m. It is used as the trunk cable for large scale LAN.

NUMBERS 1-dimensional Image Sensor

This is an image sensor that scans a 1-dimensional image. The sensor elements are arranged in a single dimension and the sensor reads one line (sweep) at a time. Ordinarily, this kind of sensor is used in image scanners.

10BASE-T (Ten Base T)

This is one type of Ethernet system that uses twisted pair cable and has a communications rate of 10 Mbps.

Hexadecimal
Alphanumeric characters used for base 16 notation. 16 characters, from 0 to 10 and from A to F, are used.

100BASE-T
This is a type of Ethernet system with the communications rate increased to 100 Mbps.

2-dimensional Image Sensor

An image sensor that scans 2-dimensional images. Such a sensor is used for the sensor in digital cameras.

( Correction
This corrects the darkness or lightness so that the output is proportional to the incident luminous flux.

2-value Encoding
This operation decides a predetermined threshold value for an input image with dark and light portions and quantifies it at two levels.

ALPHABET
-A-

2-value Encoding Level

This is the threshold value used for 2-level encoding.

Apple Talk
This is the communications convention exclusively for network communications with the Macintosh computer made by Apply Computers, Inc. It is also the name for the software used.

9-division Method
This is a means of preventing the lines in the image from looking jagged when a 2-value image is enlarged, and preventing the lines from being broken or crushed when the image is reduced, etc. It divides the original pixel into a rectangular area with 3 divisions vertically and horizontally for a total of 9 divisions, then in accordance with the area in those 9 areas where the dot exists, the pixel value of that dot is decided.

A3
Paper size measuring 297 (Width) x 420 mm (Length).

A3 Extended (A3+)
Paper size measuring 329 (Width) x 483 mm (Length).

10BASE-2 (Ten Base Two)

This is an Ethernet standard which specifies a communications rate of 10 Mbps and uses coaxial cable connections up to a maximum length of 200 m. This was used widely in the past, but it has been replaced by 10BASE-T.

A4
Paper size measuring 210 (Width) x 279 mm (Length).

A6
Paper size measuring 105 (Width) x 148 mm (Length).

Glossary of Terms

173

EPSON TOP ADF (Auto Document Feeder)

This is an automatic paper feed mechanism. This device feeds original documents automatically into a scanner when a large number of sheets is being scanned.

Revision C Byte
This is a unit of information (amount of data) handled in a computer or printer. Data are configured so that 1 Byte = 8 bits. Alphanumeric characters can be expressed with 1 byte, but Kanji are so numerous that it is necessary to use 2 bytes of information to represent 1 character.

Application Software
This is software for executing business processing on a computer. Word processing software, spread sheet software and image processing software are included.

B4
Paper size measuring 257 (Width) x 364 mm (Length).

ASF (Auto Sheet Feeder)

This is a paper feed mechanism for printers. -B-

B5
Paper size measuring 182 (Width) x 257 mm (Length). -C-

Baud Rate
This is a scale that shows the data transmission speed. When a serial interface is used, it is used in connections between the computer and peripheral devices. It is expressed as bps when specifying the volume of data (bits) transferred in one second.

Capping
This is the function or operation that caps the print head on the printer to prevent the print head from drying on an ink jet printer.

Carriage
This is the unit that moves the print head and ink cartridge to the left and right.

Bit
This is a unit of information (amount of data) handled in a computer or printer. Data are configured so that 1 Byte = 8 bits. Alphanumeric characters can be expressed with 1 byte, but Kanji are so numerous that it is necessary to use 2 bytes of information to represent 1 character.

Carriage Return
This moves the print position to the left margin position on the next line.

Centronics Interface
This is an 8-bit parallel interface that uses an asynchronous check method, originally developed by the Centronics Company as a printer interface. Data are unidirectional and control is carried out through many control lines other than the data lines. Since the signal level is TTL, it is weak when it comes to noise, and the maximum distance data can be transmitted is about 3 m.

Bitmap Font
This is a font that is stored as a group of dots.

Black Standard
Of the video output signals of an image sensor, the output level of the sensor element at the portion where light is not being shined is made the black standard. Using this standard level, correction for changes in temperature of the output when it is dark can be made in the external circuit.

Check Box
This is a square mark "[ ]" for specifying whether to enable or disable an item in a dialog box or window displayed on a computer screen. Enable or disable can be toggled by clicking the check box with the mouse button.

