CN105142913A - Techniques for print ink droplet measurement and control to deposit fluids within precise tolerances - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink printing process employs per-nozzle droplet volume measurement and processing software that plans droplet combinations to reach specific aggregate ink fills per target region, guaranteeing compliance with minimum and maximum ink fills set by specification. In various embodiments, different droplet combinations are produced through different printhead/substrate scan offsets, offsets between printheads, the use of different nozzle drive waveforms, and/or other techniques. These combinations can be based on repeated, rapid droplet measurements that develop understandings for each nozzle of means and spreads for expected droplet volume, velocity and trajectory, with combinations of droplets being planned based on these statistical parameters. Optionally, random fill variation can be introduced so as to mitigate Mura effects in a finished display device. The disclosed techniques have many possible applications.

Description

For the technology measured in order to the pad-ink drop of deposits fluid in precision tolerances and control

The cross reference of related application

This application requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/950 representing " TechniquesForPrintInkDropletVolumeMeasurementAndControlO verDepositedFluidsWithinPreciseTolerances " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted on March 10th, 2014, the priority of 820.This application is also represent the first name inventor NahidHarjee submits the U.S. Utility Patent application No.14/162525 of " TechniquesforPrintInkVolumeControlToDepositFluidsWithinP reciseTolerances " to continuity on January 23rd, 2014 to a certain extent.U.S. Utility Patent application No.14/162525 requires the priority representing the Taiwan Patent application No.102148330 that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted to about " TechniquesforPrintInkVolumeControlToDepositFluidsWithinP reciseTolerances " on December 26th, 2013, and is also the continuity representing the PCT patent application No.PCT/US2013/077720 that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted to about " TechniquesforPrintInkVolumeControlToDepositFluidsWithinP reciseTolerances " on December 24th, 2013.PCT patent application No.PCT/US2013/077720 requires the priority of each in following patent application: represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/746 about " SmartMixing " that the first name inventor ConorFrancisMadigan submitted on December 27th, 2012,545; Represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/822855 about " SystemsandMethodsProvidingUniformPrintingofOLEDPanels " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted on May 13rd, 2013; Represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/842351 about " SystemsandMethodsProvidingUniformPrintingofOLEDPanels " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted on July 2nd, 2013; Represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/857298 about " SystemsandMethodsProvidingUniformPrintingofOLEDPanels " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted on July 23rd, 2013; Represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/898769 about " SystemsandMethodsProvidingUniformPrintingofOLEDPanels " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submitted on November 1st, 2013; And represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/920 about " TechniquesforPrintInkVolumeControlToDepositFluidsWithinP reciseTolerances " that the first name inventor NahidHarjee submits on December 24th, 2013,715.This application also requires to represent the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/816696 about " OLEDPrintingSystemsandMethodsUsingLaserLightScatteringfo rMeasuringInkDropSize; VelocityandTrajectory " that the first name inventor AlexanderSou-KangKo submits on April 26th, 2014 and represents the interests of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/866031 about " OLEDPrintingSystemsandMethodsUsingLaserLightScatteringfo rMeasuringInkDropSize, VelocityandTrajectory " that the first name inventor AlexanderSou-KangKo submitted on August 14th, 2013.Each in aforementioned patent applications is merged into this by reference.

Technical field

The disclosure relates to for measuring with high statistics precision the technology being prepared by Organic Light Emitting Diode (" OLED ") equipment to used ink liquid droplets volume, relate to for be polymerized the usage that the drop of fluid ink to be sent to the print processing of the target area of substrate by quantity accurately, and relate to relevant method, equipment, improvement and system.In a non-limiting application, the technology that the disclosure provides can be applied to the manufacture process for OLED display panel.

Background technology

Have in the print processing of multiple nozzle at printhead, not each nozzle reacts to standard drive waveform in the same manner, and namely each nozzle may produce the drop of slightly different volume.When depending on nozzle to be deposited to by fluid drop in corresponding fluids crystallizing field (" target area "), being lack of consistency and may causing problem.Apply for the manufacture of ink transfer cylinder by the material of the permanent membrane structure become in electronic equipment, situation is especially true.The example application that this problem occurs is in the manufacture process being applied to the display (such as Organic Light Emitting Diode (" OLED ") display) that preparation uses for small-sized and large scale electronic equipment (such as portable set, the clear degree television panels of large-scale high-definition and miscellaneous equipment).When using print processing to carry photogenerated material with the ink depositing these displays, the visible ray that the volume difference across the row or column of pixel contributes in shown image shines or color flaw.Note, " ink " used herein refer to the nozzle of printhead be applied to any fluid of substrate, and regardless of chromatic characteristic; Such as, in mentioned OLED display Application and preparation, ink typically deposits and puts in place, then be subject to processing, dry or solidification, directly to form permanent materials layer, and this process can be repeated by identical ink or different ink, to form some layers like this.

Figure 1A is used to introduce this nozzle drop problem of inconsistency with the explanatory by usually using label 101 to refer to.In figure ia, printhead 103 is visible as five inkjet nozzle of the little triangle description with the bottom place being all used in printhead, and it is numbered respectively (1)-(5).Note, manufacture in application typical case, depend on application, the nozzle (such as 24-10,000) being much greater than five can be there is; In the case of fig. ia, for ease of understanding, five nozzles are referred to simply.Should suppose, in example application, expect the fluid deposition of 50 skin liters (50.00pL) in each in five specific target site of the array in these regions, in addition, the fluid of ten skin liters (10.00pL) should be ejected in each in each target area by each relative movement between printhead and substrate (" by " or " scanning ") by each in five nozzles of printhead.Target area can be any surface area of substrate, comprises the region of unseparated district (such as, thus the fluid ink deposited partly spreads, to mix between each region) or the corresponding flow control type isolation of adjoining.Usually oval 104-108 is used to represent these regions in figure ia respectively.Therefore, can suppose printhead definite five times by being necessary for each in filling five specific target site as described.But in fact print-head nozzle will have some small changes in structure or excitation, thus the given drive waveforms being applied to each nozzle transducer produces slightly different droplet size for each nozzle.As described in figure ia, such as, each droplet size by generation 9.80 skin liter (pL) of transmitting tonneau of nozzle (1), wherein, five 9.80pL drops are described in oval 104.Note, each in drop is represented by the diverse location in target area 104 in the drawings, but in fact, and the position of each in drop can be identical or can be overlapping.By contrast, nozzle (2)-(5) produce the slightly different corresponding droplet size of 10.01pL, 9.89pL, 9.96pL and 10.03pL.By when each nozzle on the basis of mutual exclusion by fluid deposition to target area 104-108 printhead and substrate between pass through for five times, this deposition will produce across total ink deposition Volume Changes of the 1.15pL of five target areas; This may be unacceptable for a lot of application.Such as, in some applications, just problem may be caused as a percentage (or even far away less) so few difference in the fluid deposited; When prepared by OLED display, this change may cause the image artefacts that can observe in made display potentially.

Therefore the manufacturer of the display of TV and other form by effectively specifying the precise volumes scope (such as 50.00pL, ± 0.25pL) that must observe with pinpoint accuracy, acceptable to make products obtained therefrom be seen as being; Note, in the exemplary case, specified tolerance limit must in the percentage of 0.5 of the target of 50.00pL.Deposit in the application in the pixel in the respective horizontal row of high-definition television (" HDTV ") screen at each nozzle represented by Figure 1A, therefore the change of the 49.02pL-50.17pL described may produce unacceptable quality, this approximately ± 1.2% changes (such as, not being ± 0.5% expectation the Maximum tolerance changed) because will represent.Although display technology has been quoted from as example, should be understood that nozzle drop problem of inconsistency may appear in other situation.

In figure ia, nozzle is aimed at target area (such as trap) particularly, prints in specific target site to make specific nozzle.In fig. ib, replacement situation 151 is shown, wherein, nozzle is not aimed at particularly, but spray nozzle density is very high relative to target area density; In the case, be used to print in these target areas in scanning or by any one nozzle that period crosses specific target area by chance, wherein, in passing through, several nozzles cross each target area potentially at every turn.In the example shown, visible printhead 153 has five inkjet nozzle, and visible substrate has two target area 154-155, each being positioned as makes: target area 154 will be crossed in nozzle (1) and (2), target area 155 will be crossed in nozzle (4) and (5), and nozzle (3) will not cross any target area.As shown, in passing through, one or two drop is deposited in each trap, as depicted at every turn.Again note, drop can be deposited in an overlapping manner, or is deposited on the discrete point place in each target area, and the particular illustration in Figure 1B is only illustrative; As for the example presented in Figure 1A, supposition is expected by the fluid deposition of 50 skin liters (50.00pL) in each in target area 154-155 again, and each nozzle has the nominal drop volume of approximate 10.00pL.Utilize and change with the identical every nozzle droplet size observed about the example of Figure 1A, and assuming that given by each nozzle overlapping with target area drop is transported in this target area, until delivered five drops altogether, observe that target area is filled in passing through at three times, and there is distance total ink deposition Volume Changes of target of 50.00pL of 0.58pL and the further difference outside specified tolerance limit across two target areas; Again, this may be unacceptable for a lot of application.

Note, relevant with above example, even for given nozzle and given drive waveforms, the problem that also may statistically may change because of droplet size and increase the weight of drop consistency problem further.Therefore, in example discussed above, although assuming that the nozzle (1) of printhead from Figure 1A and Figure 1B will produce the droplet size of 9.80pL in response to given drive waveforms, but in fact, when real world, can suppose that droplet size depends on various factors (such as technique, voltage, temperature, printhead aging and a lot of other factors) and changes to a certain extent, to such an extent as to may and non-precision know actual droplet size.

Although the technology that proposed solves drop consistency problem, but in general, these technology or still reliably do not provide rest on the packing volume expected in marginal range, they increase manufacturing time and cost sharp, namely they with there is high-quality target when low consumption person's price point and do not conform to; Such quality and at a low price lattice point may be crucial for the application paying close attention to commercial product (such as HDTV).

Therefore, it is desirable that concerning using the printhead with nozzle by technology useful on fluid deposition to the target area of substrate.More particularly, required is for allowing rapid fluid electroless copper deposition operation and the effective basis of cost of the speed of the preparation that therefore improves equipment, although the change having nozzle drop to spray volume also accurately controls the technology of the fluid volume deposited in the corresponding target area of substrate ideally.Following technology meets these needs, and provides further relevant advantage.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Figure 1A presents the diagram by the hypothesis problem of ink deposition in the target area of substrate, wherein, uses the printhead with five nozzles, fills with the target depositing 50.00pL in each in five specific target areas.

Figure 1B presents another diagram by the hypothesis problem of ink deposition in the target area of substrate, wherein, uses the printhead with five nozzles, fills with the target depositing 50.00pL in each in two specific target areas.

Fig. 2 A illustrates the explanatory can measuring the drops measuring system of droplet size for each nozzle of large print head assembly.

Fig. 2 B illustrates and the method diagram each nozzle being measured to various process that droplet size associates and option.

Fig. 2 C illustrates and the method diagram each nozzle being measured to various process that droplet size associates and option, understands for the high confidence level realizing expected droplet size.

Fig. 2 D is the schematic diagram of the layout illustrated for performing the various parts used in an embodiment of drop measurement.

Fig. 2 E is the schematic diagram of the layout illustrated for performing the various parts used in another embodiment of drop measurement.

Fig. 3 A provide illustrate can embody the technology introduced all independently above a series of optional layers (tier), product or service explanatory.

Fig. 3 B be illustrate substrate finally for the formation of have pixel display pannel application in printer and substrate hypothesis arrange explanatory.

Fig. 3 C is the printhead of Fig. 3 B obtained from the perspective of the straight line C-C from Fig. 3 B and the closed figure in cross section of substrate.

Fig. 4 A is the diagram similar to Figure 1A, but illustrates that the combination of use droplet size reliably to produce ink packing volume for each target area in predetermined marginal range; In one alternate embodiment, the combination of different droplet size is produced from predetermined nozzle firing waveform set, and in another embodiment, use printhead to produce different droplet size from the relative motion (405) between substrate from the respective nozzle of printhead and combine.

Fig. 4 B is for illustrating that relative printhead/basement movement and different droplet size combine the diagram be ejected in the respective objects district of substrate.

Fig. 4 C is for illustrating the diagram using different spray nozzles drive waveforms to combine to produce the different droplet sizes entered in the corresponding target area of substrate at each nozzle place.

Fig. 4 D is the diagram similar to Figure 1B, but illustrates that the combination of use droplet size reliably to produce ink packing volume for each target area in predetermined marginal range; In one alternate embodiment, the combination of different droplet size is produced from predetermined nozzle transmitted waveform set, and in another embodiment, use printhead to produce different droplet size from the relative motion (472) between substrate from the respective nozzle of printhead and combine.

Fig. 5 provides the block diagram of the method for each target area planning drop combination illustrated for substrate; The method can be applied to any embodiment that Fig. 4 A-Fig. 4 D introduces.

Fig. 6 A provides can such as with the block diagram for choosing the specific collection that acceptable drop combines for each target area of substrate that any embodiment introduced above uses.

Fig. 6 B is provided for planning printhead/basement movement iteratively and each print area is used to the block diagram of nozzle based on drop combination.

Fig. 6 C provides and illustrates and optimize printhead/basement movement further and use nozzle, with particularly may perform the mode of printing as far as possible efficiently to the block diagram being scanned into line ordering.

Fig. 6 D is the hypothesis plan view of the substrate by finally producing multiple flat panel display apparatus (such as 683); As region 687 mark, printhead/basement movement can be optimized for the specific region of single flat panel display apparatus, wherein, can repeat or periodic basis is using to optimize across each display apparatus (such as four the flat panel display apparatus described).

Fig. 7 is provided in acceptable tolerance limit, intentionally changing packing volume to reduce the block diagram of the visible artefacts in display apparatus.

Fig. 8 A provides to illustrate how to use drop measurement to hold the statistics variations of the droplet size of every nozzle and every drive waveforms and still to allow the block diagram that the accurate polymerization ink in given target area is filled.

Fig. 8 B provides to illustrate how to plan that drop is measured thus holds the statistics variations of the droplet size of every nozzle and every drive waveforms and still allow the block diagram that the accurate polymerization ink in given target area is filled.

Fig. 9 A provide illustrate when not for printhead nozzle between droplet size change adjust the figure line of change of target area packing volume.

Fig. 9 B provides the figure line of change of the target area packing volume illustrated when using different spray nozzles to compensate droplet size change between the nozzle of printhead with statistical randomly.

Fig. 9 C provides and illustrates and using one or more drops of different volumes with the figure line of the change of the target area packing volume on planned basis in precision tolerances when realize target district packing volume.

Figure 10 A provide illustrate when not for printhead nozzle between droplet size change adjust the figure line of change of target area packing volume.

Figure 10 B provides the figure line of change of the target area packing volume illustrated when using different spray nozzles to compensate droplet size change between the nozzle of printhead with statistical randomly.

Figure 10 C provides and illustrates and using one or more drops of different volumes with the figure line of the change of the target area packing volume on planned basis in precision tolerances when realize target district packing volume.

Figure 11 illustrates the plan view of the printer of the part as preparation facilities; Printer can be in and allow to print in the gas inclusion of generation in controlled atmosphere.

Figure 12 provides the block diagram of printer; Such printer can such as be used in the preparation facilities described in Figure 11 alternatively.

Figure 13 A illustrates and uses multiple printhead (all having nozzle) with the embodiment of ink deposition in substrate.

Figure 13 B illustrates and rotates multiple printhead to be aimed at substrate by the nozzle of corresponding printhead better.

Figure 13 C illustrates the skew of the independent printhead in the multiple printheads associated with intelligent scanning, intentionally to produce the combination of certain droplet volume.

Figure 13 D illustrates the cross section of the substrate comprising the layer that can be used in Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display.

Figure 14 A illustrates customization or changes the multitude of different ways of nozzle firing waveform.

Figure 14 B illustrates the mode defining waveform according to discrete waveform segmentation.

Figure 15 A illustrates and the various combination of predetermined nozzle transmitted waveform can be used to realize the embodiment of different droplet size combination.

Figure 15 B shows and generates programming waveform with at programming time (or position) and the circuit that is associated of the nozzle being put on printhead; Such as, this circuit provides from each possibility implementation in the circuit 1523/1531,1524/1532 and 1525/1533 of Figure 15 A.

Figure 15 C illustrates the flow chart of the embodiment using different spray nozzles transmitted waveform.

Figure 15 D illustrates and the flow chart that nozzle or the qualification of nozzle waveform associate.

Figure 16 illustrates the perspective view of industrial printer.

Figure 17 illustrates another perspective view of industrial printer.

Figure 18 A presents the schematic diagram of the layout illustrated based on the parts in the embodiment of the drops measuring system of echo.

Figure 18 B presents the schematic diagram of the layout illustrated based on the parts in the embodiment of the drops measuring system of interferometric method.

Figure 19 illustrate with alternatively in order to OLED device preparation by integrated to drops measuring system and industrial printer flow chart that illustrative process associates.

The theme defined by the claim enumerated can be understood better by reference to the following detailed description that should read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Set forth below a people can be built and the description of one or more specific embodiments of the various embodiments of the technology using claim to set forth is not intended to limit the claim enumerated, but illustrate that it is applied.When not limiting foregoing teachings, present disclose provides for moving manufactured materials layer by planning printhead thus ink deposition volume remained on the multiple different example of the technology not excessively increasing the number of times (with the time therefore completed needed for sedimentary deposit) that printhead passes through in predetermined tolerance simultaneously.With these technology relatively, drop accurately can be performed and measure, thus utilize and print highly integrated measurement and plan that the synthetic ink in any target area is filled accurately with producing.Various technology can be embodied as software for performing these technology, the form of computer, printer or run the other equipment of described software, form for the formation of the control data (such as printed drawings picture) of material layer, deposition mechanism or the form of the electronic equipment prepared or in addition equipment (such as flat panel equipment or other consumer hold product) as the result of these technology.Although propose concrete example, principle described herein also can be applied to other method, apparatus and system equally.

Detailed description of the invention

The disclosure relates to the use of the print processing in order to layer material to be transferred to substrate, the technology being used for the drop measurement when high accurancy and precision and relevant method, improvement, equipment and system.

The nozzle consistency problem introduced can be solved above by each nozzle droplet size change of the droplet size of nozzle (or across) measuring printhead for given nozzle firing waveform.This allows planning printhead to launch pattern (pattern) and/or the ink of the packing volume to deposit accurately polymerization in each target area that moves.When understanding droplet size and how changing across nozzle, can with adapt to droplet size difference but still along with each by or scanning and the mode that side by side deposits drop in adjacent target district plans printhead/earthing position skew and/or drop emission pattern.From a different perspective, be normalized as change between the nozzle to droplet size or average substituting, measure with planning mode and use the certain droplet bulk properties of each nozzle side by side to realize being polymerized volume in specific scope for multiple target areas of substrate; In many examples, use and reduce scanning according to one or more Optimality Criteria or the optimization process of printhead number of pass times performs this task.

Below proposition is contributed to the multiple different embodiment realizing these results.Each embodiment can be used individually, and clearly expect that the feature of any embodiment can mix from the feature of different embodiment and mate alternatively.

The system that embodiment proposes to provide personalized drop to measure on very large (such as have hundreds of to several thousand nozzles or more) print head assembly and technology.Under using deposition plane, measuring technique (namely, by exceed substrate will for deposition by the relative distance of normally locating by light-redirecting for away near printhead), such as using can (in such as limited space) large print head assembly can berth alternatively (such as at printer service station place) and drop measurement device accurately links relative to large print head assembly making reaching the optical device assembly that activated in three dimensions, thus solves the logistical difficulties with the positioning associated of optical device.Although be restricted space, the accurate placement of the optical device assembly under deposition plane also makes it possible to measure (print head assembly is typically operating in the magnitude of substrate surface 1 millimeter) at the droplet size carrying out packaged nozzle array apart from the distance required by nozzle plate.In one alternate embodiment, optical device system adopts echo and the duplicate measurements of the drop (and alternatively, the nozzle drive waveforms of change) sent from specific nozzle, to increase the statistical confidence of expected droplet size.In another embodiment, optical device system adopts interferometric method and the duplicate measurements of the drop (and alternatively, the nozzle drive waveforms of change) sent from specific nozzle, to increase the statistical confidence of expected droplet size.

Note, in production line, typically expect that there is the downtime little as far as possible, to make productivity maximize and make manufacturing cost minimize.In another embodiment, drop Measuring Time therefore " hide " or " stacking " after other circuit process.Such as, prepare in production line at optional flat panel display, along with each new substrate is loaded or is handled upside down in addition, processes or transfer printing, drop measurement processing is used to carry out the print head assembly of analyzing printer ', to promote that the accurate statistics of every nozzle (and/or every nozzle, every drive waveforms) droplet size is understood.For the print head assembly with tens nozzles, the drop of repetition measures (if such as use multiple drive waveforms, then a large amount of drops of every nozzle, every drive waveforms are measured) the possibility at substantial time; Therefore optional Systematical control process and associated software can perform drop alternatively and measure on the basis of dynamic, increment.Such as, if the load/unload processing requirements supposed such as 30 seconds, wherein, each print processing expends 90 seconds, then in two minute cycle, print head assembly can be measured during load/unload process, renewal drop is measured, with the sliding window of the nozzle/drop analyzed during being used in the load/unload process periodic associated with each two minutes to obtain every nozzle droplet size mean value and confidence interval.Note, much other process is possible, and and not all embodiments requires continuous print dynamic process.But, it is believed that, in fact, droplet size not only for given nozzle and drive waveforms will change relative to other nozzle and drive waveforms, and further, the factor of aging and degradation and so on and other factors owing to the slight change of such as ink property, nozzle, representative value also will change along with the time; Such as therefore advantageously can improve reliability further every several hours to the process being updated periodically measurement over these days.

In another embodiment, drops measuring system uses interferometric method and non-imaged technology, measures, such as to obtain drop very fast, in a few microsecond, perform every drop measure, and be less than the drop measurement performing repetition in 30 minutes across the print head assembly with several thousand nozzles.Contrast with (use camera and the image pixel treatment technology of catching to cubing of deriving) imaging technique, interferometric method technology can be measured by using multiple optical sensor to detect the interference figure spacing of expression droplet profile and this spacing and droplet size being carried out the relevant droplet size accurately that provides.In one implementation, lasing light emitter and/or relevant optical device and/or sensor are mechanically installed for measurement under deposition plane and the effective link relative to large print head assembly.Measure very fast owing to by such system is obtainable, just as described, interferometric method technology is particularly useful in the embodiment performing dynamic increment measurement, and by such technology, when each printing interval, tens to a hundreds of nozzle can stand the drop of repetition and measure (such as the measurement of every nozzle 30 drops), to realize the high statistical confidence near each expected droplet size.

In another embodiment, a lot of drop is taked to measure (embodiment for using the nozzle drive waveforms changed) to every nozzle and every nozzle drive waveforms.Along with the quantity measured increases, become clearly more demarcated about the mean value of each nozzle waveform combination and standard deviation (assuming that normal state random distribution).The Mathematical treatment using software to realize, can create and combine the statistical model for each drop accurately, in the hope of the statistical model of filling for the synthetic ink of every target area.In order to provide example, for each drive waveforms, take a lot of measurement for each nozzle.If the given single measurement expecting droplet size is accurately when the standard deviation of two percentages, then by taking a lot of measurement, obtain satisfactorily mean value accurately when the variance reduced or standard deviation; That is, again suppose normal state random distribution, standard deviation is according to σ/(n) ^1/2reduce because of the quantity n measured, thus four of droplet size measurements will allow standard deviation reduce half, the rest may be inferred.Therefore, in one embodiment, use software to realize the more much higher confidence interval near expected droplet size with the duplicate measurements by planning particularly, this contributes to reducing measure error in fact.Can use and much differently be satisfied with measure, but such as, for expect synthesis filling fall into ± x%(such as target fill ± 0.5%) scope in embodiment, then drop can be taked to measure for each different driving waveform for each nozzle, obtain the confidence interval of 3 σ (99.73%) near the droplet size expected in same range (such as ± 0.5%) inherence of mean drop volume.What perhaps state in addition is, utilize for the accurate statistical model constructed by each different drop, known technology can be used, mathematical combination based on association statistical model plans that drop combine, higher precision near filling in the hope of the every target area ink of polymerization (although droplet size changes between nozzle or between waveform).Note, although use normal state random distribution for the embodiment selected, any statistical model (such as Poisson, Student's-T etc.) can be used, wherein, (such as can pass through software) and combine each distribution, to obtain the polymerization distribution representing that different drop combines.Although it is further noted that in certain embodiments, use 3 σ (99.73%) to estimate, in the embodiment of other expection, use the statistical measurement of other type, such as 4 σ, 5 σ or 6 σ or estimating of not specifically associating with random distribution.

Try to achieve for each liquid drop speed of nozzle waveform combination and the model of flight path it is noted that similar technique can be applied to.These variablees can be applied further in other embodiment.

Any displacement of above-mentioned technology and embodiment and subset can be applied to accurately to be planned for the polymerization ink filling (namely in the mode planned for specific synthesis volume based on every nozzle droplet size change) in target area.That is, not attempt by carrying out equalization volume difference across each nozzle, these differences are understood and are used in Print Control process particularly, combine different drop, and obtain the filling of point-device ink with (such as from different spray nozzles or use different driving waveform).

In one alternate embodiment, printhead and/or substrate are " steppings " in variable, thus suitably change for one or more nozzles that each target area uses in each passes through, to spray the droplet size of expectation particularly.Such as, can by the drop (such as having the mean value droplet size of 9.95pL) from a nozzle being combined with the drop (such as having the mean value droplet size of 10.05pL) from another nozzle (synthesizing to obtain being polymerized of 20.00pL) relative to substrate skew printhead or print head assembly selectively.Cook up Multiple through then out, thus each target area receives the specific aggregation filling being matched with expectation target and filling.That is, each target area (such as will forming each trap in a line trap of the pixelation parts of display) receives the one or more droplet size combinations planned, to use printhead relative to the different geometric paces of substrate to realize the polymerization volume in specified marginal range.In the more detailed feature of this embodiment, given nozzle is for position relationship each other, can calculate and apply Pareto optimization solution, thus in specification, allow the tolerable amount of the Volume Changes of each target area, but simultaneously, planning printhead/substrate is moved, and uses maximization to make the average of nozzle for respective objects deposition region simultaneously.The statistical model that statistical technique discussed above may be used for guaranteeing to synthesize the filling of (i.e. multiple drop) ink falls in any expectation marginal range.In an optional improvement, the quantity that application function passes through with the printhead/substrate made needed for printing reduces and even minimizes, to realize these objects.Briefly to these various feature reflections, owing to can perform the printing of the layer of suprabasil material rapidly and efficiently, therefore preparation cost substantially reduces.

Note, in typical applications, receive the target area of ink by array, that is, be laid in row and column, wherein, the mark (swath) of cutting described by relative printhead/basement movement still carrys out ink deposition in the mode of all row covering array in once-through by the subset of (target area of array) all row; In addition, the quantity of row, column and print-head nozzle can be very large, such as, involve hundreds of or several thousand row, column and/or print-head nozzle.

Another embodiment solves nozzle consistency problem in a slightly different way.The set of the nozzle firing waveform of multiple replacements of arranging in advance with known (and different) droplet size characteristic can be used for each nozzle; Such as, can connect or the set of waveform of the in addition replacement of pre-defined four, eight or another quantity, to provide the correspondence set of selectable slightly different droplet size by rigid line.Then using every nozzle body volume data (or different pieces of information) to associate statistical model with any, with the set of the nozzle waveform combination of each target area by determining substrate, deposition while multiple target area being planned.Again, designated volume characteristic and association distribution, the confidence interval etc. of each nozzle (and in the case, each nozzle waveform combination) are depended on, to realize the specific packing volume with high confidence level; That is, not attempt correcting every nozzle Volume Changes, but change is particularly used in combination, to obtain the specific packing volume in the good scope of statistics understood.Noting, in order to meet these objects, may be used for typically existing a large amount of replacement combinations that deposition in each target area of substrate reaches the drop of expected range.In more detailed embodiment, can come across some of printhead (or even all) nozzle " common set " of shared nozzle waveform, wherein, every nozzle droplet size is stored and is available for mixing and mating different droplet size, to realize specific filling.As further option, calibration phase can be used, to select different wave in processed offline (dynamic increment measurement processing such as presented hereinbefore), wherein, specific nozzle transmitted waveform set is selected, to realize the set of the corresponding concrete bulk properties expected based on calibration.Again, in further specific embodiment, optimization can be performed, to optimize quantity that some other criterions make scanning or printhead pass through and minimize the mode of improving the time-write interval by such as using to maximize or rely on by means of the nozzle made simultaneously and plan printing.

Another embodiment depends on the multiple printheads used in print head assembly, and wherein, each printhead and nozzle thereof relative to each other can offset (or equivalently, print structure have can all relative to each other rows of nozzles of skew).Use so deliberate skew, can utilize at every turn by or scanning across printhead (or row of nozzle), intelligent combination is carried out to every nozzle Volume Changes.Again, may be used in each target area of substrate, depositing drop to reach a large amount of replacement combinations of expected range by typically existing, and in detailed embodiment, perform and optimize to plan by such as minimizing by means of the quantity making scanning or printhead pass through or minimizing by means of the nozzle use made simultaneously the use of mode to skew improving the time-write interval.

Note, a benefit of above-mentioned technology is, although by there is droplet size change but also combining to realize specific predeterminated target district packing volume to them, can realize not only in order to meet the desired the ability of filling marginal range but also high degree of control to precise volumes amount and deliberate controlled (or being injected into) change on this tittle.Inequality or the existence (in other words spot) of the geometrical pattern from deposition processes that may cause observable pattern can be slowed down by a large amount of technology proposed at this.That is, the little bit different even on the target fill volume under low spatial frequency may be introduced visible to human eye and therefore be less desirable undesired geometry artifact.Therefore, in certain embodiments, expect to come intentionally in the mode still in specification but change the synthesis packing volume of each target area randomly or synthesize the certain droplet combination of filling for realizing.Use the exemplary tolerance limit of 49.75pL-50.25pL, instead of guarantee arbitrarily that the value be all in this marginal range is filled in all target areas simply, change introduced and have a mind to such as may be desirably within the scope of this, to make any pattern of change or difference unobservable for human eye as pattern in made operation display for such application.When being applied to color monitor, exemplary embodiment with at least one in following statistically independently mode intentionally add such packing volume change: (a) x dimension (such as along the direction of the row of target area), (b) y dimension (such as along the direction of the row of target area) and/or (c) are across one or more color dimension (such as red objects district for blue target area, blue target area to blue target district, red objects district to blue target district independently).In one embodiment, across each in these dimensions, change is statistically independently.Such change is believed to present for the non any packing volume change of human eye, and therefore contributes to the high image quality of such display.Note, for the embodiment that combines of the drop planned from different spray nozzles produced for the repeated set used by " geometric pace " in scanning pattern or skew, (namely by using the transmitted waveform of multiple replacement to produce for each nozzle) for each nozzle trickle but deliberate droplet size changes use is provided for the powerful technique of the potentiality suppressing spot when without the need to changing scanning pattern.In the embodiment of an expection, such as, each nozzle be assigned with produce volume of ideal ± 10.0% in the set of waveform of replacement of corresponding mean value volume; Then can by use droplet patterns inject change (pass through the planned droplet size combination from the pairing of different spray nozzles waveform, otherwise by when selecting/combination of planning nozzle drop is with the waveform change of injecting after realizing specific filling) and suppressed spot plan that the drop from different spray nozzles combines according to correct average value (namely realizing accurate be intended to filling).In other embodiments, deliberately different synthesis droplet sizes can be arranged in advance for each target area, to produce polymerization filling, or different nozzle drop combinations can be applied along scanning pattern, maybe can use nonlinear scanning path, all reach same effect.Other change is also possible.

In addition, but the drop measuring technique of routine may expend a lot of hours or a lot of sky, and the error of print processing is therefore caused owing to may changing of drop characteristics during long measuring period, the use of rapid technology (such as interferometric method technology) and (presented hereinbefore) relational structure promotes more renewal, and therefore between nozzle and between drop more dynamically understanding of Volume Changes allow to use the previously described combination planned with high confidence level.Such as, although the drop measuring technique of routine may expend a lot of hours and perform, but by using non-imaged technology (such as interferometric method), drop is measured can keep continuous renewal, therefore make to follow the tracks of accurately that process, voltage and temperature (PVT change), print-head nozzle are demoted, ink change and other may affect the dynamic process of the precision of measurement.By using the tolling measurement process of such as hiding increment drop and measuring in the above-mentioned substrate compression and decompression time, measure it is contemplated that can (such as be less than every 3-4 a few hours for each nozzle) to readopt nearly singular integral and upgrade drop, and therefore make it present to enable aforementioned synthesis to fill the accurate model of planning.In one embodiment, on a periodic basis (such as every 2 little up to 24 hours periods once) and preferably come (such as from) by short period interval (such as two hours) and remeasure each nozzle or nozzle waveform and match the drop produced.Note, and not all embodiments all requires scroll process, that is, in one embodiment, can during the interrupted special calibration process of printing, take (or readopting) to measure during for all nozzles.In order to provide an example, in a possibility embodiment, can measure during the substrate compression and decompression stage for each 90 seconds printing intervals and have 6,000 nozzle and 24, the print head assembly of 000 nozzle waveform combination reaches 15 seconds, and ensuing situation is, each iteration checks 24, the different rolling subset of 000 nozzle waveform combination, until treated all nozzle waveform combination, then returns with reprocessing on the basis of circulation; Alternatively, use in the embodiment of special calibration process (such as every three hours), such print head assembly can berth and reach certain period (such as 30 minutes), to try to achieve the statistical model for all nozzle waveform combination before turning back to effectively printing.

Again note, each in alternatives presented hereinbefore and embodiment is counted as being optional each other, and on the contrary, is contemplated that such technology can be combined alternatively in various embodiments in any possible displacement or combination.Exemplarily, the measurement of every nozzle/drive waveforms liquid drop speed and/or flight angle can be used, with based on determine specific nozzle waveform combination produce distortion drop " mean value " or based on determine specific nozzle waveform combination produce exceed threshold value drop statistics expansion, make " mistake " drop defective for given nozzle waveform combination.In order to provide another non-limiting example, interferometric method or other non-imaged technology can be used, with by dynamically performing such measurement (that is, because print head assembly is during the loading and/or unloading of substrate " berthing ") by intermittent intervals come dynamically renewal speed and/or flight angle behavior to each window increments ground of nozzle waveform combination.Clearly, a lot of combination and displacement are possible based on displacement presented hereinbefore.

Example introduces some concept about the intelligent planning of the packing volume of each target area by helping.The each nozzle body volume data (or difference data) for given nozzle firing waveform deposits while can be used to plan multiple target area by the possible nozzle droplet size set determining each target area.Usually may combine there are the many of nozzle, it can be used in Multiple through then out depositing droplets each target area to be filled to the packing volume of expectation in the narrow marginal range meeting specification.Temporarily return the supposition using Figure 1A to introduce, if according to the acceptable packing volume of specification between 49.75pL and 50.25pL (namely, in the scope of 0.5% of target), many each group of different nozzles/by realizing acceptable packing volume can also being used, comprising without limitation: (a) reaches the nozzle 2(10.01pL of 50.05pL altogether) pass through for five times; The once-through (9.80pL) of (b) nozzle 1 and nozzle 5(10.03pL) pass through for four times, reach 49.92pL altogether; (c) nozzle 3(9.89pL) once-through and nozzle 5(10.03pL) pass through for four times, reach 50.01pL altogether; (d) nozzle 3(9.89pL) once-through and nozzle 4(9.96pL) three times by and nozzle 5(10.03pL) once-through, reach 49.80pL altogether; And (e) nozzle 2(10.01pL) once-through, nozzle 4(9.96pL) pass twice through and nozzle 5(10.03pL) pass twice through, reach 49.99pL altogether.Other clearly can also be had to combine.Although measure with single drop the relative larger statistical error (such as volume ± 2%) associated, above-mentioned drop measuring technique also can be used, to obtain (such as mean value) droplet size that these are expected.Therefore, even if an only selection of nozzle drive waveforms is available for each nozzle (or all nozzles), the first embodiment introduced then can be used above to offset relative to substrate to make printhead with a series of planning skew or " geometric pace ", its each scan period by nozzle application as much as possible in deposition drop (such as, in different target areas), but the drop of deposition for each target area combines in specifically predetermined mode by it.That is, many combinations of nozzle droplet size in this supposition can be used for the packing volume realizing expecting in the scope of the good understanding of the statistical variance meeting specification tolerance limit, for each target area (namely specific embodiment is selected by its selection of scanning motion and/or nozzle drive waveforms effectively, specific collection for each region) selection can accept in drop combination specific one, thus to fill while promoting to use the different rows of target area of each nozzle and/or row.By selecting the pattern of opposed print heads/basement movement in the mode of the time minimum making printing occur, this first embodiment provides the manufacture handling capacity substantially improved.Please note, this raising can alternatively to make the minimized form of number of times of the scanning of printhead/substrate or " passing through " embody, with make opposed print heads/substrate movement the minimized mode of initial range or to make the mode of overall print time minimum in addition.That is, can plan that printhead/substrate is moved (such as in advance, scanning) and be used for filling target area in the mode meeting predefined criterion, such as minimum printhead/substrate by or scanning, define the minimum printhead in dimension and/or substrate is moved, printing in minimum time amount or other criterion (one or more).

The method is all similarly applicable to wherein nozzle and is not distinguishingly registered to the supposition of Figure 1B of each target area.Again, if according to the accepted packing volume of specification between 49.75pL and 50.25pL (namely, target either side 0.5% scope in), then can also with many each group of different nozzles/by realizing acceptable packing volume, comprise the specific additional example of supposition institute above for all examples listed by Figure 1A and Figure 1B without limitation, in once-through, wherein use two adjacent nozzles to fill specific target site, such as, nozzle 4(4) (9.96pL) and passing twice through of nozzle (5) (10.03pL) and once passing through of jet pipe (2) (10.01pL), reach 49.99pL altogether.Again, each such volume can be equivalent to the assembly average measured based on a lot of drop.Such as, if the mean value that the nozzle (4) in this example, (5) and (2) and sign are quoted from and the 3 σ values being equal to or less than quoted from mean value 0.5% associate, then polymerization filling by also have be equal to or less than 49.99pL ± the 3 σ values of 0.5%, the tolerance limit specified by usually meeting with high statistics precision.Note, for fine definition OLED display (namely there are millions of pixels), closely coupling fills 3 σ (99.73%) value of tolerance limit may be inadequate, and such as, this statistically indicates several thousand pixels potentially still may be in the outside of the tolerance limit of expectation; For this reason, in many embodiments, larger expansion is estimated (such as 6 σ) is matched with synthesis filling tolerance limit, effectively guarantees that each pixel of High Resolution Display meets in fact manufacturer's specification.

These same principle are also applied to multiple every nozzle drive waveforms embodiment.Such as, in the hypothesis that Figure 1A proposes, can by as transmitted waveform A to E five different transmitted waveforms identifying drive in nozzle each, thus to describe by with following table 1A for the bulk properties that obtains of the different spray nozzles of different transmitted waveform.Only consideration target area 104 and only nozzle (1), by possible be, such as by using predefined transmitted waveform D(to generate 9.96pL drop from nozzle (1)) the first printhead by and utilize use predefined transmitted waveform E(to generate 10.01pL drop from nozzle (1)) four times subsequently through at five times by middle deposition 50.00pL target, all in scanning pattern without any skew.Similarly, for each nozzle using different transmitted waveform to combine by middle at every turn simultaneously, to generate the volume close to desired value in each in target area, and any skew in scanning pattern can be there is no.Table 1A.

These methods are all similarly applicable to the supposition of Figure 1B.Such as, only consider target area 104 and nozzle (1) and (2) (namely, at two nozzles that scan period is overlapping with target area 154), can three times by realize 50.00pL, such as, the droplet size of the first printhead by using nozzle (1) and predefined waveform B (reaching the droplet size of 9.70pL) and second nozzle (2) and predefined waveform C(to reach 10.10), second printhead reaches the droplet size of 10.01pL by using nozzle (1) and predefined waveform E() and nozzle (2) and predefined waveform D(reach the droplet size of 10.18pL), and the droplet size of the 3rd printhead by using nozzle (1) and predefined waveform E(to reach 10.01pL).