Buffer
The temporary storage of data. Also, the memory used for such storage.

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174

EPSON TOP Click

This is pressing the button on the mouse one time. This is the operation that is performed when selecting an icon or a button displayed on the computer screen. Furthermore, if the mouse button is clicked 2 times in succession, it is called "doubleclick."

Revision C Compression
This is the method of packing one, two or more files / data into a smaller area to reduce the volume of memory that is used. If an application program has been downloaded, there are many cases where it is compressed. To use compressed data, it is necessary to decompress the data and restore them to the original data. (This is called "thawing.")

Cleaning
This function cleans the surface of the ink jet printers print heads and clears clogging of the nozzles.

Control Code
This is code sent from the computer to the printer for controlling the functions of the printer (command code).

Clogged Nozzle Check Pattern

A grid-like pattern for checking whether or not the print head nozzles are clogged. It may be printed at the beginning of the self-test.

CPI (Characters Per Inch)

This is the unit which expresses the number of characters that can be printed in a 25.4 mm (1 inch) width.

Color Balance
In color reproduction, this is the relationship of the mutual brightness and darkness of each primary color. For example, if colorless is quite faithfully reproduced, it is said that the color balance is good.

CPL (Characters Per Line)

This is the unit which expresses the number of characters that can be printed on a line.

Color Correction
This process makes it possible to express the original image in true color through corrections such as tonal corrections of image data divided into the three primary colors, R, G and B. Ordinarily, it involves making an image to appear natural to the human eye.

CPS (Characters Per Second)

This expresses the number of single byte characters that can be printed in one second. -D-

Color Matching
This is the function that matches the colors in the print results with the colors in the image in the display and with the original image.

Data Rate
This is the speed at which pixel units of information are output by an image sensor. The unit which is the inverse of the output time per pixel is MHz.

ColorSync
This is one color management function for Macintosh offered by Apple Computer, Inc. It performs color matching of the original screen (print data) and the image in the display and shows it in the printing results. In order to activate the ColorSync function 100%, it is necessary for the print data, display, output device (printer), all the devices in the system, to be compatible with ColorSync.

Dither
A method of changing and binary encoding the threshold values for images with dark and light portions through random numbers or pseudo-random numbers. Due to different ways of thinking about random numbers, the dither method is divided between the random dither method and the systematic dither method.

Dither Matrix
This is a mask that generates pseudo random numbers used for dithering to express pseudo-intermediate tones. Normally, 4 x 4 ~ 8 x 8 is used.

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175

EPSON TOP DPI (Dots Per Inch)

This is the unit which expresses the number of dots that can be printed in a 25.4 mm (1 inch) width, and shows the resolution.

Revision C Error Dispersion Method

This is one method of displaying intermediate colors or tones, etc. during printing. Printing can be done with the most natural feel when printing photographs, etc. To say it more accurately, this is a method of quantization where the error between neighboring points is dispersed so that the quantization error is averaged out and minimized.

DMA (Direct Memory Access)

This is a method of exchanging data directly between the main memory and peripheral devices, or between peripheral devices without going through the CPU.

Double Click
See the item Click.

ESC (Escape)
This is an expansion code. Combining this code with the code that follows after makes it possible to realize a single function (27 (1BH)) in the ASCII Code Table.

Download
This is a function or operation where a program or data stored in a host computer is copied to your computer via network communications.

ESC/P (EPSON Standard Code For Printer)

This is a control code system for terminal printers that was standardized by Seiko EPSON. Printer control is carried out through use of this system.

Dropout Color
Among the images printed or typed on a document, this is the color that will not show up as an image when the document is scanned with an image scanner. The ruled line frames on OCR ledgers, etc. are printed in this color.

Ethernet
This is a basic communications system for LAN developed by Xerox Corp. It is distinguished by the n BASE - m naming system in accordance with the communications rate and the connected cable. The n represents the communications rate and the m expresses the type of cable used. Example: 10BASE-2.

Dynamic Range
This shows the range of signals that an image sensor is capable of sensing. -E-

EtherTalk
This is PROM that can have its contents cleared or written to it electrically. This is the AppleTalk communications convention for connecting Macintosh computers to the Ethernet. Its data communications rate is faster than when the network connections are done using LocalTalk. -F-

EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable ROM) EPSON Remote!