Note, in the hypothesis of Figure 1A and both hypothesis of Figure 1B, in once-through, each target volume can be deposited in the single file of target area.Such as, printhead rotated ninety degrees can be made and accurately deposit 50.00pL for each target area in a line from the single drop of each nozzle, such as waveform (E) is used to nozzle (1), nozzle (2), (4) and (5) are used to waveform (A) and use waveform (C) (10.01pL+10.01pL+9.99pL+9.96pL+10.03pL=50.00pL) to nozzle (3).Can also it is possible that even when non rotating printhead, all drops for realize target volume necessity of deposition in once passing through.Such as, nozzle (1) can in once-through by have waveform D drop and from 4 liquid droplet distribution of waveform E in region 104.

These same principle are also applied to printhead deskew embodiments presented hereinbefore.Such as, for the supposition presented by Figure 1A, bulk properties can reflect for the first printhead (such as, " printhead A ") nozzle, this first printhead by with four attaching print heads (such as, printhead " B " is to " E ") integrate, eachly driven by single transmitted waveform and there is respective each nozzle droplet size characteristic.Printhead is jointly organized into be made when execution scans through, the each nozzle be identified as the nozzle (1) of printhead is aligned with to target area (such as, target area 104 from Figure 1A) in print, the each nozzle being identified as nozzle (2) from various printhead is aligned with to the second target area (such as, target area 105 from Figure 1A) in carry out printing etc., with table 1B, the bulk properties of the different spray nozzles for different printhead is described below.Alternatively, can Use Adjustment such as scan between the motor of spacing offset from each other to make each printhead.Only consider the nozzle (1) on target area 104 and each printhead, can at four times by middle deposition 50.00pL, such as, wherein printhead D and printhead E the first printhead of both launching drop in target area by and wherein only printhead E launch in target area three times of drop subsequently through.Can have use even compared with other combination of high pass, it still can produce the volume close to 50.00pL target in target area, such as, within the scope of 49.75pL and 50.25pL.Again only consider the nozzle (1) on target area 104 and each printhead, 49.83pL can be deposited in passing twice through, such as, wherein printhead C, D and E the first printhead of all launching drop in target area by and the second printhead that wherein printhead D and E both launches drop in target area pass through.Similarly, can in passing through, side by side use the various combination from the nozzle of different printhead to produce the volume close to desired value in each target area when there is no any skew in scanning pattern at every turn.Therefore, Multiple through then out is used will to be favourable for being wherein desirably in (that is, such as, in the different rows of pixel) in different target areas and side by side depositing the embodiment of drop by this way.Again, by obtaining the expectation statistical property associated with every nozzle and/or every drive waveforms droplet size and plan that drop is measured to calculate with the mode of the mean value associated, thus statistical accuracy can be guaranteed.Table 1B.

All the method are similarly applicable to the supposition of Figure 1B.Again only consider nozzle (1) on target area 154 and each printhead and (2) (namely, at the nozzle that scan period is overlapping with target area 154), 50.00pL can be deposited in passing twice through, such as, wherein printhead C and E nozzle (1) is launched and printhead B and C the first printhead that nozzle (2) is launched by and the second printhead that wherein printhead C makes nozzle (2) launch pass through.49.99pL(can also be deposited clearly in once-through, within the scope of the exemplary goal of 49.75pL and 50.25pL), such as, wherein printhead C, D and E make nozzle (1) launch and the printhead that printhead B and E makes nozzle (2) launch pass through.

Also should it is evident that alternatively with scanning pattern offset combinations, the use of replacing nozzle firing waveform adds the number of the droplet size combination that can realize for given printhead sharp, and use multiple printhead (or equivalently, rows of nozzles) to further increase these options as described above.Such as, in the supposition example by the discussion reception and registration of Fig. 1 above, five nozzles and eight combinations of replacing waveform with respective intrinsic spray characteristic (such as, droplet size) can provide the possibility almost thousands of different sets that droplet size combines.Optimizing each group of nozzle sets of waveforms merging selects specific one group of nozzle waveform combination to make it possible to optimize printing further according to expectation criterion for each target area (or printing trap for the often row in array).In the embodiment using multiple printhead (or each row print-head nozzle), optionally make those printhead/line displacement also improve further number that each printhead/substrate scans adaptable combination.Again, for these embodiments, suppose that packing volume is specified in the incompatible realization of (one or more) nozzle sets of waveforms that alternatively can use many groups, then this second embodiment for each target area selects in " can accept " each group specific one, across target area this specific one this select usually to correspond to the multiple target areas using multiple nozzle while printing.That is, by changing parameter with the time minimum making printing occur, the each raising of these embodiments manufactures handling capacity, and promote required printhead/substrate scanning or " by " number, minimize along the initial range of the opposed print heads/substrate movement of (one or more) specific dimension, total time-write interval, or help to meet certain other criterion.

Other process a lot of can be used or with various technical combinations presented hereinbefore.Such as, can on the basis of every nozzle " tuning " nozzle drive waveforms, to reduce the change (such as, by changing driving voltage, the rate of rise or descending slope, the quantity of pulse that pulse width, time delay, every drop use and corresponding level etc. carry out shaping to driving pulse) of every nozzle droplet size.

Although the packing volume in some the application reference discrete fluid container discussed in this article or " trap ", but its can also use described technology come sedimentary facies for substrate other structure (such as, such as relative to transistor, path, diode and other electronic unit) for there is " seal coat " of large layout.Under this type of background, fluid ink transfer layer material (such as, original place solidification, drying or sclerosis will be needed to form fixed installation layer) will scatter to a certain extent, but for other target deposition district of substrate, (given ink viscosity and other factor) is still kept particular characteristics.The technology herein under this background can be used such as with sedimentary cover, such as sealing or other layer when there is the ink packing volume for each target area specific localization and controlling.Technology discussed in this article is not limited to application or the embodiment of concrete proposition.

To be apparent for a person skilled in the art from other change of the technology introduced above, advantage and application.That is, these technology can be applied to many different field, and it is not limited to manufacture display device or pixelation equipment.As used herein printing " trap " refers to any container of the substrate by receiving ink deposition, and therefore has chemistry or the architectural characteristic of the flow being suitable for retraining this ink.As illustrational in printed for OLED below, this can comprise wherein each fluid container and receive the ink of each volume and/or the situation of all types of ink by each; Such as, use described technology in the display application depositing the luminescent material of different color wherein, each printhead and each ink can be used to perform continuous print processing-in this case for each color, each process can " every two traps " (such as, for each " blueness " color components) in pair array or each trap (it makes trap intersperse mutually with the overlapping arrays for other color components) equivalently in two arrays deposit.Each printing trap is a kind of example of target area of possibility type.Other can also be had to change.Also note that and to use " OK " and " row " when not implying any absolute direction in the disclosure.Such as, one " OK " prints length or the width that trap can extend substrate, or takes another way (linear or non-linear); Generally speaking, " OK " and " row " will be used in this article to refer to the direction of each at least one independent dimension of expression, but not describing love affairs condition all need so for all embodiments.And, please note because modern printer can use the opposed substrate/printhead motion relating to multiple dimension, so relative motion need not be linear in path or speed, that is, printhead/substrate relative motion need not follow straight line or even continuous print path or constant speed.Therefore, printhead refers to relative to substrate " passing through " or " scanning " iteration that the multiple nozzle of the use relating to opposed print heads/basement movement deposits drop on multiple target area simply.But, hereafter in the many embodiments described in OLED print processing, each by or scanning can be continuous print linear movement substantially, at every turn subsequently by or scanning be parallel to the next one, relative to each other offset with geometric pace.This skew or geometric pace can be by or the position skew of scanning starting position, mean place, the difference of end position aspect or certain other type, and do not imply necessarily parallel scanning pattern.It should also be noted that various embodiments discussed in this article are touched upon and will carry out " simultaneously " use of the different spray nozzles deposited in different target district (such as, different each row target areas); This term " simultaneously " does not require that ink droplet sprays simultaneously, on the contrary, only refers in any scanning or different nozzles or each group nozzle can be used by period to carry out mutually exclusively to launch in each target area the concept of ink.Such as, can given sweep time chien shih first group one or more nozzles launch deposit first fluid drops in the fluid trap in the first row, one or more nozzles of second group can be launched in the fluid trap at the second row in this given scan period simultaneously and deposit the second drop.Term " printhead " refers to monoblock type or the modular apparatus of the one or more nozzles had for printing (ejection) ink towards substrate." print head assembly " refers to assembly or modular element that to support for the common location relative to substrate as one or more printheads of group by contrasting; Therefore, the print head assembly in some embodiments can only comprise single printhead, and in other embodiments, and such assembly comprises six or more printheads.In some implementations, independent printhead relative to each other can offset in such assembly.Note, for manufacturing on a large scale in exemplary embodiments that process (such as TV flat panel display) uses, print head assembly very greatly, may include several thousand printing nozzles; Depend on implementation, such assembly can be very large, wherein, is designed to link around such assembly at this drop measuring mechanism discussed, and measures to obtain every drop.Such as, there are six printheads and approximate 10, when the print head assembly of 000 or more printing nozzle, print head assembly can " berth " in printer, from (printings) axle service station, operate for comprising the various supports that drop measures.

Utilize the therefore major part of the some different embodiment of statement, the disclosure will be generally organized as follows.Fig. 2 A-Fig. 2 E measures configuration by being used for introducing the certain droplet being used for extensive print head assembly being carried out to imaging.These configurations can be integrated in printer (such as print and will form the flat panel display Preparation equipment of permanent thin layer ink material in flat panel equipment base) alternatively.In optional implementation, these configurations can use the three-dimensional of some or all optical device associated with drop measurement to link, such as, to link about having the print head assembly with multiple printhead and several thousand ink ejection nozzles be docked in the service station of printer.Fig. 3 A-Fig. 4 D prints by being used for introducing with nozzle consistency problem, OLED/prepare and how embodiment solves some relevant General Principle of nozzle consistency problem.These technology can measure with mentioned drop alternatively configure together with use.Figure 5 – Fig. 7 will be used for illustrating the software process that may be used for combining to plan drop for each target area of substrate.Fig. 8 A-Fig. 8 B for illustrate with build associate for the statistical model of the droplet size of each nozzle/waveform combination and for using these models to produce the principle of being polymerized ink and filling for each target area.Although be nozzle consistency problem, these principles also can be measured in conjunction with drop alternatively and be used, with in gageable deterministic situation (such as when every target area 99% or better confidence level) reliably produce the synthetic ink meeting specified marginal range and fill (namely by using the drop combination planned).Fig. 9 A-Figure 10 C is used for presenting some experimental data, that is, it is presented in the validity that the drop combination technique of the planning that uniformity aspect is mentioned is filled in Further aim district.Fig. 11 – Figure 12 will be used for the exemplary application discussed oled panel preparation and the printing associated and controlling organization.Figure 13 A-Figure 13 C is for discussing the printhead skew that may be used for changing the drop combination deposited by each scanning.Figure 14 A-Figure 15 D is used for the nozzle firing waveform being applied to the different replacement providing different droplet size or combination is discussed further.Figure 16-Figure 17 is by the additional detail of the structure that provides about the industrial printer comprising drop measurement device and configuration.Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B will be respectively used to discuss the specific specific embodiment of such as integrated with this industrial printer drops measuring system.Finally, Figure 19 will be used for discussion and is used for hiding drop Measuring Time thus make production time maximized technology after other system process.

Fig. 2 A-Fig. 2 E is used for introducing the technology being used for every nozzle drop and measuring generally.

More particularly, Fig. 2 A provides the explanatory of description optical device system 201 with relative large print head assembly 203; Print head assembly has all with multiple printheads (205A/205B) of a large amount of single nozzles (such as 207), wherein, there is hundreds of to several thousand nozzles.Inking (not shown) is connected with each nozzle (such as nozzle 207) in Flow Control mode, and PZT (piezoelectric transducer) (also not shown) is for the drop of ink jet under the control of every nozzle electronic control signal.Designs of nozzles keeps the pressure of the ink of negative value a little at each nozzle (such as nozzle 207) place, to avoid the general stream of nozzle plate, wherein, the signal of telecommunication being used for given nozzle is used to activate corresponding PZT (piezoelectric transducer), ink for given nozzle is pressurizeed, and discharges drop from given nozzle thus.In one embodiment, when being in positive pulse or the signal level of the given voltage used for specific nozzle, the control signal for each nozzle is normally in zero volt, to spray drop (every pulse one) for this nozzle; In another embodiment, different corrected impulses (or other more complicated waveform) can be used between nozzle.But, the example that composition graphs 2A provides, should suppose to expect to measure the droplet size produced from the specific nozzle (such as nozzle 207) of printhead downward (namely representing relative to the direction " h " of the z-axis height of three-dimensional coordinate system 208) ejection drop treating to be collected by vessel 209.Note, in typical applications, the dimension of " h " is typically in 1 millimeter or less magnitude, and there are several thousand nozzles (such as 10,000 nozzle) that corresponding drop will be made measured individually in this way in printer operation.Therefore, in order to accurately measure each drop (being namely derived from the drop of the specific nozzle in several thousand nozzles in the large print head assembly environment in approximate millimeter measurement window just as above) to be optically, use particular technology in the disclosed embodiment, with accurately sun adjuster part assembly 201, print head assembly 203 or the elements relative of the two in positioning each other, for optical measurement.

In one embodiment, these technology utilize following combination: (a) recovers (211B) (such as optics under the x-y motion control (211A) at least partially of (in such as dimension plane 213) optical system of the accurately location measurement zone 215 closely adjacent with any nozzle of the drop for optical correction/measurement to be generated and (b) plane, although be large print head surface area, also allow thus easily measurement zone to be placed as by any nozzle).Therefore, have about 10, in the exemplary environments of the printing nozzle of 000 or more, this kinematic system can (such as) near each respective nozzle of print head assembly emission path 10,000 or 10, in more than 000 discrete location, positioning optical system at least partially.As will be discussedbelow, the optical measuring technique of two kinds of expections comprises echo and interferometric method.About often kind of technology, optical device is typically adjusted to the right place, thus keeps vernier focusing on measurement zone, to catch aloft drop (such as, effectively to carry out imaging to the shade of drop when echo).Note, typical droplet diametrically can be in the magnitude of micron, thus optics is placed quite accurate typically, and challenges about the relative positioning of print head assembly and measurement optical device/measurement zone.In certain embodiments, in order to assist this location, optical device (mirror, prism etc.) catches path for directional light, for the sensing under the dimension plane 213 being derived from measurement zone 215, thus measure optical device and can place and to obtain near measurement zone, and the relative positioning of not stray light device system and printhead.Such permission carries out the mode of extensive x and the y width occupied by the millimeter magnitude height of deposition h of imaging or printhead to carry out active position control not to be limited to drop under monitoring.Utilize the drop measuring technique based on interferometric method, when droplet creates the interference figure that can detect from usually orthogonal with light path visual angle, the light beam of separation is incident from different perspectives; Therefore, the optical device in this system leave from the path of source wave beam approximate 90 degree angle but also with utilize optics plane to recover thus the mode measuring drop parameter to catch light.Also other optical measuring technique can be used.In the another distortion of these systems, alternatively and advantageously make kinematic system 211A be xyz-kinematic system, allow selective joint and the release of drops measuring system like this, without the need to mobile print head group part during measuring at drop.Simple introduction, have one or more large print head assembly industry preparation in, in order to make manufacture the duration of runs maximize, expect each print head assembly will at any time " berthing " in service station, to perform one or more maintenance function; Very thin (sheer) size of given printhead and the quantity of nozzle, can expect once to perform multiple maintenance function to the different piece of printhead.For this reason, in this embodiment, around printhead, traverse measurement/calibrator (-ter) unit may be favourable, otherwise quite different.So [this allows equally such as to safeguard according to expecting that other relevant with another nozzle is non-optical the joint processed.] in order to assist these actions, by the system of the scope of the specific nozzle or nozzle that identify optical correction to be subjected, print head assembly can " berth " alternatively.Once print head assembly or given printhead are fixing, kinematic system 211A just engages, to move optical device system at least partially relative to " berthing " print head assembly, thus be suitable for the accurately location survey district 215, position detecting the drop sprayed from specific nozzle; The use of the z-axis of movement allow from printhead plane just under light recover the selective joint of optical device, to replace or additional optical correction promotes other attended operation.Perhaps state in addition, the use of xyz kinematic system allows to engage drops measuring system selectively independent of other test used in the environment of service station or testing equipment.Note, and not all embodiments needs this structure; Such as, in conjunction with following Figure 16-Figure 17, the mechanism of the motion (such as, in order to the object that drop is measured, print head assembly moves relative to the z-axis of the measurement components with x-y motion) allowing both measurement components and print head assembly will be described.Other replacement is also possible, and wherein, only print head assembly moves, and measurement components is fixing, or wherein, berthing of print head assembly is unnecessary.

As a rule, for drop measure the optical device used will comprise light source 217, optional light conveying optical device set 219(its as required light is directed to measurement zone 215 from light source 217), one or more optical sensor 221 and light being used for measuring (multiple) drop is directed to the recovery optical device set 223 of one or more optical sensor 221 from measurement zone 215.Also providing container (such as vessel 209) with while collecting sprayed ink, kinematic system 211A is alternatively to allow to measure one or more together with vessel 209 these elements mobile of mode that light is directed to plane upper/lower positions from the measurement zone 215 around vessel 209 after drop.In one embodiment, light conveying optical device 219 and/or light recovery optical device 223 use advances parallel vertical dimensions by photoconduction to the mirror going to/come from measurement zone 215 along with drop, wherein, each in the element 217,219,221,223 of kinematic system mobile unit as a whole during drop is measured and vessel 209; This set brings the advantage without the need to recalibrating focus relative to measurement zone 215.As label 211C institute annotation, light conveying optical device is also for supplying the source light of the position under from the dimension plane 213 of measurement zone alternatively, such as, wherein, in order to the object measured, light source 217 and (multiple) optical sensor 221 all guide light on the either side of vessel 209, as usually.As label 225 and 227 annotations, optical device system can comprise lens and the photoelectric detector (such as, for not relying on the non-imaged technology of a lot of pixelation of process " picture ") that object is focusing alternatively.Note again, the optional of z motion control for optical device assembly and vessel uses the optional joint and release that allow optical device system, and any time point measurement zone 215 while print head assembly " berths " is near the accurate location of any nozzle.And not all embodiments thisly berthing and the xyz motion of optical device system 201 of needing print head assembly 203.Such as, in one embodiment, laser interferance method is for measuring drop characteristics, wherein, arbitrary print head assembly (and/or optical device system) is in deposition plane or to be parallel to deposition plane (such as within plane 213 or be parallel to plane 213) mobile, to carry out imaging to the drop from each nozzle; Other combination and displacement are also possible.

Fig. 2 B provides the flow process of the process associated with the drop measurement for some embodiments.Label 231 is used to specify this handling process in fig. 2b generally.More particularly, indicated by label 233, in this particular procedure, first print head assembly is docked in the service station (not shown) of such as printer or precipitation equipment.Then drop measurement device relies on the selective joint of some or all optical device system to engage with print head assembly (235) by can measure the position of individual drops from the optical device system that is moved to of deposition plane.By label 237, in x dimension, y dimension and z dimension, this motion relative to the one or more optical device system units relative with berthed printhead can be performed alternatively.

As previously noted, even single-nozzle can produce with the drive waveforms associated (namely for (multiple) pulse or (multiple) signal level of liquid droplets) droplet size, track and the speed that change a little by different drop.According in this instruction, in one embodiment, the drops measuring system indicated by label 239 obtains n measurement of the every drop expecting parameter, with statistical confidence of deriving about the desirable properties of this parameter.In one implementation, measured parameter can be volume, and for other implementation, and measured parameter can be the combination of flying speed, flight path or another parameter or these parameters multiple.In one implementation, " n " can change for each nozzle, and in another implementation, " n " can be the fixing measurement quantity (such as " 24 ") that will be performed for each nozzle; Going back in an implementation, " n " refers to minimum measurement quantity, thus can perform additional measurement, dynamically to adjust the statistical property of measured parameter, or refinement confidence level.It is clear that a lot of change is possible.For the example that Fig. 2 B provides, should suppose that droplet size is just measured, thus obtain the accurate mean value and strict confidence interval that represent from the droplet size expected of given nozzle.About while expecting that target (namely relative to the synthesis of drop mean value) reliably maintains the distribution that synthetic ink fills in target area, this makes it possible to (using multiple nozzle and/or drive waveforms) is combined into professional etiquette to drop alternatively and draws.As optional processing block 241 and 243 annotations, interferometric method or echo are desired optical measurement process, its make it possible to ideally instantaneous or or near-instantaneous measure and calculate volume (or other expect parameter); By this Quick Measurement, become possible, continually and dynamically upgrade cubing, such as, to take into account the change along with the time of ink property (comprising viscosity and constituent material), temperature, power-supply fluctuation and other factors aspect.Depend on this, echo typically characterizes and such as uses high resolution CCD camera as optical sensor mechanism to catch the image of drop; (can such as use the light source of stroboscopic) at drop is imaged in while single image catches frame in multiple position accurately, image processing software typically relates to the finite time amount for calculating droplet size, thus may expend a few hours from the imaging of enough drop populations of (such as having several thousand nozzles) large print head assembly.Depend on multiple binary system photodetector and be a kind of non-imaged technology (namely not needing graphical analysis) based on the interferometric method that the output of these detectors detects interference figure spacing, and therefore produce droplet size than echo or the faster a lot of time frame (such as 50x) of other technology and measure; Such as, utilize 10,000 nozzle print head assembly, expect to obtain in several minutes the large measurement population of each be used in several thousand nozzles, be rendered as continually and dynamically to perform for drop measurement be feasible.As mentioned above, in one alternate embodiment, drop is measured (or measurement of other parameter (such as track and/or speed)) and can be performed as periodically interrupted process, wherein, drops measuring system is engaged according to scheduling, or be in (such as, along with substrate load or unload) between each substrate, or be stacked relative to other assembly and/or other head maintenance process.Note, for the embodiment of the nozzle drive waveforms allowed to use replacement to the specific mode of each nozzle, Fast measurement system (such as interferometer system) easily allows to carry out trying to achieve for each nozzle and for the statistics population of the drive waveforms of each replacement for this nozzle, promote that the drop planned of the drop produced by the pairing of each nozzle waveform combines thus, as above mentioned.By label 245 and 247, by nozzle, measuring expected droplet size reaches precision more better than 0.01pL with connecing nozzle (and/or the pairing of nozzle waveform connects pairing), become likely, point-device drop for every target deposition region is combined into professional etiquette and draws, wherein, synthesis is filled also can be planned to 0.01pL resolution ratio, and wherein, target volume can remain on 0.5% or better specified error (such as tolerance limit) scope of target volume; Indicated by label 247, measurement population for each nozzle or the pairing of each nozzle waveform is planned in one embodiment, thus produce the reliability distribution models being used for each this nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform, namely, there are the 3 σ confidence levels (or other statistical measurement, such as 4 σ, 5 σ, 6 σ etc.) being less than the maximum charging error of specification.Once take enough measurements for each drop, the filling relating to the combination of these drops just can be estimated and for planning printing (248) with possible most efficient way.Indicated by separator bar 249, intermittently can be switched by effective print processing and the front and back between measurement and calibration process and perform drop and measure.

Fig. 2 C illustrates the planning of measuring with every nozzle (or every nozzle waveform match) drop and/or can treatable flow process 251 to the behavior of each nozzle one of carrying out that the initialization of modeling statistics used associates.Indicated by label 253, in this process, first receive the data of specifying and expecting marginal range, it such as can be set up according to manufacturer's specification.In one embodiment, such as, this tolerance limit or acceptable scope can be appointed as to set the goal ± 5.0%; In another embodiment, can use another scope (such as expectation target droplet size ± 2.5%, ± 2.0%, ± 1.0%, ± 0.6% or ± 0.5%).The scope of acceptable value or set is specified also to be possible with substitute mode.Regardless of the method for specification, depend on tolerance limit and the liquid droplet system measure error of expectation, then identify the number of thresholds (255) measured.Note, as above indicated this quantity can be chosen as and realize multiple object: (a) obtains the population that enough large drop is measured like that, thus provides reliably estimating of expected drop parameter (such as average external volume, speed or track); B () obtains the population that enough large drop is measured, thus carry out modeling to the change (such as standard deviation or the σ of given parameters) of drop parameter; And/or (c) obtains enough data, thus mark has the nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform that are greater than and expect error, and object makes the use of specific nozzle/nozzle waveform pairing during print processing defective.The measuring criterion utilizing the drop of any planned quantity to measure or to expect or the therefore relevant minimum of a value of definition, then use drops measuring system 259(such as, be used in the optical technology that this discusses) perform (257) measurement.By process decision block 261, then perform the measurement being used for each nozzle (or nozzle waveform), until meet specified criterion.If the quantity measured meets planned criterion, then then the method terminates by processing block 269.If need to perform additional measurement, then measurement processing circulation, until obtained enough measurements, as referred in Fig. 2 C.

Fig. 2 C illustrates that multiple exemplary process changes.First, indicated by label 263, this measurement processing is applied to all nozzles (and/or all possible nozzle/waveform combination) of print head assembly alternatively.And not all embodiments needs so.Such as, in one embodiment (discussion see following Figure 14 A-Figure 15 C), the drive waveforms of unlimited amount potentially can be used to change, to affect the parameter of the drop sprayed for given nozzle; Substitute and test each possibility waveform exhaustively, drop measurement processing can by the predetermined waveform sets of the wide distribution of the waveform that expresses possibility, by for select the iterative interpolation of minority waveform search for process carry out testing (such as, likely produce cross over expect droplet size ± mean drop volume of the scope of 10%).In another embodiment, if based on initial measurement, given nozzle is considered to defective (such as droplet size have apart from what expect mean value be greater than 20% distribution), then according to further considering, can get rid of this nozzle (or the pairing of nozzle waveform) alternatively.In another example, if in fact plan and do not use the print scanned of specific nozzle, then maybe advantageously, only dynamically additional drop is performed for the nozzle effectively used in planned scanning to measure, at least until reach error or the variance criterion of certain type.Again, a lot of possibility exists; Functional block 263 indicates the process of applying without the need to relating to all nozzles (or the pairing of nozzle waveform) simply.Secondly, label 265 indicates, and in one embodiment, minimum criteria can relate to minimum threshold that can be different for each nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform.In order to quote from some examples for this function appropriateness, in one embodiment, drop is performed for given nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform measure, and Computation distribution expansion estimate (such as variance, standard deviation or another estimate), wherein, perform the measurement exceeding original threshold, until expansion is estimated meet predetermined criterion; As should be understood, if minimum of a value is that such as every nozzle 10 drops are measured, and if be produced as 10 drop measurements of specific nozzle the variance being greater than expectation, then can perform additional measurement uniquely for given nozzle, until realize the expansion (1.0% of such as 3 σ≤mean value volume) expected, or until perform the measurement of certain maximum quantity.This embodiment such as can cause the measurement of every nozzle varying number, and that is, wherein, planning survey iteration is to realize some minimum criteria (such as, in this example, minimum measurement quantity and the expansion that is less than threshold value are estimated).Moreover indicated by label 267, also likely in drop measure planning, use location is inferred, such as, measure with " the definite 24 times " drop obtaining every nozzle (or nozzle waveform), or obtain the measurement of x quantity per hour, the rest may be inferred.Finally, regardless of measuring management technology, all likely measurement is applied to and specific nozzle or nozzle waveform combination are qualified (passing through) or Disqualify.Again quote from possible implementation option, follow the measurement performing number of thresholds, based on measurement data, specific nozzle or nozzle waveform can be qualified or Disqualify by label 270.Such as, if desired drop volume is 10.00pL in one application, then the nozzle of the mean value droplet size not producing 9.90pL-10.10pL/nozzle waveform can be made to match Disqualify immediately; Can take Same Way for statistics expansion, such as, follow the measurement of minimum number, any nozzle/nozzle waveform that can make to produce drop expansion (such as variance, standard deviation etc.) being greater than 0.5% matches Disqualify immediately, and the rest may be inferred.Again, a lot of implementation example exists.

Fig. 2 D is the schematic diagram of an implementation of the drops measuring system predicted about optical technology that overall by reference numeral 271 refers to.More particularly, printhead 273 be depicted as in cross section have be arranged to by (indicated by mark legend 274) on z direction five of a line nozzle of Jet with downward flow direction Flow Control ink the printing nozzle enumerated.Light source 275A is arranged to the side of printhead, thus the measurement zone 278 that irradiation drop will pass through, for measurement; When Fig. 2 D, this measurement zone (and some or all optical device system) is arranged to the drop measured and be derived from the nozzle (3) of printhead.Light source 275A is depicted as the outside of a cross side at printhead 273, thus generates the light path 277(that light is directed in photo measure district namely in the millimeter magnitude height represented by variable h, to irradiate any multiple nozzle, and does not disturb printhead 273).Represented by label 275B, in one embodiment, light source also advantageously can be arranged on (and top peripheral of vessel 286) under deposition plane 289 on the contrary, thus provides optical device relative to the relatively easy fixed range location of the droplet path from any nozzle; Again, although describe five nozzles in Fig. 2 D, in one embodiment, there is hundreds of to nozzle or more.By the optical device for leading to the irradiation of drop measurement zone 278, under deposition plane, photogenerated promotes that optical device system is relative to the easy location of any nozzle of described printhead 273, and for selective joint and the release (such as relative to optional service station, described above) of drops measuring system.In described example, mirror 285A is used for again leading from the light of light source 275B, thus incides the drop in the measurement zone 278 of advancing from printhead 273 towards vessel 286.Also other means of locating optical device path relative to light source 275B can be used, such as, by the mode of non-limiting example, prism, Connectorized fiber optic cabling etc.For the implementation using imaging measurement technology (such as echo), light source 275A/275B can be stroboscopic thermal light source or monochromatic source.Note, Fig. 2 D also illustrate by along wherein source in the outside of the accompanying drawing page and by or light not to be directed among the accompanying drawing page by light path route optical device or outside path 275C(such as along the y dimension described by label legend 274) and the light from the 3rd originated location of guiding; Such as, when depending on interferometric method, can use this positioning framework, wherein, the detection of interference figure produces the direction from orthogonal with exposure pathways (or becoming with it another angle).Positioned opposite regardless of irradiation source, all should note, carry out direct light along light path 277 and for the irradiated plane 290 that position and the deposition plane 290 of printhead 273 mediate, and be routed to measuring light (namely from measured drop) photodetector be arranged under deposition plane 289 by light path route optical device 285B from imaging plane.Again, although be large printhead size and relative little height h, this also allows narrow direction and the focusing of light.In addition, as light path route optical device 285A, mirror, prism, fiber optic or other light again guide device and technology may be used for this light recover deposition plane under route.Visible in figure 2d, measure light and be directed to focusing optics 279(such as lens) and be directed on photodetector 280.The distance of the light path between focusing optics and measurement zone is identified by distance f, represents the focal length of optical device system.As mentioned before, expect that drop measurement (depending on optical device technology) provides and correctly the vernier focusing needed for imaging is carried out to drop, for this reason, for the system represented by Fig. 2 D, light path route optical device 285B, focusing optics 279, drop measurement zone 278 and vessel 286 lens all unit and moving as a whole, to measure from the drop of different spray nozzles, as by describe for common chassis 283 connection represented by.Light source 275A/275B and light source direct light device depend on that embodiment can also be coupled to this chassis alternatively.

Note, also conceptually represent in figure 2d based in the system of interferometric method, light source 275A/275B(or produce light path 275C) can be laser instrument for generation of interference figure, wherein, wave beam is divided into two or more different components, for generation of interference figure along optical path at certain some place.By composition graphs 18B in the additional details as these optical devices discussed further below and the use being used for the multiple wave beams creating interference figure; At present, (comprising the light source for the interferometric method) lasing light emitter that should suppose that label 275A/275B/275C is contained.

Another schematic diagram of the implementation of the drops measuring system predicted about optical technology that Fig. 2 E illustrates that overall by reference numeral 291 refers to.More particularly, the implementation seen in Fig. 2 E depends on interferometric method to measure drop parameter (such as volume).As before, this configuration depends on printhead 273, measurement zone 278, chassis 283 and vessel 286.But in this embodiment, laser instrument is used as light source 292 particularly, to generate the light beam being directed to measurement zone via exposure pathways 293.Note, typically, lead two or more wave beams in this way, as will be further explained.Interference figure is generated in drop in measurement zone 278, and this interference figure of basically orthogonal with exposure pathways 293 direction observation, represented by label 297.This same relation (measurement in direction from being not parallel to exposure pathways) also such as uses path 275C by Fig. 2 D() represent, but in Fig. 2 E, taking measurement of an angle of dispersing is such: under the plane of measurement zone 278, measures light and is negatively led downwards.Note, in following meaning, photodetector 295 is non-imaged: (although typically use multiple photodetector) is without the need to using camera, and without the need to using image procossing to identify the drop profile in pixelation image, improve in fact the speed detecting and measure; That is, along with drop is by the region of superimposed light beam, interference technique measures the change of interference figure simply, wherein, and can from obtained result derivation droplet size.The light beam (or the detector of quantity increased) more than two is used to promote to measure droplet trajectory and speed and other parameter.As before, light source 292, vessel 286 and photodetector 295 can (namely pass through common chassis 283) as a whole and move, and promote to retain precise optical path parameter.In one implementation, in three dimensions, the motion of optical device system is performed again relative to " berthing " print head assembly, to engage selectively while being in service station at print head assembly and to discharge drop measurement device, and easily and accurately locate drop measurement device, to measure any one in several thousand nozzles of extensive printhead.

As mentioned above, by the suitable configurations of drop measurement device or system, (such as preparing for OLED device) industrial printer can make nozzle and the drop that brings thereof repeatedly be calibrated, and allows in any target area, plan that point-device drop combines.That is, measurement device can be used, with for each nozzle and the statistical distribution of dividing into groups accurately, in neat formationly of each waveform that nozzle uses being tried to achieve rapidly to volume, make it possible to the drop combination planned accurately for realizing synthesizing filling like this.In other embodiments, use these constructed models built for liquid drop speed and flight angle, thus can be applied in print processing for the model of these parameters.

Note, these various technology any (and any printing introduced in the present disclosure or synthesis filling technique) can be apparent in different product and/or different fabrication layer.Such as, Fig. 3 A represents jointly by the many different embodiment levels that Reference numeral 301 is specified, the possible discrete embodiment of the technology that each expression in these levels is introduced above.First, the technology introduced can be presented as the instruction be stored on non-transient state machine readable media above, (such as, for the software of computer for controlling or printer) represented by figure 303.Secondly, according to computer icon 305, these technology can be embodied as a part for computer or network, such as, design or manufacturing in the company for the parts sold or in other products.Such as, by company, the technology introduced can be embodied as design software above, the said firm is to the consulting of high-definition television (HDTV) manufacturer or perform design for it; Alternatively, can directly use these technology to manufacture TV (or display screen) by this class manufacturer.3rd, use storage medium figure 307 illustrational as foregoing descriptions, the technology of foregoing descriptions can take the form of printer instructions, such as storing instruction or data, it will cause printer according to the making for manufacturing one or more component layer according to planning polymerization of fluid drops technology of discussion above when being applied.4th, represented by manufacturing equipment icon 309, above-disclosed technology can be embodied as a part for manufacturing installation or machine, or take the form of the printer in such device or machine.Such as, automatically can be converted to by machine (such as, by using software) with the conversion of " layer data " of wherein drop measurement result and outside supply and sell manufacturing machine in the mode of the printer instructions optimizing/accelerate print processing pellucidly by using technology described here to print or carry out self-defined to it.This type of data can also be calculated off-line, and then be permitted in multiunit scalable, pipeline manufacture process can again apply by playback system in manufacture.It should be noted that the specific description of manufacturing equipment icon 309 represents the exemplary print machine equipment that (such as, with reference to Figure 11-12) will be discussed below.The technology introduced can also be presented as assembly above, the array 311 of multiple parts such as will sold individually; Such as in figure 3, describe this base part multiple with the form of semi-finished product tablet device array, its after a while by separated and sell for being attached in ultimate consumer's product.The equipment described can have such as according to one or more layers (such as, color components layer, semiconductor layer, sealant or other material) of the method deposition introduced above.The technology introduced can also be embodied above with the form of example ultimate consumer's product as mentioned, such as, take for portable digital device 313(such as, such as electron plate or smart phone), as tv display screen 315(such as, HDTV) or the form of display screen of equipment of other type.Such as, Fig. 3 A uses solar panels figure 317 to represent the electronic equipment that the process introduced can be applied to other form above, such as to deposit each target area structure (such as being formed one or more layers of the independent unit of polymerization unit) or cover layer (such as, for the sealant of TV or solar panels).Clearly, many examples can be had.

Without limitation, the technology introduced can be applied to any level shown in Fig. 3 A or parts above.Such as, an embodiment of technology disclosed herein is ultimate consumer's equipment; Second embodiment of technology disclosed herein is a kind of comprising the manufacture of the combination key-course of use specific nozzle volume to obtain the device of the data of specific each target area filling; Can pre-determine or In situ Measurement and applicating nozzle volume.Another embodiment is the deposition mechanism such as using printer to use the technology introduced to print one or more ink above.These technology can be realized at a machine or more than in a machine, such as machine network or series (wherein applying different steps at different machine places).This type of embodiments all and other the technology that can the disclosure be utilized to introduce independently or integrally.

Represented by Fig. 3 B, in one application, print processing can be used to carry out the one or more material layer of basad upper deposition.Can use above discussion technology to produce Print Control instruction (the Electronic Control file of printer such as, can be transferred to) to use when manufacturing equipment subsequently.In an application-specific, these instructions can be made to be suitable for the inkjet printing process useful when printing one deck low cost, scalable Organic Light Emitting Diode (" OLED ") display.More specifically, described technology can be applied to deposit one or more luminescence or other layer of this type of OLED device, other luminescent layer of such as " redness ", " green " and " blueness " (or other) pixelation color components or this kind equipment or parts.This exemplary application is nonrestrictive, and described technology can be applied to the layer of other types many and/or the manufacture of equipment, and no matter whether those layers are luminous and no matter whether this equipment is display device.In this exemplary application, the various conventional design constraints of ink jet-print head are challenged to the treatment effeciency of the various layers of the OLED heap that can use various ink-jet print system to print and the film seal coat uniformity.Those challenges can be solved by instruction content herein.

More specifically, Fig. 3 B is the plane of an embodiment of printer 321.This printer comprises the print components 323 for deposits fluid ink on basad 325.Be different from the printer of print text and figure, the printer 321 in this example is used for depositing the fluid ink that will have and expect thickness in manufacture process.That is, manufacture in application typical, ink carrying will be used to the material forming permanent one deck off-the-shelf hardware, and wherein, this layer has the concrete thickness expected.The thickness of the layer produced by deposits fluid ink depends on the volume applying ink.Ink usually with one or more material for feature, it will form the part of finished layer, the material being formed as monomer, polymer or being carried by solvent or other transmission medium.In one embodiment, these materials are organic.After ink deposition, this ink is dried, solidification or sclerosis to be to form permanent layer; Such as, some application uses ultraviolet (UV) to solidify process and convert liquid monomer to solid polymer, and other process by ink setting to remove solvent and leave the material of transmission in permanent position.Other can also be had to process.Note that many other existed described print processing and conventional figure and text application differentiate changes; Such as, in certain embodiments, be controlled to ambiance is adjusted to whatsit in addition to air or the other deposition getting rid of carry out desired material layer in the environment of undesired particulate.Such as, as will be further described below, an imagination application uses a kind of maker, printer 321 is enclosed in air chamber by it, make to perform printing when there is the controlled atmosphere of such as inert environments and so on, described inert environments such as includes but not limited to nitrogen, any inert gas and its any combination.

As seen further in figure 3b, print head assembly 323 comprises many nozzles, such as nozzle 327.Please note, in figure 3b, for illustrated object, print head assembly 323 and nozzle are depicted as and outwards open from the top of the page, but in fact, these nozzle face down towards substrate, and are hidden from view (that is, what the sectional view that Fig. 3 B shows in fact print head assembly 323 is) from the angle of Fig. 3 B.See that nozzle is arranged to row and column (such as exemplary row 328 and row 329), but this not all embodiment all needs, namely some embodiment only uses the nozzle (such as row 328) of single file.In addition, can each row nozzle be arranged on each printhead, each printhead relative to each other (alternatively) can offset separately, as described above.Printer is used to manufacture in the application of a part for display device wherein, such as, for the material of each in each redness of display device, green and blue color parts, the technology discussed in this article usually to each different ink or the special print head assembly of materials'use, and can be applied to printhead or the print head assembly of each correspondence by printer individually.