This is utility software that enables each of the printer settings to be changed form the computer screen.

FG (Frame Ground) Line

This is a wire connected to the printer and computer to eliminate potential differences between them and to stabilize the devices operation from noise.

ink charge
This is ink charge the print head of an ink jet printer with ink all the way to the print head nozzles to make the printer ready for printing.

Glossary of Terms

176

EPSON TOP Fine Printing

This is a function that prints at a resolution of 360 DPI.

Revision C Handshake
This is an exchange of status between two devices that are transferring send and receive control information between themselves apart from the data that are being transferred. -I-

Fixer
The mechanism that fixes the toner on a sheet of paper by heat and pressure.

Flushing
In order to prevent the viscosity of ink inside the print head or nozzles of an ink jet printer from increasing during continuous printing, this process of spraying a fixed quantity of ink while the print head is capped or outside the print area is used.

Icon
This is an image graphic such a file or document or folder that is displayed on the computer screen. If the mouse is used to click on the icon or otherwise manipulate it, the computer is instructed to perform various commands.

Font (Typeface)
This is a set of letters. Minchotai and Gothic are examples of fonts.

IEEE-488
This is the GPIB interface.

Form Feed
This is moving the print position to the top left margin position (the position where printing starts) on the next page. -G-

Image Correction
In scan processing, the various distortions of image quality are removed and the image is converted to an easy to see image.

Image Quality Correction Function

This is the function of matching the image quality to the desired quality.

Gap Adjustment
This function adjusts the black / color ink spraying position. By performing this function, deviation between the black ink and color ink print position can be corrected.

Image Sensor
This is a sensor element that detects 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional objects of character, picture or other information and converts it into electrical signals. A CCD is one type of such a sensor.

GPIB
This is an interface system for instruments devices used by the Hewlett Packard Company. Devices that can be connected to this interface each have a device address and data from the desired device which have an address included with them are received from that device. This interface is also called HPIB and IEEE-488.

Initial Operation
This is the printers warming up operation when the power switch is turned on. The printer mechanism and circuit boards are checked and (timer) cleaning is performed.

Graphics Accelerator
An exclusive video adapter that accelerates the graphics display. -H-

Initial Setting Value

This is the setting selected when the power switch is turned On.

Ink Cartridge
A container that holds ink for printing.

Glossary of Terms

177

EPSON TOP Ink Jet Printer

This is a printer that that prints by spraying ink on a sheet of paper form nozzles in the print head.

Revision C Letter
Paper size measuring 216 mm(Width) x 279 mm (Length).

Installer
This program copies data or software, etc. supplied on a CD-ROM or floppy disk to the computers hard disk and automatically modifies the computers environment so make it possible to use the installed software, etc.

Line Density
This means pixel density, resolution.

Line Sequence
This is a system for arranging color signals, with each of the color component signals in each line of an image arranged unidimensionally in sequence.

Interface
This is the contacts (boundary face) where devices with different functions and conditions, such as a printer and computer, are connected together. It also refers to hardware or software as well as connection specifications for exchanging data, etc. between those devices.

LocalTalk
This is one of the AppleTalk network systems which the Macintosh computer made by Apple Computer, Inc. is equipped with. The data communications rate is slow compared to EtherTalk.

Interface Cable
This is a cable that connects between interfaces.

Logical Seeking
This is the bi-directional shortest distance printing function. After a line is printed, the printer is controlled so that it will travel the shortest distance to move to the print start position on the next line.

Interface Card
This is a card that is installed in a printer if you desire to increase the available interfaces to include an interface that is not installed as standard equipment in the printer, etc. Various cards are available to meet the purposes of different users.

Luminance Pattern Method

This is the method where blocks of n x n dots are created, and this block is made to correspond to one pixel in a dark and light image to express the intermediate tone luminosity. The tonal gradation can be correctly represented. -M-

Intermediate Tone Specification

This is specification of the method of processing when expressing an image with dark and light portions in pseudo intermediate tones. So that a satisfactory output image may be obtained, single binary, dither, the luminosity pattern method, etc. or dither matrix can be selected. -K-

Magnification
This is the rate of enlargement or reduced of an image.

Kbyte
This is a unit of data volume. 1 K Bytes = 1024 Bytes -L-

Main Scanning Direction

In an image scanner that uses a 1-dimensional image sensor, this is the scanning direction of the image sensor. In a laser printer, it is the lasers sweep direction. In a serial printer, it is the direction of movement of the carriage. The direction opposite that of the main scanning direction is the subscanning direction.