Namely Fig. 3 B illustrates a print head assembly 323(, has the one or more independent printhead described not separatedly).In this example, printer 321 comprises the Liang Ge different motion mechanism that can be used for positioning relative to substrate 325 pairs of print head assemblies 323.First, slip ring (traveler) or stand 331 can be used to install print head assembly 323 and to allow the relative motion represented by arrow 333.If there is, then print head assembly 323 also can be transported to service station by this motion alternatively; Such service station is represented by label 334 in figure 3b.But, secondly, substrate transport mechanism can be used to move relative to slip ring to make substrate along one or more dimension.Such as, as with represented by arrow 335, substrate transport mechanism can allow the movement in each in two orthogonal directions, such as according to x and y Descartes dimension (337), and can support base rotate alternatively.In one embodiment, substrate transport mechanism comprises for optionally fixing and the air floating table of the movement of permitting substrate in gas bearing.Also note that this printer allows print head assembly 323 relative to the rotation of slip ring 331 alternatively, represented by rotating graphs 338.This type of rotates the apparent spacing and the opposed formations that allow to change nozzle 327 relative to substrate; Such as, being defined by each target area of substrate is specific region or relative in another target area tool situation at regular intervals, the rotation of print head assembly and/or substrate can along or perpendicular to the relative spacing direction of scanning direction changing nozzle.In an embodiment, the height of print head assembly 323 relative to substrate 325 can also be changed, such as along enter Fig. 3 B view direction or from wherein z Descartes dimension out.

Two scanning patterns are illustrated respectively respectively in figure 3b with direction arrow 339 and 340.Briefly, basement movement mechanism moves with geometric pace or side-play amount and substrate is moved around on the direction of arrow 339 and 340 along with printhead on the direction of arrow 333.Use these combinations of movement, the nozzle of print head assembly can arrive any desired region of substrate with ink deposition.As mentioned previously, ink deposition in based dispersive target district in a controlled manner.Array can be lined up in these target areas, that is arrange, such as alternatively respectively along described y and x dimension with row and column.Note that and see the row and column of each row nozzle (such as row 328) perpendicular to target area in this figure, that is, make a line nozzle inswept along the direction of each row target area with each scanning, through the often row (such as, along direction 339) of the target area of substrate.Not for all embodiments, describing love affairs condition all needs so.In order to obtain sport efficiency, follow up scan or by then making this direction of motion reverse, according to contrary order that is the target area that respectively arranges along direction 340 addressing.

Be used in enlarged drawing and see and highlight region 341 to describe the layout of the target area in this example on the right side of figure.That is, with numeral 343 represents in two row pixels each, each pixel has redness, green and blue color parts, and by digital 345 each representing in the pixel column orthogonal with scanning direction (339/340).In the pixel in the upper left corner, see that redness, green and blue elements will occupy the part of different target areas 347,349 and 351 as each overlapping arrays in region.The all right related electronic installation of tool of each color components in each pixel, such as, represented by numeral 353.When the equipment that will manufacture is backlit display (such as, the part as general type LCD TV), these electronic installations can control the selective mask of the light filtered with red, green and blue region.When the equipment that will manufacture is new display, that is red, green and blue region directly produces its oneself the light with corresponding chromatic characteristic, these electronic installations 353 can comprise patterned electrodes and to other material layer that the light expected produces and light characteristic is contributed to some extent.

Fig. 3 C provides the closed section figure of the printhead 373 and substrate 375 obtained relative to the print head assembly of Fig. 3 B from the viewpoint of straight line C-C.。More specifically, numeral 371 usually represents printer, and numeral 378 represents a line printing nozzle 377.Parenthesized numeral, such as (1), (2), (3) etc. is used to specify each nozzle.Typical printhead has this type of nozzle multiple usually, and such as 64,128 or another number; In one embodiment, 1000-10000 or more nozzle can be arranged with a line or multirow.As previously mentioned, the printhead in the present embodiment is made to move relative to substrate with the geometric pace on the direction referenced by arrow 385 between realization scanning or skew.According to basement movement mechanism, can make substrate therewith direction orthogonal (such as, relative to the view of Fig. 3 C, enter the page and from wherein out) mobile, and in certain embodiments, also on the direction represented by arrow 385.Note that Fig. 3 C also show the row 383 of each target area 379 of substrate, in this case, be arranged as " trap ", it will receive the ink deposited and be remained in the structure boundary of each trap by the ink of deposition.Object for Fig. 3 C will suppose only to represent ink (such as, each described trap 379 represents only a color, such as the red color parts of display, other color components with the trap associated and not shown).Note that accompanying drawing is not pro rata, such as, see that nozzle is by from (1) to (16) numbering, sees that trap is indicated letter by from (A) to (ZZ) simultaneously, represents 702 traps.In certain embodiments, nozzle will be registered to each trap, make to have 16 nozzles describe printhead by use enter viewed from the angle of Fig. 3 C the page and from the scanning of wherein opposed print heads/basement movement out side by side nearly 16 traps on the direction of arrow 381 ink deposition.In other embodiments, as described above (such as, with reference to Figure 1B), spray nozzle density will be more much bigger than target area density, and along with any scanning or pass through, the deposition that the subset of nozzle (such as, to multiple a group, depending on which nozzle is through each target area) will be used to each corresponding target area.Such as, again use the illustrated examples of 16 nozzles, nozzle (1)-(3) ink deposition and can side by side use nozzle (7-10) ink deposition in the second target area to be possible in first object district can be used, for given by the mode mutually repelled.

Routinely, possible operation printer uses 16 nozzles described to carry out side by side ink deposition in the trap reaching 16 row, move around along with follow-up scanning as required, until such as deposit five drops in each trap, printhead uses fixing stride to advance as required, and this fixing stride is the integral multiple of the width scanning the swath of passing.But the technology provided by the disclosure utilizes by the intrinsic change of the droplet size aspect of different nozzles generation with the combination being suitable for producing for each trap specific packing volume.Different embodiments depends on different technology to realize these combinations.In one embodiment, change geometric pace to realize different combinations, and be freely certain thing except the integral multiple of the width described by printhead swath.Such as, if be suitable for each group of drop combination in each trap 379 of Fig. 3 C selected by deposition, then geometric pace can be 1/160 of the swath of printhead ^th, in this example, in fact it represent the relative displacement between the substrate of the spacing of 1/10th of a line of trap and printhead.Depending on the particular combination of drop expected in each trap, move down skew or geometric pace can be different, such as, 5/16 of printhead swath ^thssupposition skew, corresponding to the integer spacing of trap; This change can continue with ink deposition with positive and negative stride to obtain the packing volume expected as required.Note that can by the skew of many dissimilar or sizes, and step size needs not be particular fraction that is fixing or trap spacing between scans.But, in many manufacture application, expect the time-write interval is minimized, to make throughput rate maximize, and make per unit manufacturing cost minimize as much as possible; For this reason, in a particular embodiment, in the cumulative distance minimized mode making the sum of the sum of scanning, geometric pace, the size of skew or geometric pace and geometric pace pass, printhead motion is planned and sorted.These and other measure can individually, together or with any expectation combinationally use total time-write interval is minimized.Use the independence of nozzle in the embodiment of offset row (such as, multiple printhead), partly can represent geometric pace with the skew between printhead or nozzle row wherein; This type of skew of combining with the total drift (such as, for the fixing stride of print head assembly) of printing head assembly can be used for realizing variable-sized geometric pace and therefore in each trap, deposit drop combining.Use individually in the embodiment of the change in nozzle drive waveforms wherein, can use conventional fixing stride, the droplet size change multiple printhead of use and/or repeatedly printhead pass through and realize.As will be noticed below, in one embodiment, can programme to nozzle drive waveforms for each nozzle between drop, therefore allowing each nozzle produce each trap in a line trap and contribute each droplet size.

Fig. 4 A-4D is used to provide about the dependent additional detail when realizing expecting packing volume to certain droplet volume.

The explanatory 401 that Fig. 4 A presents printhead 404 and two relevant indicators seen below printhead 401.This printhead is used alternatively in the embodiment providing printhead relative to the on-fixed geometric pace of substrate, and therefore use numeral 405 to represent and make particular print nozzle (such as, there are 16 nozzles altogether of nozzle (1)-(5) described in Fig. 1) skew of aiming at different target district (five in this example, 413,414,415,416 and 417).Notice gets back to the example of Figure 1A, if nozzle (1)-(16) produce 9.80 of fluid ink respectively, 10.01, 9.89, 9.96, 10.03, 9.99, 10.08, 10.00, 10.09, 10.07, 9.99, 9.92, 9.97, 9.8110.04 with the droplet size of 9.95pL (such as, mean drop volume), and if expect each target area deposition 50.00pL, percent ± 0.5 of this value, printhead then can be used to pass through at five times or deposit drop in scanning, use 0 respectively,-1,-1, the geometric pace of-2 and-4, cause 49.82, 49.92, 49.95, 49.90 and (expectation average) total Filling power in each region of 50.16pL, as shown in the diagram depicted, clearly this is in the expectation marginal range of 49.75-50.25pL for each described target area.Incrementally represent each stride in this example relative to previous position, but also can use other measure.Depend on the change of expected every droplet size, still in fact can guarantee that filling will meet expectation marginal range; Such as, by taking above-mentioned a lot of drop to measure (such as every nozzle 20-30 drop is measured or more), the expectation variance of each droplet size can be made very little, allow the high confidence level in the distribution of the synthesis volume expected.Therefore, as seen, can use to depend on that the drop combination that the intentional mode that each droplet size and the expectation for each target area are filled is carried out realizes accurate adjusted filling, there is the reliability of height.

Note that this figure can be used for representing the use of the change of nozzle drive waveforms and/or multiple printhead.Such as, if nozzle reference number (1)-(16) are with reference to by 16 different drive waveforms (namely, use waveform 1-16) droplet size for single-nozzle that produces, then in theory can simply by using different drive waveforms, such as obtaining each area filling volume for the swung dash 1,2,3,5 and 9 of target area 413.In practice, because processing variation can cause different each nozzle characteristics, then system will be used for the droplet size of each nozzle for each waveform measurement, and will plan that based on this drop combines intelligently.Nozzle reference number (1)-(15) with reference to multiple printhead (such as wherein, reference number (1)-(5) are with reference to the first printhead, reference number (6)-(10) with reference to the second printhead and reference number (11)-(15) with reference to the 3rd printhead) embodiment in, the number of times that can use the skew between printhead to be reduced by or scan; Such as, target area, the rightmost side 417 can have at three drops once by middle deposition, comprises droplet size (printhead (1), 0 skew of 10.03,10.09 and 9.97pL; Printhead (2) ,+1 skew; And printhead (3) ,+2 skews).Should it is evident that the combination of these different technology promotes that the many of designated volume drop may combine in marginal range, realize specific packing volume.Note that in Figure 4 A, the change of the polymerization ink packing volume between target area is little and in tolerance limit, namely in the scope of 49.82pL to 50.16pL.

Fig. 4 B shows the explanatory 421 of a series of printhead scanning, and wherein, each scanning is perpendicular to the direction of arrow 422, and wherein, nozzle is represented by different rectangle or bar shaped, such as, represented by label 423-430.In conjunction with this figure, should suppose that printhead/substrate relative motion is advanced in the sequence of variable-sized geometric pace.Again note, usually, the scanning that each stride will specify the target area (such as, pixel) of inswept multiple row to exceed five the single-row regions representing (and representing with reference number 413-417) in the plane of map sheet.Show scanning according to top-down order, comprise wherein see printhead relative to substrate right shift, only nozzle (1) and (2) are aimed at target area 416 and 417 respectively first scan 423.In each print scanned description (such as square frame 423), circle is filled by filled black and is represented each nozzle, to represent when nozzle will make nozzle launch when scan period is on the concrete target area described, or " hollow ", that is fill by white, nozzle will be made to represent to launch (but for other target area of running in scanning may be) in correlation time.Note that in the present embodiment, with dualistic manner, each nozzle is launched, namely make according to any adjustable parameters each nozzle launch or not launch, such as, to deposit predetermined droplet size for each target area run in scan period.Such as, adopt " binary " launch scenario for any embodiment as herein described (that is, when using multiple transmitted waveform wherein, adjust waveform parameter between drop) alternatively.Pass through in 423 in first time, see and nozzle (1) is launched to deposit 9.80pL drop in the second the rightest target area, make nozzle (2) launch to deposit 10.01pL drop in the rightest target area 417 simultaneously.Scanning continues the target area (such as, the pixel well of other row) of other row inswept, suitably depositing droplets.After first time completes by 423, the geometric pace of printhead advance-3, it makes printhead be moved to the left relative to substrate, and nozzle (1) will scanned during second on contrary direction scans 424 through target area 413 with first now.During this second scanning 424, region 414,415,416 and 417 also will be passed respectively in nozzle (2), (3), (4) and (5).With the circle of filled black see reasonable time will make nozzle (1), (2), (3) and (5) launch with the droplet size depositing 9.80pL, 10.01pL, 9.89pL and 10.03pL respectively, corresponding to the inherent characteristic of nozzle (1), (2), (3) and (5).Also please note, once to pass through any, the nozzle be used in a line nozzle of ink deposition does in each target area like this by the mode mutually repelled, such as by for 424, use nozzle (1) to carry out neither one to target area 413(but in target area 414-417) in ink deposition, use nozzle (2) to carry out neither one at target area 414(but in region 413 or 415-417) in ink deposition, use nozzle (3) to carry out neither one at target area 415(but in region 413-414 or 416-417) in ink deposition, and use nozzle (5) to carry out neither one at target area 417(but in region 413-416) in ink deposition.The 3rd scannings using numeral 425 to represent make printhead effectively advance the target area (-1 geometric pace) of a line, make nozzle (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) will pass region 413,414,415,416 and 417 in scan period respectively; Hatching solid nozzle figure represents at this by period, and each in nozzle (2)-(6) will activated and launch drop, produces the desired droplet size of 10.01,9.89,9.96,10.03 and 9.99pL respectively.

Stop if this print processing is put at this moment, the then 30.03pL(10.01pL+10.03pL+9.99pL that will such as have corresponding to three drops of region 417) filling, and region 413 will have 19.81pL(9.80pL+10.01pL) filling, corresponding to two drops.Note that scan pattern in one embodiment follows the pattern back and forth represented with the arrow 339 and 340 of Fig. 3 B.Scanning in these type of regions multiple by 426-430(or multiple row across these target areas) after deposition respectively: 10.01pL, 0.00pL, 0.00pL, 10.08pL and 10.09pL drop in (a) region 413, corresponding to nozzle (2), (3), (4), (7) and (9) passing through in continuous sweep; B 0.00pL, 0.00pL, 10.03pL, 10.00pL and 10.07pL drop in () region 414, corresponding to nozzle (3), (4), (5), (8) and (10) respectively passing through in continuous sweep; C 9.89pL, 9.96pL, 10.03pL, 9.99pL, 10.09pL and 0.00pL drop in () region 415, corresponding to nozzle (4), (5), (6), (9) and (11) passing through in continuous sweep; D 0.00pL, 9.99pL, 10.08pL, 10.07pL and 0.00pL drop in () region 416, corresponding to nozzle (5), (6), (7), (10) and (12) passing through in continuous sweep; And 9.99pL, 0.00pL, 10.00pL, 0.00pL and 0.00pL drop in (e) region 417, corresponding to nozzle (6), (7), (8), (11) and (13) passing through in continuous sweep.Again, please note, when only single transmitted waveform (namely, its droplet size characteristic is not changed between scans) and the nozzle in this example is used with dualistic manner, such as, in the 5th scanning 427, nozzle (7) is not launched, do not produce the drop (0.00pL) for region 417, and when follow-up scanning, it is launched, produce the 10.08pL drop being used for region 416.

As what see in the chart of the bottommost office of the page, this supposition scan process produces the polymerization filling of the expectation of 49.99pL, 50.00pL, 49.96pL, 49.99pL and 50.02pL, is easy to add deduct in the expected range of percent (49.75pL-50.25pL) in desired value (50.00pL).Please note, in this example, use nozzle needle to scanning substantially simultaneously to ink deposition in multiple target area at every turn, (namely planning be used for each institute description region, as digital 413-417 place figure identify) the particular combination of droplet size, make it possible in each target area, to deposit multiple drop along with Multiple through then out.Passing through of describing for eight times is relevant (such as to the droplet size of specific each group (or particular combination) producing packing volume within the scope of specific tolerance together, from the combination of the drop of nozzle (1), (2), (2), (7) and (9) when region 413), but also may use other each group of possibility drop.Such as, for region 413, alternatively will can use five drops (5 × 10.01pL=50.05pL) from nozzle (2); But, this replacement will be poor efficiency, because will additional scanning be required, because (such as) at this moment between period side by side can not use nozzle (3) (9.89pL) widely (namely, result from five drops carrying out nozzle since then will be 5 × 9.89=49.45pL, outside expectation marginal range).In the example taken over by Fig. 4 B, select specific scanning and sequence thereof, thus use less time-write interval, less number of pass times, less geometric pace and polymerization geometric pace little potentially distance or according to certain other criterion.Note that described example is only discussed for describing, and may further the scanning times using institute to present liquid volume is reduced by least Yu Baci scanning further and obtain target filling.In certain embodiments, scan process is planned in the mode of the worst-case scenario avoiding having required scanning times (such as, when printhead rotated ninety degrees often row target area single pass).In other embodiments, degree based on one or more maximum or minimum of a value is applied this optimize, such as, with when for given ink given for each target area likely drop combination cause the mode of the scanning of possible minimum number to plan scanning.

Fig. 4 C proposes the diagram similar to Fig. 4 B, but it uses different spray nozzles drive waveforms corresponding with for each nozzle.As will be understood, in ink jet-print head, typically use piezoelectric actuator to spray ink, piezoelectric actuator extends and contacting with fluid storehouse, to discharge ink from corresponding printing nozzle.Ink is kept in storehouse usually under negative value pressure a little, and to avoid making the general stream of nozzle plate, wherein, voltage pulse is applied to driver, to spray the drop of the character with the size and shape depending on voltage pulse.Therefore different pulse characteristic can produce the different volumes of sprayed drop, speed and other characteristic.In figure 4 c, should suppose that the different voltage pulse waveforms planned in advance has been defined as producing a series of different droplet size (and association droplet size probability distribution).Scanning overall by reference numeral 441 refers to, and wherein, each in scanning 443-447 produces on the direction vertical with stick 443-447; In each scanning stick (such as frame 443), label is specified and is represented particular print nozzle, and the different wave representing and be used for specific nozzle specified in letter.Such as, label " 1-A " represents the first drive waveforms " A " used for the driver for nozzle (1), and label " 1-C " represents the 3rd drive waveforms " C " used for the driver for nozzle (1).Note, during calibration process, the waveform of any desired amt can be tested, to select the waveform of the expectation droplet size (or multiple drop set) producing coupling dreamboat droplet size.In figure 4 c, such as, test the result (such as, " A " and " C " produces the expectation droplet size close to expecting 10.00pL mean value (such as 9.94pL mean value and 10.01pL mean value) respectively) that the multiple waveforms being used for nozzle (1) can produce two specific waveforms.That is, if expectation mean value cannot be produced by the test of mating desired drop volume (such as 10.00pL) definitely, then can select two or more waveforms of the idealized volume (such as 9.94pL/10.01pL, 9.99pL/10.01pL, 10.03pL/9.95pL and the 9.95/10.04pL described by nozzle (1), (3), (4) and (5)) including expectation.Although about above-mentioned example, different spray nozzles drive waveforms can be used to combine different drop, to plan the polymerization filling for each target area being in and expecting in tolerance limit particularly.Note, for the example of Fig. 4 C, without the need to offseting print head assembly to realize these combinations between each scanning; But, in many embodiments, the use of multiple nozzle waveform can cut stitch width offset combinations with mark, produces possible the drop that target fills combine in the hope of much may be used for using minimum number scanning (and therefore, minimum every substrate time-write interval).In figure 4 c, visible, described process produces the hypothesis of dividing into groups very in neat formationly and fills (such as 49.99pL-50.02pL expects packing volume).

The explanatory 471 presenting printhead 474 like Fig. 4 D and Fig. 4 category-A and two relevant indicators seen below printhead 474, but here there is the nozzle not distinguishingly being registered to specific trap.This printhead is used alternatively in the embodiment providing printhead relative to the on-fixed geometric pace of substrate, and therefore use numeral 472 to represent and make particular print nozzle (such as, there are 16 nozzles altogether of nozzle (1)-(5) described in figure) skew of aiming at different target district (two in this example, 474 and 475).Again follow the supposition of Fig. 4 A, if nozzle (1)-(16) produce 9.80 of fluid ink respectively, 10.01, 9.89, 9.96, 10.03, 9.99, 10.08, 10.00, 10.09, 10.07, 9.99, 9.92, 9.97, 9.81, 10.04 and the droplet size of 9.95pL, and if expect each target area deposition 50.00pL, percent ± 0.5 of this value, printhead then can be used to pass through at three times or deposit drop in scanning, use 0 respectively, the geometric pace of-1 and-3, and each scanning launches one or two drop in each target area.This will cause total Filling power in each region of 49.93 and 50.10, and as described in the drawings, clearly it is again in the expectation marginal range of 49.75-50.25pL for each described target area.Therefore, as seen, the method is similarly applicable to the situation of the nozzle not being registered to trap, and can use to depend on that the drop combination that the intentional mode that each droplet size and the expectation for each target area are filled is carried out realizes accurate adjusted filling.In addition, as above for Fig. 4 A supposition described in, this figure can be used to represent the change of nozzle drive waveforms and/or the use of multiple printhead.Such as, if nozzle reference number (1)-(16) are with reference to being used for by 16 different driving waveforms (namely, use waveform 1-16) droplet size of single-nozzle that produces, then can obtain each area filling volume simply by the different drive waveforms of use in theory.Those skilled in the art can see the situation as being applicable to the nozzle not distinguishingly being registered to trap above similarly with reference to the same procedure as described in figure 4B-4C, that is, droplet deposition while one or more nozzles of each group are applied in each trap.Finally note that Fig. 4 A-4D also represents relatively simple example; In typical applications, hundreds of can be had to thousands of nozzle and millions of target areas.Such as, wherein in the manufacture of each pixel color parts of current high definition television screen (such as, each pixel has redness, green and blue trap, pixel is disposed in 1080 horizontal lines of vertical resolution and 1920 vertical lines of horizontal resolution) apply in the application of public technology, existence may receive about 6,000,000 traps (that is, each three overlapping arrays in 2,000,000 traps) of ink.Expection Next Generation Television will make this resolution ratio increase by four times or more.In this type of process, in order to improve the speed of printing, thousands of nozzle can be used for printing by printhead, such as, usually the possible print processing that there is surprising number is changed.Simplification example proposed above is used for introducing concept, but it should be noted, to fixing on the surprising number proposed in typical combination, the change represented by real TV applications is quite complicated, prints to optimize usually to use complicated mathematical operations to apply by software.Fig. 5-7 are used to provide the non-limiting example how can applying these operations.

The exemplary process for planning printing is introduced with Fig. 5.Usually use numeral 501 with reference to this process and correlating method and equipment.

More specifically, the droplet size (503) of each nozzle (and being used for each nozzle, if apply multiple drive waveforms for each waveform) is determined particularly.Multiple technologies can be such as used to measure to perform this type of, without limitation, comprise and be building up to optical imagery in printer (or factory resides machine) or laser imaging or non-imaged equipment, it measures (such as to drop during flying, during calibration printing or real time print operation), and accurately calculate volume based on droplet profile, speed, track and/or other factors.In a particular embodiment, as described, the droplet size from single-nozzle produced owing to even using single drive waveforms can change with drop, and therefore each measurement is only be similar to accurately.For this reason, drop measuring technique can be used in the hope of for from the drop of each nozzle and the statistical model for each nozzle waveform combination, and the mean value that each certain droplet volume is expressed as from given nozzle and given nozzle drive waveforms expects droplet size.Other measuring technique can also be used, comprise pad-ink and then use the rear imaging of printing or other technology to calculate individual drops volume based on pattern identification.Alternatively, this mark can based on the data of being supplied by printer or printhead supplier, such as, based on for a long time obtaining at place of factory before manufacturing process and using the measurement result that machine (or online) is supplied.In some applications, droplet size characteristic can change in time, such as, depend on ink viscosity or type, temperature, spray nozzle clogging or other degeneration, or due to other factors; Therefore, in one embodiment, dynamically can perform droplet size to measure in original place, such as (or when there is the power cycle event of other type), at every turn newly printing, when the scheduled time expires or based on another calendar or non-calendar time along with substrate when powering on.In one embodiment, as mentioned above, just the moving window of printing nozzle and nozzle waveform combination is performed by the new flat panel substrate of each load or unload and measure and on interrupted basis, perform this measurement continuously, dynamically update to obtain.Represented by numeral 504, these data (measure or provide) are provided and use in optimization process.

Except each nozzle (and alternatively each drive waveforms) droplet size data, also receive the information (505) about the expectation packing volume for each target area.These data can be to be applied to the single target Filling power of all target areas, each target Filling power that be applied to independent target area, each row target area or each row target area or the value of decomposing with certain alternate manner.Such as, be applied to manufacture very large for independent electronic devices structure (such as transistor or path) single material " covering " layer time, these type of data can be made up of the single thickness that will be applied to whole layer (such as, then software convert thereof into each target area expectation ink packing volume based on the specific intended conversion data of relevant inks institute); In this case, data can be converted to the common value for each " print unit " (in this case, it is equivalent to each target area or is made up of multiple target area).In another example, data can represent the particular value (such as, 50.00pL) for one or more trap, provide or understand range data based on context.As understood from these examples, the filling of expectation can be specified in many different forms, without limitation, comprise as thickness data or volume data.Can also provide to receiving equipment alternatively or be performed additional filtration or process criterion by receiving equipment; Such as, as mentioned previously, the change at random of packing volume can be injected in one or more thickness of providing or volume parameter by receiving equipment to make line effect invisible for human eye in finished product display.This type of change can perform in advance (and providing as filling in interregional different each each target area), or can from receiving equipment (such as, by downstream computer or printer) intelligently and derive pellucidly.

Based on for the target fill volume in each region and individual drops volume measurements (namely, each print-head nozzle and each nozzle drive waveforms), then this process advances to the combination calculating various drop alternatively, its summation is expect the packing volume (that is, each process square frame 506) in marginal range.As described in, scope can provide target padding data, or can based on context " understanding " for this reason.In one embodiment, this scope is understood as provided Filling power ± one of percentage.In another embodiment, this scope is understood as provided Filling power ± 0. 5 percent.Clearly, for marginal range, there is other possibilities many, no matter be greater than or be less than these exemplary range.

Here, example will help to pass on the possibility method being used for calculating the combination of each group of possibility drop.Return previously described simplification example, existence five nozzles should be supposed, each mean drop volume with the corresponding supposition of 9.80pL, 10.01pL, 9.89pL, 9.96pL and 10.03pL, and be desirably in five traps deposit 50.00pL ± %(49.75pL-50.25pL) target volume.This method reaches by determining to combine but is no more than the drop number of marginal range and can start at any minimum and maximum number accepting the drop from this nozzle used in change for each nozzle.Such as, in this supposition, minimum and the maximum droplet size of given nozzle under consideration, be no more than single drop, two drops from nozzle (3) and four drops from nozzle (4) from nozzle (1) are all available by being expected in any combination.The restriction of this step needs the number of the combination considered.There is provided this type of constraint considered set, then the method considers the combination of the required number (being five in this example) of drop, gets each nozzle successively.Such as, the method first from nozzle (1), be understood that relate to this nozzle only have when can accept to be combined in the given mean value calculated since since then nozzle a drop or less for feature.Consider the combination relating to the single drop of nozzle since then, then the method considers the minimum and maximum droplet size of other corresponding nozzle waveform combination under consideration; Such as, suppose that nozzle (1) is confirmed as producing for given drive waveforms the mean drop volume of 9.80pL, can by being no more than a drop or using to reach expectation marginal range in the mode combined with the drop from nozzle (1) from two drops of nozzle (4) from nozzle (3).The method advances to considers the combination from the drop of nozzle (1) and four drops from other nozzle, such as from four drops, three drops from nozzle (2) and the combination from a drop of nozzle (4) etc. of nozzle (2) or (5).Considering only to relate to the combination of nozzle (1), in order to simplify discussion, any one that relate in the following various combination of first jet can be used potentially in marginal range:

1(1), 4(2), 1(1), and 3(2), 1(4), 1(1), 3(2), 1(5), 1(1), and 2(2), 1(4), 1(5) }, 1(1), and 1(2), 1(3) and, 2(5), 1(1), 1(2), 1(4), 2(5), 1(1), 1(2), 3(5) }, 1(1), and 1(3), 3(5), 1(1), 2(4), 2(5) }, 1(1), and 1(4), 3(5) and 1(1), 4(5).

In the mathematic(al) representation of setting forth above, the use of bracket represents five drops of a group, and it represents that the droplet size from one or more nozzle combines, each round parentheses mark specific nozzle in these brackets; Such as, expression formula 1(1), 4(2) represent a drop from nozzle (1) and four drops from nozzle (2), 9.80pL+(4 × 10.01pL)=49.84pL, it is expected to the synthesis produced within the scope of specific tolerance and fills.In fact, based on various mean value, the method in this example considers the highest number from the drop of nozzle (1), and it can be used for producing expects tolerance limit, and assessment relates to the combination of this highest number, and number is reduced one, the process of taking a second test and considering of laying equal stress on.In one embodiment, this process is repeated to determine operable all possible each group of nonredundancy drop combination.When exploring the combination relating to nozzle (1) completely, the method advances to the combination that relates to nozzle (2) instead of nozzle (1) and repeats this process, and by that analogy, test the average to determine whether it can realize the marginal range expected of the combination of each possibility Nozzle combination.Such as in the present embodiment, the method has determined the combination of two or more drops that can not use from nozzle (1), and therefore it considers to relate to from a drop of nozzle (1) and the combination from four drops of other nozzle from various combination.In fact the method assesses four drops that whether can use nozzle (2), determine its can 1(1), 4(2) }, then this number is reduced one (three drops from nozzle 2), and determines can use this number in combination with the single drop from nozzle (4) or (5), provide acceptable each group 1(1), 3(2), 1(4) }, 1(1), and 3(2), 1(5).The method then further will from the decreased number one of the accepted drop of nozzle (2), and assess 1(1), 2(2) ... .} and then 1(1), 1(2) ... etc. .} combination.Once with from the drop of nozzle (1) combined consider the combination relating to (2), then the method takes off a nozzle, i.e. nozzle (3), and consider the combination relating to this nozzle instead of spray group (2), and determine by 1(1), 1(3), 3(5) } givenly uniquely can accept combination.Once consider all combinations of the drop related to from nozzle (1), then the method considers to relate to 5 drops combinations of the drop from nozzle (2) instead of nozzle (1), such as 5(2) }, 4(2), 1(3) }, 4(2), 1(4) }, 4(2), 1(5), 3(2), 2(3), 3(2), 1(3), 1(4) } etc.

It should also be noted that the method is applicable equally when driving nozzle with multiple transmitted waveform (droplet size that each generation is different).These additional nozzle waveform combination provide additional droplet size mean value to use for when selecting the drop composite set in target volume marginal range simply.The use of multiple transmitted waveform can also by make the accepted drop of greater number combine can with and thus be increased at every turn by time side by side launch drop from most nozzle possibility improve the efficiency of print processing.When nozzle has multiple drive waveforms and also uses geometric pace, the selection of one group of drop combination will be combined in the geometrical offset of use in given scanning and will be used to the nozzle waveform of each nozzle.

Note that the object for describing, describing the method for acting rashly, and usually in practice will present may combining of surprising number, such as, number in nozzle and target area very large (such as, each more than 128) when.But this type of calculates well in the limit of power of high speed processor with suitable software.Further, note that the various mathematics shortcuts existing and can be applied to and reduce and calculate.Such as, in a given embodiment, the method can be got rid of and will correspond to any once by fewer than half any combination (or alternatively, consideration can be made to be confined to the minimized combination of volume difference across target area (TR) made in any once-through) of nozzles available of middle use from consider.In one embodiment, the method only determines some set by producing the drop combination that can accept to synthesize Filling power; In a second embodiment, the method calculates each may the set by producing the drop combination that can accept to synthesize Filling power exhaustively.Can also iterative method be used, wherein, in repeatedly repeating, perform print scanned, and consider still will deposit to reach the volume that (one or more) expect the ink of marginal range for the object optimizing next follow up scan.Other can also be had to process.

Also please note, as initial operation, if same Filling power (and tolerance limit) is applicable to each target area, then calculation combination once (such as, for a target area) to store the combination of these possible drops just enough for the initial use in each target area situation.Not necessarily for all set computational methods, the describing love affairs condition for all application of making peace is not always the case (such as, in certain embodiments, can accept filling scope can change for each target area).

In another embodiment, the method uses the mathematics shortcut of such as approximate, matrix mathematics, Stochastic choice or other technology and so on to determine the set of the accepted drop combination of each target area.

As processed represented by square frame 507, once determine the set that can accept to combine for each target area, then then the method plans scanning effectively in the mode be associated with the specific collection (or drop combination) for each target area.The selection of this specific collection is performed in the mode that wherein particular geometric (for one, each target area) scans by use the process saving that side by side deposit fluid drop volume carries out in multiple target area at least one times.That is, in the ideal case, the method selects a specific collection for each target area, and wherein, simultaneously to the mode of carrying out in multirow target area printing, this specific collection once can represent that certain droplet volume combines with printhead.Certain droplet in selected combination is selected to represent the print processing of mating with predetermined criterion, the minimum dimension of such as minimum time-write interval, minimum scanning times, geometric pace, minimum polymerization geometric pace distance or other criterion.These criterions are represented in Figure 5 by numeral 508.In one embodiment, optimization is Pareto the best, with make scan fraction, polymerization geometric pace distance and geometric pace size in each according to the minimized mode of this order to select specific collection.Again, this that can perform specific collection is in any desired manner selected, below further multiple non-limiting example is discussed.

In one example, the method is from for the particular geometric stride of choice and utilization each set of each target area in all regions considered or the corresponding drop of waveform, and then this drop deducts from usable set and determines remainder by it.Such as, if the selection of usable set be at first for each in five target areas 1(1), 4(2) }, 1(1), 3(2), 1(4) }, 1(1), 3(2), 1(5) }, 1(1), 2(2), 1(4), 1(5) }, 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), 2(5) }, 1(1), 1(2), 1(4), 2(5) }, 1(1), 1(2), 3(5) }, 1(1), 1(3), 3(5) }, 1(1), 2(4), 2(5) }, 1(1), 1(4), 3(5) } and 1(1), 4(5) }, then from then on the present embodiment will deduct a drop (1) in initial sets to obtain the specific remainder of first institute in five target areas, a drop (2) is deducted to obtain the specific remainder of second institute in five target areas from this initial sets, a drop (3) is deducted to obtain the 3rd the institute specifically remainder etc. in target area from this initial sets.This assessment will represent the geometric pace of " 0 ".The method then by this remainder of assessment and for other may geometric pace repeat this process.Such as, if then apply the geometric pace of "-1 ", then the method deducts a drop (2) by for first in five target areas from initial sets, deducts drop (3) etc., and assess this remainder for second in target area from initial sets.

Selecting particular geometric stride (launching with nozzle) as when printing planning a part of, the method analyzes various remainder according to mark or pri function, and selection has the geometric pace of best score.In one embodiment, applying mark makes the number of the nozzle side by side used maximize and (b) is used in the maximized stride of the minimal amount more heavily weighting of the remaining combination of influenced target area to (a).Such as, compared with the scanning used from the only drop of two nozzles, using in scan period will advantageously from the scanning of the drop of four nozzles.Similarly, if use subtraction process as discussed above when considering the different stride obtained in combining for 1,2,2,4 and 5 residue combination for each target area of a possibility stride and 2,2,2,3 and 4 residues for each target area for the second possibility stride, then the method is by the latter's more heavily weighting (that is, maximum minimum number is " 2 ").In practice, suitable weight coefficient can be produced gradually by rule of thumb.Clearly, other algorithm can be applied, and analysis or the algorithm shortcut of other form can be applied.Such as, the certain droplet that matrix mathematics (such as, using eigenvector analysis) can be used to determine to meet predetermined criterion combines and associates sweep parameter.In another change, other formula such as counting the random use of filling change of planning to alleviate line effect can be used.

Once select specific collection and/or scanning pattern according to numeral 507, then printer action is sorted, via numeral 509.Such as, it should be noted if polymerization filling volume is unique Consideration, then usually can deposit one group of drop according to arbitrary order.If make scanning or the number of times that passes through minimize by printing to be planned to, then can also select the order of geometric pace that printhead/basement movement is minimized; Such as, if assuming that the accepted scanning in example relates to { 0 ,+3 ,-2, + 6 with the relative geometric pace of-4}, then these scannings can be reordered printhead/basement movement is minimized, and therefore improve print speed further, such as, be { 0 by scan sorting, + 1 ,+2,0 and the stride sequence of+4}.Compare with the First ray of geometric pace of the polymerization stride distance of increment relating to 15, geometric pace 0 ,+1 ,+2,0 and second sequence of+4} relate to 7 polymerization stride distance of increment, this promotes printer faster response.

As numeral 510 represented by, for relate to by receive same target fill a large amount of target areas of embarking on journey application for, particular solution can also be expressed as then reproduce in the subset area of substrate can repeat patterns.Such as, if there are 128 nozzles and the 1024 row target areas that are arranged to single file in one application, then can expect and can go to determine optimum scanning pattern for 255 row target areas or following subset area; Therefore, in this example, same print pattern can be applied to the four or more subset area of substrate.Some embodiment therefore utilize represented by optional process square frame 510 can repeat patterns.

Note the use of non-transient state machine readable media icon 511; This icon representation said method is implemented as the instruction (such as, for controlling software or the firmware of one or more processor) for controlling one or more machine alternatively.This non-state medium can comprise any machine readable physical medium, such as flash driver, floppy disk, tape, server holder or Large Copacity holder, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), close-coupled disk (CD) or other Local or Remote holder.As a part for larger machine (residence memory such as, in desktop computer or printer) or isolator (such as, after a while by the flash driver of another computer or printer transfer files or independent holder) this holder can be embodied.Can be with reference to each functional realiey described in Fig. 5 combinator a part or as standalone module, be stored in together single medium express (such as, single floppy disk) upper or on multiple independent memory device.

As used represented by numeral 513 in Figure 5, once planning process completes, to generate the data effectively representing one group of printer instructions, comprise for the nozzle transmitting data of printhead with for the instruction will the relative movement between the printhead of this transmitting pattern and substrate supported.Effectively represent that these data of scanning pattern, scanning sequency and other data are e-file (513), it can be stored for using (such as after a while, as non-transient state machine readable media icon 515 describe), or apply to control the ink that printer (517) deposition represents selected combination (specific collection of the nozzle of each target area) immediately.Such as, the method can be applied to stand-alone computer, director data is stored in RAM for using or download to another machine after a while.Alternatively, can the method be realized by printer and dynamically be applied to " enter to " data, automatically to plan scanning according to printer parameter (such as nozzle-drop-volume data).Other alternatives many can be had.

Fig. 6 A-6D provides the diagram of relate generally to nozzle selection and scanning planning process.Again note that scanning needs not to be continuous or linear in the direction or speed of movement, and opposite side need not be advanced to from the side of substrate always.

The first block diagram is represented in fig. 6 by numeral 601; Many exemplary process that this chart is discussed in being shown in and previously describing.The method first by from memory search be used for each target area can acceptable solution drop volume combination set, via numeral 603.These set can be dynamic calculation, or can be on different machines, such as use software precalculated.Note the use of database icon 605, it represents local stored data base (such as, being stored in local RAM) or remote data base.Then the method is selected to accept specific one in set for each target area (607) effectively.In many examples, this selection is indirectly, that is, the method process can accept combination to select specific scanning (such as, using technology mentioned above), and in fact define described specific collection be these scanning.But by planning scanning, the method selects the specific collection of combination for each respective objects district.Then these data are used to scan sorting and finally determine motion and launch pattern (609), As mentioned above.