Legal
Paper size measuring 216 mm (Width) x 356 mm (Length).

Glossary of Terms

178

EPSON TOP Margin

This is the white space on a document. It is called the area on a sheet of paper that it is physically impossible to print on.

Revision C OHP Sheet

This is transparent film used for overhead projectors (OHP).

Mbyte (Mega Byte)

This is a unit of data volume. 1 Mbyte = 1024 Kbytes = 1024 x 1024 Bytes.

Outline Font
This is a font that is defined numerically. It is comparable to a bitmap font. With an outline font, the size and orientation, etc. as well as the character attributes can be changed freely to a certain extent. -P-

Memory
The component where information (data) is stored. ROM or RAM, etc. correspond to memory.

Paper Eject
This is outputting of paper from the printer.

Microweave
This is a print method that reduces printing nonuniformities between lines and enables the expression of higher quality graphics images.

Paper Feed
This is the feeding of paper into the printer to the top of form position.

Multi-value Level
This is the borderline value for quantization when there are not just two levels of density in an image, 0 and 1, but 3 or more levels, such as 0, 1, 2 ..... -N-

Photo Printing
This is a function that prints at a resolution of 1440 DPI x 720 dpi.

Picture Element
This is the minimum unit of image configuration. It is called a pixel.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

A component of the Ethernet system.

Parallel Interface
An interface that carries out data transfers 8 bits at a time.

Nozzle
The spray outlet for ink. If the ink becomes dry and clogs this hole, print quality will be poor.

Parity Check
This is an error check that is performed when transferring data.

Number of Gradation Tones

This is the number of shades of dark and light of an image (called the quantization number). There are 64~256 tones, etc. When an image that is based on analog data is digitized for image processing, the more gradation tones there are, the smoother the image becomes. -OOCR Optical Character Reader) This is a device that scans characters printed by machine or characters written by hand optically and converts them to character code.

Pixel Density
This is the number of pixels existing in a predetermined length, the resolution or the line density.

Plug and Play

This is the function offered with Windows 95 where a hardware device (such as a printer) could have its operating environment set automatically when the computer was started, simply by connecting it to the computer, and be ready to use right away. This function was not adopted in Windows NT 4.0, but its adoption was planned for version 5.0.

Glossary of Terms

179

EPSON TOP Point

This is a term used in Windows 95. It means to place the cursor on the desired item in a menu on the screen using the mouse, with the result that a menu corresponding to that item which is on a different layer is displayed automatically without clicking on it. It is also used to express the character size.

Revision C Protocols
This is a set of rules for deciding how signals are exchanged, used for controlling communications.

PROM (Programmable ROM)

This is ROM where a program or data can be written.

Point Sequence
This is a method of arranging color signals where each color component signal for each pixel unit is arranged in sequence unidimensionally.

Pseudo Intermediate Tone

The expression of an image with light and dark portions as if it had light and dark positions while only being able to display and print it out on equipment that is capable of only 2-value data. Two methods are widely used to render pseudo intermediate tones, the luminance pattern method and the dither method. -Q-

Port
This is a connector or socket used to connect a printer, modem or other peripheral device to a computer. Ordinarily, it is located on the read side of the computer case.

PPC (Plain Paper Copier)

This is a copy machine which uses an electrophotographic recording system.

Quantization
This causes pixels of a scanned image to correspond to any of several preset levels. It is dividing the output levels so they match with the tonal level of the dark and light portions of the image. -R-

PPC Paper (Plain Paper Copier Paper)

This is paper used in a PPC. The surface is smooth, so ordinarily, it is used as high quality printer paper.

PPM (Pages Per Minute)

This is the number of sheets of paper that can be printed in one minutes. It shows the print speed for page printers, etc.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

This is memory that data can be written to.

Reset
This clears the buffer and returns each setting value to the initial setting value.

Printable Area
This is the area that it is guaranteed can be printed to on a sheet of paper without fail when the print contents are printed out. Data that are created which exceed this area are either not printed, or are printed on the next page.

Resolution
This is an index that expresses the fineness of image quality, and which is ordinarily expressed as the number of dots per inch (25.4 mm), DPI. it is also used for pixel density and line density. If the resolution becomes large, the image quality also becomes better, but the volume of data that must be processed by the computer becomes great and printing takes a longer amount of time.

Printer Driver
This is software incorporated into some systems which converts commands from application programs to printer commands.

Print Head
This is the part of a printer that actually performs the printing.

RGB (Red - Green - Blue) Output

This is image signal (scanning data) output for signals divided into the three primary colors, R (Red), G (Green) and B (Blue) in a color image scanner.

Glossary of Terms

180

EPSON TOP ROM (Read Only Memory)

This is memory used exclusively for reading of data.

Revision C Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the image sensor which specifies the output voltage obtained for the unit exposure amount.

RS232C
This is a serial interface standard for data terminals and data communications devices (such as a MODEM) specified jointly by the EIA and Bell Labs in the US.

Serial Interface
This is an interface that transfers data 1 bit at a time. The RS-232C and RS422 are serial interfaces.

RS-422
This is an interface standard specified by the EIA in the US which is an expanded standard over the RS-232C standard. The RS-422 interface which improves on the shortcomings of the RS-232C, "short cable length" and low anti-noise performance) using differential amplification. Therefore, long distances and high speed data transfers are enabled and it is used not only for serial transfers but also for parallel transfers. Furthermore, the RS-422 range specified by the EIA is only an electrical specification for a receiver and driver.

Shading
This is nonuniformity in the reproduced image caused by uneven illumination, nonuniformity in the image sensors sensitivity, or decreasing light levels in the area surrounding the optical system.

Smoothing
This is making the image smooth.

SPC Method (Selective Processing Conversion Method)

This is one means of preventing image quality deterioration occurring when a 2-value image is enlarged or reduced. Of the four pixels that surround point P, the value of the point that has the highest correlation with point P (in many cases, the point that is closest) is made the pixel value of point P.

Rubbing
This is an operation to remove hardened or sticky ink, or dirt, from the surface of the print head in an ink jet printer. -S-

Stacker
This is the unit where printed sheets or original documents are delivered one at a time from the machine after printing or scanning is finished and stacked up in order.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

This is an interface specification adopted by ANSI in June, 1986 as a standard interface for connecting computers and peripheral devices.

Status Sheet
This sheet has the printers setting information printed out on it.

Self-test
This is a test without the printer connected to the computer where the printers operation and print function is checked to make sure there are no problems. It is effective for determining if the cause of a hindrance is in the printer or in the computer or the interface cable. If the nozzle clogging check pattern is included in the ink jet printers selftest, you can check if the nozzles are clogged or not.

Sub-scanning
With respect to the 2-dimensional information on the original document, this is scanning in the direction that is at right angles to main scanning.

Sub-scanning Direction
This is the direction that is at right angles on the same plane to the main scanning direction. It is the paper feed direction in a laser printer or an image scanner.

Glossary of Terms

181

EPSON TOP Super Fine Printing

This is printing at a resolution of 720 DPI.

Revision C VGA
640 x 480 dots per inch

Surface Sequence
This is a system for color signal arrangement, in which the component signals for each color on each screen are arranged in sequence 1-dimensionally. -T-

SVGA
800 x 600 dots per inch -W-

Thawing
This is the process of decompressing compressed data and restoring it to its original file contents.

Weight
This is a unit that expresses the thickness of paper (g / m2).

White Standard
This is a signal that is created in the image sensors internal circuitry and becomes the white standard. This signal is used as the standard input of the scanners gain control circuit. -X-

Threshold Value
This is the borderline value for when images with density are rendered in gradation tones. It is also called the slice level.

Throughput
This is the volume of work that can be accomplished within a given period of time. Ordinarily, we say that this is the length of time from the point when the print command and data are sent from the computer to the printer until the paper is printed out and ejected from the printer.

XGA
1024 x 768 dots per inch Furthermore, depending on the computer used, and according to the function of the graphics accelerator installed in the computer, it is possible to obtain higher resolutions and display more colors.

Tonal Correction
This is correction of the darkness or lightness of an image.

Toner
This is a carbon powder that is fixed on paper for printing.

Top of Page Position

This is the position on a sheet of paper where printing first starts. -V-

VGA
Originally, this was the name of the graphics control chip in the IBM PS/2 computers. It showed the display capacity of the display in such areas as resolution and number of colors. SVGA is an expansion of VGA. Ordinarily, it has the following display capacity.

Glossary of Terms

182