The centre of Fig. 6 A and right part of flg illustrate for planning that scanning pattern and nozzle launch several Treatment Options of pattern, and in fact, to represent that printing the mode optimized selects to combine for the certain droplet of each target area.Represented by numeral 608, shown technology only represents a possibility method for performing this task.Via numeral 611, analyze the minimum and maximum use that can relate to each nozzle in determining to take to accept to combine (or nozzle-waveform combination, under driving those situations of nozzle by the transmitted waveform more than wherein).If specific nozzle is bad (such as, do not launch or launch at unacceptable track place), then can get rid of this nozzle for use (and consideration) alternatively.Secondly, if nozzle has the droplet size of very little or very large expectation, then this can limit the number of the drop that can use from this nozzle with acceptable combination; Numeral 611 represents minimizing anticipating the number of the combination of consideration.Represented by numeral 612, process/shortcut can be used limit by the number of the set of the drop of assessment combination; Such as, substituting of " owning " possibility drop combination is considered as each nozzle, the method can be configured to get rid of alternatively relate to fewer than half nozzle (or another quantity of nozzle, combination such as), wherein exceed half nozzle from any specific nozzle waveform combination or represent the discrepancy in elevation XOR of droplet size represent apply across target area while the combination of large difference of droplet size.Other can also be used to measure.

According to any restriction to the number of sets that will calculate/consider, then the method advances to and calculates and consider can accept drop combination, via numeral 613.As mentioned by numeral 614 and 615, various process can be used plan scanning and/or the other specific collection effectively selecting the droplet size of each target area (TR).Such as, as described above, a kind of method takes scanning pattern (such as, particular geometric stride is selected), and then considers the maximum of the minimum remainder set selection across all TR considered; The method advantageously can cover ability those scanning patterns maximized (replacement geometric pace) weighting of multiple target area to the run-down made subsequently.Alternatively or in addition, the method can advantageously to making the maximized geometric pace weighting of the number of nonrecoverable nozzle; Return and simplify five nozzles as discussed above, with the scanning that will only make three nozzles launch in passing through or compared with, can advantageously to the scanning weighting by applying five nozzles to target area.Therefore, in one embodiment, following algorithm can be applied by software:

。

In this exemplary equation, " i " represents the specific selection of geometric pace or scanning pattern, w ₁represent a weighting determined by rule of thumb, w ₂represent the second weighting determined by rule of thumb, #_RemCombs _{tR, i}represent the number taking the residue of each target area of scanning pattern i to combine, and #_Simult.Nozzles _irepresent the tolerance being used to the number of nozzle of scanning pattern i; Please note, after this value needs not be integer, such as, if the Filling power of each TR changes (such as, visible potentially pseudomorphism with in hiding display device), then the given scanning pattern nozzle of variable number that can use with every row target area is for feature, such as, can use mean value or certain other tolerance.Also note that these factors and weighting are only illustrative, namely can use the weighting different from these and/or consideration, only use a variable instead of another, or use diverse algorithm.

Fig. 6 A also show other options many.Such as, via numeral 617, the consideration of the drop set in an embodiment is performed according to equation/algorithm.Can be can calculate comparative measurement representation to select the mark of certain pace or skew for each geometric pace of may replacing.Such as, another may approach the equation relating to and have three items by algorithm, as follows:

S _i =W _v (S _v,min /S _v )+W _e (S _e /S _e,max )+W _d (S _d,min /S _d ),

Wherein, based on s _v , s _e with s _d item be the mark calculated respectively for the change of the difference of deposit fluid drop volume, efficiency (passing through used maximum nozzles) and geometric pace at every turn.In a formula, item " ( s _{v, min} / S _v ) " manage to depend on that the mode of drop sum makes packing volume aspect and minimized by the change compared with desired value with each.

Numeral 619 in Fig. 6 A represents in one embodiment, matrix mathematics can be used to select to perform drop combination, such as, side by side consider the combination of all droplet sizes by using and use a kind of eigenvector analysis to select the mathematical technique of scanning pattern.

As numeral 621 represented by, can using iterative process reduce considered drop combine number.That is, such as, as one may treatment technology previously describe represented, can computational geometry stride one at a time.Whenever planning specific scanning pattern, the method determines the incremental volumes still needed in each target area under consideration, and then continues to determine to be suitable for best to produce in the polymerization volume of each target area expected in tolerance limit or the scanning of packing volume or geometrical offset.Then repeat this to process as each iteration till having planned that all scanning patterns and nozzle launch pattern.

Via numeral 622, hybrid process can also be used.Such as, in one embodiment, can select and use one or more scanning or the geometric pace of first group, such as, based on minimum aberrations and the maximal efficiency (such as, scanning the nozzle used) of each nozzle droplet size aspect at every turn.Once apply the scanning of certain number of times, such as 1,2,3 or more, then can call and such as make to scan the algorithms of different that the nozzle used maximizes (such as, regardless of the deviation of applied droplet size aspect) at every turn.In this type of hybrid process, one in algorithm can be applied to applying any particular equations or technology (or other technology) as discussed above alternatively, and those skilled in the art will expect that other changes undoubtedly.

Note that as mentioned previously, in exemplary display manufacture process, each target area packing volume can have intentionally injection (623) to alleviate the planning randomization of line effect.In one embodiment, apply generator function (625) alternatively and intentionally change target fill volume (or making to combine for the drop for each target area the polymerization volume deflection produced) in the mode realizing this planning randomization or other effect.As discussed previously, in various embodiments, can also by this type of change calculations in target fill volume and tolerance limit, namely even before the combination of analysis drop, and such as apply algorithm as previously indicated and approach to meet each target area and fill requirement.As below with reference to Fig. 8 B discuss, also likely consider that randomization is as probability distribution and so that the mode that calculates depends on that this randomization is to plan that drop is measured (and trying to achieve every nozzle, every distributed wave) in order to tolerance limit is filled in satisfied synthesis.Such as, if the randomization of the filling planned treat target synthesis fill ± 0.2% between normal state ground change, and specified tolerance limit is target synthesis fills ± 0.5%, then can plan that the drop for each nozzle and each nozzle waveform combination is measured, to produce the 0.3%(0.2%+0.3%=0.5% being in target) in the 3 σ values for each nozzle/nozzle waveform.

Fig. 6 B and numeral 631 refer to combine with iteration drop mentioned above to be selected to process relevant more detailed diagram.Represented by numeral 633 and 635, first, suitably identify again, store and retrieve the combination of possible drop, for by software evaluation.For each possibility scanning pattern (or geometric pace), via numeral 637, the footprint of the nozzle of the method storaging mark scanning pattern (639) and application, and it deducts each nozzle transmitting (641) to determine remainder combination (643) of each target area from each target area geometry.These are also stored.Then, via numeral 645, the method assesses storage data according to predefined criterion.Such as, indicated by optional (dash line) square frame 647, it is the mark better or more worse than the alternative previously considered that the maximized method of minimal amount managing the drop across all related objective districts is combined can distribute the combination that instruction just stored.If meet designation criteria (645), then can select specific scanning or geometric pace, store or mark remainder combination in addition so that in another printhead of consideration/substrate scanning or by use, represented by numeral 649 and 651.If do not meet this criterion (or considering not complete), then can consider that another stride and/or the method can adjust the consideration of geometric pace (or the part previously selected) under consideration, via numeral 653.Again, many changes can be had.

Previously noticed that the order performing scanning or deposition drop was inessential for the final composite value for each target area.Although Such is the fact, in order to make print speed and throughput-maximized, preferably scan sorting is become thus cause possible the soonest or print the most efficiently.Therefore, if previously do not calculated in geometric pace analysis, then classification and/or the sequence of scanning or stride can then have been performed.Represent that this processes with Fig. 6 C.

Especially, numeral 661 is used usually to specify the method for Fig. 6 C.The software such as run on suitable machine causes processor to retrieve other data of the selected scanning pattern of (663) selected geometric pace, specific collection or mark, and (and suitable nozzle launches pattern, can be driven in those embodiments of some nozzle by the transmitted waveform more than wherein, its can also comprise specify in multiple transmitted waveform which will be used to the data of each drop).Then to make the mode of incremental step distance minimization by these strides or scanning classification or to sort.Such as, again with reference to the supposition example of foregoing descriptions, if selected stride/scanning pattern is { 0, + 3,-2 ,+6 and-4}, then these may be reordered each incremental step is minimized and make total (polymerization) distance minimization of being passed between scans by kinematic system.When such as not resequencing, the distance of increment between these skews by equal 3,2,6 and the 4(polymerization distance that makes to pass in this example will be " 15 ").If will scan (such as in the said manner, scanning " a ", " b ", " c ", " d " and " e ") rearrangement is (such as, order according to " a ", " c ", " b ", " e " and " d "), then distance of increment by be+1 ,+2,0 and+4(make through polymerization distance will be " 7 ").Represented by numeral 667, here, the method can be moved to printhead kinematic system and/or basement movement system assignment, and the order that nozzle is launched oppositely (such as, if use round scanning pattern direction alternately, the numeral 339 and 340 via Fig. 3 B).Represented by as discussed previously and optional process square frame 669, in certain embodiments, for the subset Execution plan of target area and/or optimization, then in large substrate, this solution can be applied with space repetitive mode.

Partly represent that this repeats with Fig. 6 D.As Fig. 6 D imply, hypothesis should be described for this and expect to manufacture tablet device array.Represent common base by numeral 681, and one group of dash line box indicating of such as square frame 683 and so on is used for the geometry of each tablet device.Substrate forms the benchmark 685 with two-dimensional characteristics and is used for positioning various manufacture process and aiming at.After these process finally complete, cutting or similar process is used to be separated with common base by each panel 683.When panel array represents each OLED display, common base 681 will be usually glass, and substrate is deposited on the top of glass, after be one or more sealants; Then by each faceplate inverted, substrate of glass is made to form the light-emitting area of display.For some application, other base material can be used, such as transparent or opaque flexible material.As described in, the equipment of other types many can be manufactured according to described technology.Can calculate for the particular subset 687 of dull and stereotyped 683 and separate.Then the subset 689 for other the similar size of dull and stereotyped 683 repeats this solution, and then can repeat whole disaggregation for by each panel formed by given substrate.

Recall the various technology and consideration introduced above, can perform and manufacture process with rapidly and produce product in a large number with low per unit cost.Be applied to display device manufacture (such as, flat-panel monitor), these technology make it possible to realize each panel print processing fast, produce multiple panel from common base.By providing fast, technology capable of repeat printing is (such as, public ink and printhead is used) between panel, can believe and substantially can improve printing, such as, being reduced to the sub-fraction of time will needed when not having above-mentioned technology each layer of time-write interval, all guaranteeing that each target area packing volume is in specification at the same time.Again turn back to the example of large-scale HD television indicator, can believe can 180 seconds or less or even 90 seconds or less in for large-scale substrate (such as, produce 8.5 substrates, it is about 220cm × 250cm) exactly and reliably print each color components layer, represent remarkable process modification.Improving the efficiency that prints and quality is reduce the cost of producing large-scale HD television indicator significantly and low side consumption device cost is therefore paved the way.As discussed previously, although display manufacturing (with OLED manufacture especially) is an application of the technology introduced in this article, but these technology can be applied to multiple process, computer, printer, software, manufacturing equipment and final equipment, and are not limited to display floater.

The benefit depositing the ability of accurate target area volume (such as, trap volume) in tolerance limit can inject deliberately change as described in tolerance limit.These technology facilitate the remarkable quality improvement of display, because which provide the ability of the pixelation pseudomorphism of hiding display, make this type of " line effect " can not perception to human eye.Fig. 7 provides the block diagram 701 be associated with the method changed for injecting this.Various method as discussed above is the same with block diagram, alternatively block diagram 701 and correlation technique can be embodied as software, on standalone media or as the part of larger machine.

As represented by numeral 703, can change according to specified criteria.Such as, be usually understood that susceptibility that human eye changes contrast with brightness, expect that viewing distance, monitor resolution, color and other factors are relevant.As a part for the criterion of specifying, use a measure to guarantee the typical human eye susceptibility of the given spatial variations to the contrast aspect between the color between different luminance level, this type of change will with to the sightless mode of human eye by smoothing, such as change in the mode of contributory's observable pattern between the color components not on (a) any one or more directions or under (b) given expection observation condition.This can use planning randomized function to realize alternatively, as mentioned previously.When specified minimum criterion, can intentionally change in the mode be suitable for any visual artifacts is hidden from human eye the target fill volume being used for each color components and each pixel, represented by numeral 705.Note that the right side of Fig. 7 represents various Treatment Options, such as this change can be independently (707) across color components, based on algorithm apply for can the test of perception pattern to guarantee filling change, do not cause can perception pattern.As described in by numeral 707, for any given color components (such as, any given ink), can also make in each in multiple Spatial Dimension (such as, x and y dimension) of this change is independently (709).Again, in one embodiment, not only make it can not perception for each dimension/color components to change smoothingization, but also suppress any pattern of the difference between each in these dimensions thus make it invisible.Via numeral 711, one or more maker function can be applied and guarantee to meet these criterions, such as, fill change by using the criterion of any expectation to distribute small target in the filling of each target area of the forward direction of droplet size analysis alternatively.Represented by numeral 713, in one embodiment, this change can be made alternatively to be random.

Via numeral 715, be therefore conducive to selected change criterion and the selection that the certain droplet for each target area combines is weighted.As described in, this can via target fill change or drop (such as, scanning pattern, nozzle waveform combination or both) time of selecting performs.Also there is other method for giving this change.Such as, in an imagination embodiment, via numeral 717, change scanning pattern in a non-linear manner, effectively change the droplet size across mean scan path direction.Via numeral 719, nozzle can also be changed and launch pattern, such as, use multiple signal level (or pulse shaping technique of other form) to provide small droplet size to change by adjustment transmitted pulse rise time, fall time, voltage, pulse width or each pulse; In one embodiment, these changes can be precalculated, and in various embodiments, only use the waveform change producing very small Volume Changes, adopt other measure to guarantee that polymerization filling remains within the scope of specific tolerance.In one embodiment, for each target area, calculate the multiple drop combinations dropped within the scope of specific tolerance, and for each target area, change (such as, randomly or based on mathematical function) in this target area, use the selection of which drop combination, or for contributing to a nozzle of selected combination to change specific waveforms (being namely used to produce the drop of given volume), such as, a little Volume Changes is provided, thus effectively changes and do not change planned scanning pattern across the droplet size of target area.This type of change can be realized along scanning pattern direction on a line target area, on a row target area or on both.

Fig. 8 A-Fig. 8 B is used to be used to explain for trying to achieve for estimating the drop that produced by each nozzle or nozzle waveform combination and alternatively according to from the method measuring determined assembly average and plan the statistical model of the combination of multiple drop.Note, in the example of Fig. 8 A-Fig. 8 B, build statistical model for the droplet size can expected from given nozzle drive waveforms pairing; In an alternate embodiment, for liquid drop speed, droplet flight track (such as relative to normal) or similar statistics model can be built for certain other parameter.

Fig. 8 institute plotting method overall by reference numeral 801 is specified.By functional block 803, the method in this embodiment starts from setting up regulating scope (such as the minimum and maximum filling of the given target area by receiving ink).In the example proposed before, this regulating scope can be represented as mean value and add or deduct particular value (such as 50.00pL ± 0.5%), but can use almost any scope or the expression formula of acceptable value.In the implementation of an expection, about the tolerance limit specified by target be ± 0.5%, but also can use other value (such as but not limited to 1.0% or 2.0%).In maintenance is consistent with exemplified earlier, for this embodiment, hypothetical target is 50.00pL and tolerance limit be ± 0.5%(thus acceptable scope is 49.75pL-50.25pL), but almost any scope or acceptance criterion can be used.

By label 805, for the one or more candidate's waveform of each nozzle selection of printhead or print head assembly.In the embodiment only using single drive waveforms (the square pulse of such as fixed voltage), there is not the selection needing to perform.Allowing (see the such as following discussion associated with Figure 15 A-Figure 15 B with Figure 14 B) in the embodiment of waveform definition customized, typically expectation estimation represent (such as can between interpolation finally to identify the multiple acceptable waveform for each nozzle under consideration) the some selectable waveform of the scope of value.By label 809, can according to engineer process perform this selection (807) (that is, by selected by designer and the waveform be programmed in advance in system), or also can make select process automation.

Utilize one or more waveforms that each nozzle is defined, the different drops for given nozzle waveform pairing are gushed out and plans that drop is measured.Such as, in one embodiment, each nozzle may need multiple drop (such as " 24 "), each drop is provided for the basis of the statistical distribution measured by estimation.As discussed in this like that, for this purpose, drop measurement device (such as imaging or non-imaged) can be used.Can measure for instant or the operation in corresponding or multiple measuring period or iteration planned to 24 (or in addition quantity) measurements.In addition, in one embodiment, the number of thresholds of planning survey can be carried out for initialization, wherein, so system is along with the set of time increase measurement data, in the hope of the strong confidence level about measured statistical distribution; In an alternate embodiment, each measurement (such as " every 3 hours " planning can remeasure, or only can retain measurement data for certain finite time interval used for analysis) can be planned for traveling time window; Therefore, in one embodiment, each measurement stores timestamp, to indicate its validity and exceed the time limit during estimating.No matter use anything to measure and/or measure and retain criterion, the quantity (811) of planning survey can be carried out in order to the object of statistical analysis for each nozzle ripple pairing shape.Advantageously, the corresponding measurement for the drop being derived from the pairing of each nozzle waveform is grouped into set, and plans in the mode of trying to achieve known public distribution form for the rule of the good understanding of Mathematical treatment (comprising polymerization) to contribute to utilizing.Such as, normal distribution, Student's-T distribution and Poisson distribution all have the relevant parameter that can combine according to known mathematical process, to predict polymerization or the compose distribution of the packing volume of the combination by being derived from (matching for respective nozzle waveform) individual drops.Therefore measure planning can be performed according to technology described herein, in the hope of to allow and nozzle waveforms different potentially matches the drop data acquisition system of statistical combination of the drop associated, to utilize very high confidence level degree (such as, by label 813, be typically greater than 99% confidence level) realize accurately filling in specified tolerance limit.Correspondingly, in an implementation of described technology, planning is measured for the drop of each nozzle waveform combination, with the parameter sets of the known probability distribution of satisfied description (such as, when normal distribution, quantity n, the assembly average μ of measurement or member and standard deviation), wherein, may nozzle and nozzle waveform pairing storage of measurement data (once acquisition) for each under considering.In one embodiment, planning and measurement can be iteration (namely repeating), until reach some to expect criterions (minimum number (n) of such as original measurement, the minimum number meeting the measurement of some criterions, minimum statistics expansion (the 3 σ values such as meeting some criterions or expect confidence interval) or other criterion).No matter (such as pass through software) and apply what criteria for planning, the drop that all then the system being included in drop measurement device under consideration and print head assembly stands to be applied to individually each nozzle each drive waveforms of given nozzle (and for) is measured, in the hope of the statistically evident quantity (815) that drop is measured.As label 817 and 819 annotations, alternatively original place (such as, alternatively when there is controlled atmosphere, in printer or OLED device preparation facilities) and in the mode being enough to try to achieve statistical confidence to perform this measurement.Then collected data as polymerization probability distribution (821) and/or can be stored to retain the mode of independent measurement data (any time such as comprised for every nozzle measurement window stabs) alternatively.

As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the drop from nozzles different potentially and/or nozzle drive waveforms is combined intelligently, to obtain the accurate filling in high statistical confidence degree.When building the probability distribution of common format for each nozzle, be used for the statistical parameter of corresponding drop by combination and realize this combination (and relevant planning), to obtain the accurate filling probability distribution of the good understanding of each filling (and for).This situation is represented in fig. 8 a by label 823,825 and 827.More particularly, drop mean value combines, to obtain the polymerization filling predicted for target area in (such as with associate normal distribution corresponding) embodiment.Exemplarily, if for given first and second nozzle waveform pairings, mean drop volume is measured as 9.98pL and 10.03pL respectively, be then expected for 20.01pL(when relating to normal distribution, μ based on filling with each average polymerization matching the drop associated _c=μ ₁+ μ ₂); If in this same hypothetical examples, standard deviation is 0.032pL(σ for corresponding drop ₁) and 0.035pL(σ ₂), then the expectation standard deviation be polymerized will be that 0.0474pL(is namely based on σ ² _c=σ ² ₁+ σ ² ₂), and 3 σ values of polymerization are that 0.142pL(notes by being similar to, the confidence interval that 1 σ equals approximate 68.27%, and the confidence interval that 3 σ equal approximate 99.73%).Similar technique can be applied to any public distribution form via the process of the drop measurement for each nozzle waveform pairing as independent random variable.Therefore, the technology adopted at this uses drop measuring technique to build the statistical model for each nozzle waveform pairing, and the analysis based on the polymerization stochastic variable represented by frame 825 is combined into professional etiquette for each drop and draws (when normal distribution).If probability distribution is obey for stochastic variable polymerization, almost any distribution pattern so can be used.Indicated by functional block 827, in view of expectation regulating scope (such as about 0.5% of target), (such as by software) analyzes the combination proposed, to guarantee to meet the expected range with high statistical confidence degree.Such as, in one embodiment, as mentioned, Reliability Code (such as representing 3 σ of 99.73% confidence interval) is expected in test, to guarantee that it is adaptive in expectation marginal range.Exemplarily, if expect that tolerance limit is 49.75pL-50.25pL by example presented hereinbefore, and possible drop combination is expressed as the mean value of the 49.89pL with the 3 σ values equaling 0.07pL, then this will be in translating to polymerization filling well expecting between the 49.82pL to 49.96pL in marginal range and particular combination will regard 99% confidence level (as mentioned above, every drop combinatory analysis function) of acceptable combination as.Again, any expectation statistical criteria or the formedness of adaptation data can be used; In another embodiment, 4 σ value (99.993666%) or other values are analyzed relative to expectation marginal range.When the acceptable drop combination determined for each printing trap, then the concrete particular combination (representing that multiple nozzles of print head assembly deposit while carrying out) (see Fig. 5-Fig. 7) of the drop for each trap can be planned, wherein, carry out printing (829) according to the drop planned the in advance combination being used for each trap subsequently.

Fig. 8 B is provided for according to expecting that criterion is held deliberate target area and filled change and alternatively also for other method 851 that the drop performing variable number by every nozzle (or every nozzle waveform) is measured.More particularly, described method can be embodied as the instruction that non-transient state machine readable media stores again, and it controls at least one processor to perform the function set of instruction order.By label 853, receive as first operand " x " and expect marginal range; Such as, can intended target district (such as pixel well) filling should be in the given percentage (such as 50.00pL ± 0.5%) of target volume.This marginal range of order can be carried out, indicated by function 855 by consumer or industrial specification.If expect to carry out planning (the change at random such as among a small circle for the intentional change of synthesis volume, to avoid wire effect in made display or other artifact that can note), then by function 857, receive this scope as second operand " y ".Based on these two operands, by frame 859, described method calculate effective admissible maximum change, standard deviation or other estimate.In one embodiment, y is subtracted from x as depicted in the figures, and the filling equaling effectively to allow changes; Such as, if specification is by the filling in above-mentioned example requirement ± 0.5%, and the intentional change at random of ± 0.1% is injected in the synthesis mean value (such as 49.95pL-50.05pL) planned of filling for trap, then reuse the example of the target of 50.00pL ± 0.5%, the change (before change at random) allowed can be limited as 49.80pL-50.20pL.Note, other technology is also possible, such as, substitutes and deducts these simply and estimate, and can such as gather based on another using boundary criterion with the mathematics associated for the standard deviation of independent random variable or the statistical combination of variance; Depend on embodiment, other criterion a lot of can be applied.By frame 859, all the other scopes (such as target ± 0.4%) so can equal to expect confidence interval (such as 3 σ interval or other statistical measurements), and for assessment of drop combination may being acceptable or will getting rid of from consideration by the example provided above.

Alternatively, indicated by functional block 861 and 863, all the other scopes and associated confidence interval can be applied as the criterion that management and control drop is measured, to build the expectation statistical model for each drop.Such as, represented by frame 861, utilize the expectation confidence interval (0.4% of such as 3 σ <=targets) defined, can identify and expect variance or maximum permission variance, the baseline amount n that the drop that the mode effectively calculated with the statistical model of the statistical criteria that meets the expectation for generation defines to be needed to take for each nozzle waveform combination is measured.Such as, whether no matter fill is deliberately change, can use and expect that effective margin scope identifies and will be strict statistical distribution and the quantity of the measurement that calculates (such as 24,50 or another quantity) for producing, and therefore cause may be used for printing a large amount of of planning may drops combination.This calculating can be applied in several ways, such as (a) mark will be applied to the number of thresholds of the measurement of each nozzle waveform combination (such as each, 24 drops are measured), or the threshold statistical criterion that (b) mark must meet for each nozzle waveform combination (such as, wherein, the measurement of the quantity changed potentially is performed, until threshold value criterion (such as variance, standard deviation etc.)) by every nozzle or nozzle waveform.Then drop measurement device is used to apply (863) drop test function, to perform measurement, wherein, by this test of setting forth in functional block 865 to represent various exemplary functions.Such as, n can be measured for each nozzle (or the pairing of nozzle waveform) " i " _idrop, as indicated in frame 865.For each measurement, the software controlling drop measurement device can perform increment droplet size and measures (867) and store data in (869) in memory.Follow each measurement (or after measurement of number of thresholds), the combined measurement for given nozzle waveform combination can be polymerized, to calculate (871) statistical parameter (such as when normal distribution type, mean value and standard deviation μ and σ) for specific nozzle waveform combination.Then these values can store in memory (873).Alternatively, by functional block 874, these identical or different measuring techniques can be applied and measure to store one or more drop for speed v and x and y dimension track (α and β).As label 875 reflect, judgment criterion can be applied to determine whether to take enough measurements for for specific nozzle waveform combination given parameters (i) (such as volume), or whether additional measurement is what expect.That is, thus can build the statistical model of the robustness criterion that meet the expectation for specific nozzle waveform combination if need additional measurement, then described method circulates by flow arrow 877, additionally to measure to produce these.If do not need additional measurement, then then described method can continue next nozzle 879, suitably circulates by flow arrow 881, until treated all nozzles and/or nozzle waveform combination.Note, and not all embodiments needs this order; Such as, circulation 877 and 881 changes in order (such as wherein, in succession perform drop for each nozzle and measure), and wherein, this process repeats, until obtained the data of enough robusts; Such as, for the embodiment (discussion see such as following Figure 19) will measured with incremental mode execution drop in the mode stacking for other system process, this process provides specific advantages.By label 883, once fully test all nozzles or nozzle waveform combination, described method just terminates, if or run on interrupted basis, then temporary suspends.For the test of described drop, obtain comprise measured data and/or the data of statistical parameter that calculate are stored in machine readable memory 885, use in drop combinatorial programming for such as such as discussed above.Also can alternatively to replace or the alternate manner of Intelligent Hybrid of additional different droplet size uses obtained data.In one embodiment, as mentioned, the data stored can represent with the form of independent measurement and/or statistical parameter the one or more any expectation drop parameter comprised in droplet size, droplet size and/or droplet trajectory again.

Fig. 9 A-10C is used to be provided for the analogue data of technology discussed herein.Fig. 9 A-9C represents the synthesis packing volume of the expectation based on five drops, and Figure 10 A-10C represents the synthesis packing volume of the expectation based on ten drops.For each in these figure, letter designation " A " (such as, Fig. 9 A and 10A) expression wherein uses nozzle to deposit the situation of drop when the consideration not about volume differences.On the contrary, letter designation " B " (such as, Fig. 9 B and 10B) represents that the anticipated volume difference between being wherein chosen to by the random combine of (5 or 10) individual drop nozzle " is averaging ".Finally, letter designation " C " (such as, Fig. 9 C and 10C) represents that wherein scanning and nozzle transmitting are depended on and manages to make the polymerization filling change minimized each target area specific aggregation ink volume across target area.In the figure that these are different, suppose that the change of each nozzle is by consistent with the change observed in physical device, each vertical pivot represents the polymerization filling volume in units of pL, and each transverse axis represents the number of target area, such as pixel well or pixel color parts.Note that the change emphasized illustrating polymerization filling volume of these figure, taking round the average random distribution drop change of hypothesis.For Fig. 9 A-9C, suppose that the average external volume of each nozzle is slightly at each below nozzle 10.00pL, and for Figure 10 A-10C, suppose that the mean drop volume of each nozzle is slightly at each more than nozzle 10.00pL.

The first chart 901 represented in figure 9 a shows to be taked the difference in nozzle droplet size and not to attempt alleviating these poor each trap Volume Changes.Note that these changes can be extreme (such as, each peak value 903), there is the polymerization filling volume range of about ± 2.61%.As described in, the mean value of five drops is slightly at below 50.00pL; Fig. 9 A shows two groups of sample tolerance scopes centered by this mean value, comprises representing centered by this value ± the second scope 907 of the scope of the first scope 905 of the scope of 1.00% and to represent centered by this value ± 0.50%.As what see with many peak values of overrun (such as, peak value 903) and groove point, this type of print processing causes meeting many traps of specification (such as, in these scopes one or the other).

The second chart 911 represented in Fig. 9 B shows each trap Volume Changes that each trap uses randomized one group of five nozzle, to attempt statistically to be averaging the effect of droplet size change.Please note that this type of technology does not allow the accurate generation of the ink of the designated volume in any specific trap, this type of process does not ensure the polymerization volume in scope yet.Such as, although the percentage dropping on the packing volume outside specification represents than the much better situation represented by Fig. 9 A, but still exist wherein separately trap (such as with groove point 913 mark) drop on the situation outside regulating scope, such as respectively with numeral 905 and 907 represent ± 1.00% and ± 0.50% to change.In this case, min/max error is ± 1.01%, reflect improvement when mixing at random for the data proposed in figure 9 a.

Fig. 9 C represents the 3rd situation, uses the particular combination of each nozzle drop according to above-mentioned technology.Especially, chart 921 show change completely in ± 1.00% scope and quite close to meet for all expression target areas ± 0.50% scope; Again, these scopes are represented by numeral 905 and 907 respectively.In this example, use five droplet sizes specifically selected to fill trap in each scan line, printhead/substrate for each by or scanning be suitably shifted.Min/max error is ± 0.595%, reflect further improvement when " Intelligent Hybrid " of this form.Please note, this improvement and data observation are consistent with to realize specific filling or marginal range for any type of Intelligent liquid drop volume combination speech, such as, when using the skew between nozzle row (or multiple printhead) or when using multiple preliminary election drive waveforms to allow the combination of the droplet size of concrete selection.

As described in, Figure 10 A-10C presents similar data, but takes the combination of each trap 10 drops, has the mean drop volume that each nozzle is about 10.30pL.Especially, chart 1001 in Figure 10 A represents the situation wherein not noting alleviating droplet size difference, chart 1011 in Figure 10 B represents that wherein applying drop is to attempt statistically to the situation that volume differences " is averaging " randomly, and the chart 1021 in Figure 10 C represents the situation of planning mixing (to realize the average packing volume of Figure 10 A/10B, i.e. about 103.10pL) of certain droplet.What these were different illustrate around this mean value ± marginal range of 1.00% and ± 0.50% change, scope of application arrow 1005 and 1007 represents respectively.Each in figure further illustrates with changing each peak value 1003,1013 and 1023 represented.But please note Figure 10 A represent surrounding target ± change of 2.27%, Figure 10 B represent surrounding target ± change of 0.707%, and Figure 10 C represent surrounding target ± change of 0.447%.By being averaging of the drop of greater number, see " the random drop " of Figure 10 B by realize around mean value ± 1.00% tolerance limit instead of ± 0.50% scope.On the contrary, see that the solution described by Figure 10 C will meet two marginal range, illustrate while the change still allowing the drop combined aspects between trap, change to be constrained to and drop in specification.

An embodiment of the technology described in the disclosure is as follows.For using the nozzle with the droplet size standard deviation of x% to have the ± print processing of the polymerization filling volume of the maximum change of y% with deposition, conventional is upper, there is minority and guarantees that change is reached the ± means of y% by polymerization filling volume.This proposes potential problems.The standard deviation of the polymerization volume across target area is statistically reduced to x%/(n) by (in such as Fig. 9 B and Figure 10 B represented by visible data) polymerization of fluid drops technology ^1/2, wherein, n is that every target area is required with the par realizing expecting packing volume drop.But, even about this statistical method, if especially y and n is very little, then do not exist for reliably guaranteeing that in fact realistic objective district packing volume will be positioned at ± the mechanism on the worst error border of y%.There is provided a kind of for by guaranteeing that the known percentage of target area provides the mechanism of this reliability in this technology discussed, and realize ± y% in synthesis fill.Therefore an embodiment provides a kind of method and relevant device, system, software and the improvement that generate control data or control printer, and wherein, the standard deviation across the volume of target area is better than x%/(n) ^1/2(such as, be better than x%/(n) in fact ^1/2).In specific implementation mode, use print-head nozzle with by scanning deposition drop in the corresponding line (such as respective pixel trap) of target area at every turn at the same time, this condition is met.

Utilize be used for drop combination to make its volume and by the one group of basic fundamental selected particularly to meet the specific objective described like this, present will forward more discussing in detail of the particular device that can benefit from these principles and application to herein.This discussion is intended that nonrestrictive, namely describes the embodiment that the minority for implementing the method introduced above is specifically imagined.

As seen in Figure 11, multicell manufacturing installation 1101 comprises multiple general module or subsystem, and it comprises transfer printing module 1103, print module 1105 and processing module 1107.Each module keeps controlled environment, make it possible to be performed in the first controlled atmosphere by print module 1105 such as print, and other process can be performed in the second controlled atmosphere, such as another deposition processes of such as inorganic seal deposition or solidification process (such as, for printed material for) and so on.Device 1101 uses one or more mechanical handing device move substrate between the modules and do not make substrate be exposed to not controlled atmosphere.In any given module, other substrate handling system of the process being suitable for perform for this module and/or particular device and control system can be used.

Namely the various embodiments of transfer printing module 1103 can comprise input load lock 1109(, while keeping controlled atmosphere, provide the room of the buffering between varying environment), transfer printing room 1111(also has carrier for transmitting substrate) and atmosphere surge chamber 1113.In print module 1105, other substrate carrying mechanism of such as floating table and so on can be used for the stable support of substrate during print processing.In addition, the xyz kinematic system of such as declutch shaft or gantry kinematic system and so on can be used at least one printhead relative to the accurate location of substrate and be provided for the y-axis transfer system of substrate by the transmission of print module 1105.Multiple ink can also be used for printing in Photocopy Room, such as, use each print head assembly, make such as in controlled atmosphere, two dissimilar deposition processes to be performed in print module.Print module 1105 can comprise the gas inclusion 1115 holding ink-jet print system, have for introducing inert atmosphere (such as, nitrogen, rare gas, another kind of seemingly gas or its combination) and exist and the device of controlled atmospher for environmental regulations (such as, temperature and pressure), gas composition and particle in addition.

Processing module 1107 can comprise such as transfer printing room 1116; This transfer printing room also has the carrier for transmitting substrate.In addition, processing module can also comprise output load lock 1117, nitrogen heap buffer 1119 and curing room 1121.In some applications, can use curing room that monomer film is solidified into uniform polymeric film, such as, use heat or the process of UV radiation curing.

In one application, device 1101 is suitable for large quantities of LCDs or the batch production of OLED display screen, such as, in single large substrate, once manufacture the array of eight screens.These screens may be used for TV also as the display screen of the electronic equipment for other form.In the second application, in substantially the same manner this device can be used for the batch production of solar panels.

Be applied to above-mentioned droplet size combination technique, can in display pannel manufacture, advantageously use print module 1105 to deposit one or more layer, such as the material of filter layer, luminescent layer, barrier layer, conductive layer, organic or inorganic layer, sealant and other type.Such as, substrate can be loaded for described device 1101, and can be controlled it to move around one or more printable layer that deposits and/or solidify or harden between the various chambers, be all with do not exposed in the middle of not controlled atmosphere the mode of interrupting.Alternatively, move in any chamber along with substrate or be subject to processing, can perform droplet of ink measure (if combine described by system and use).Such as, 1109 loading first substrates can be locked via input load, and during this process, the print head assembly in print module 1105 can engage with drop measurement device, measure to perform drop for the subset of printing nozzle; In the embodiment with a lot of printing nozzle, drop measurement can be made to be periodically and interrupted, thus between each printing interval in, calibration represents the different spray nozzles of incremental (circular-progressive) subset of all nozzles of print components, measures association drop in the hope of the statistical model of each in the angle that sprays for droplet size, (relative to normal) and speed.First substrate can be moved to print module 1105 from input load locking 1109 by the control device being arranged in delivery module 1103, and now, drop is measured and departed from, and print head assembly moves to the position for effectively printing.After completing print processing, then the first substrate can move to processing module 1107, for solidification.Again, the new cycle that drop is measured can be performed, and the second substrate can be loaded in input load locking 1109 (if supporting by system) alternatively.A lot of other is replaced and process combination is possible.By repeated deposition succeeding layer (such as by movable first substrate, for the iteration printed and solidify), each in every target area controlled volume, polymer layer character can be built as applicable any expectation application.In an alternate embodiment, output loading can be used to lock 1117 the first substrate to be sent to the second printer (such as printing new layer (such as new OLED material layer or encapsulated layer or other layer) for pipeline system subsequently).Note again, above-mentioned technology is not limited to display pannel manufacturing process, can use much dissimilar instrument.Such as, the configuration of device 1101 can change, to place modules 1103,1105 and 1107 by different juxtapositions (juxtaposition); In addition, add-on module or less module can also be used.Represented by label 1121 and 1123, the computing equipment (such as processor) running appropriate software can be used, perform above-mentioned optional drop serially measure to control each process and to process with other, namely, the downtime of device is minimized, while maintenance Robust Statistics model, keep drop to measure, and stacking drop is measured with other system process overlapping as much as possible as far as possible simultaneously.

Although Figure 11 provides an example of one group of link room or manufacture component, clearly there is other possibilities many.The ink droplet introduced above is measured and deposition technique can use together with the equipment to describe in fig. 11, or in fact, is used for the manufacture process that control performs by the depositing device of other type any.

Figure 12 provides the block diagram that each subsystem that can be used for manufacturing the device had as the manufacturing equipment of one or more layers of specifying in this article is shown.Coordination for each subsystem is provided by processor 1203, according to the instruction action provided by software (not shown in fig. 12).During preparation process, processor to printhead 1205 data feed with the ink causing printhead to spray various volume according to nozzle firing order.Printhead 1205 usually have layout embark on journey (or each row array) multiple inkjet nozzle and association reservoir, it allows the injection of ink in response to the piezoelectricity of each nozzle or the activation of other transducer; This type of transducer causes nozzle to spray the ink of controlled quatity with the amount controlled by the electronics nozzle drive waveforms signal putting on corresponding PZT (piezoelectric transducer).If there is multiple printhead, then can there is the processor for each printhead, or a processor can control whole print head assembly.Other emission mechanism can also be used.Each printhead applies ink, represented by halftoning printed drawings picture in the various x-y positions basad 1207 corresponding with the mesh coordinate in various print unit.The change of position by printhead kinematic system 1209 and substrate handling system 1211(such as, causes to print and describes one or more swath across substrate) both realize.In one embodiment, printhead kinematic system 1209 makes (multiple) printhead move around along slip ring, and " declutch shaft " of any part that the handling system of substrate simultaneously provides " y " dimension of stable substrate support and substrate to transmit to make it possible to realize substrate prints; Substrate handling system provides y dimension transmission fast relatively, and printhead kinematic system 1209 provides x dimension transmission slowly relatively simultaneously.In another embodiment, substrate handling system 1211 can provide x and y dimension to transmit.In another embodiment, main transmission can be provided by substrate handling system 1211 completely.Image capture device 1213 can be used to position any benchmark and help to aim at and/or error-detecting.

Described device also comprises ink delivery system 1215 and head maintenance system 1217 to help printing.Can periodically calibrate printhead or make it to stand to safeguard process; For this reason, during maintenance sequence, head maintenance system 1217 is used to perform the cleaning of suitable priming, ink or gas, test and calibration and other operation, depending on the situation of particular procedure.

As foregoing descriptions, can to perform print processing in controlled environment that is in the mode of the risk of the reduction of the pollutant presenting the validity that may reduce sedimentary deposit.For this reason, described device comprises chamber control system 1219, the atmosphere in its control room, represented by functional block 1221.As described in optional processing variation can be included in and there is environment nitrogen atmosphere when perform the injection of deposition materials.

As previously mentioned, in embodiment disclosed herein, by the combination of individual drops volume to realize the specific packing volume of each target area selected according to target fill volume.Can plan specific packing volume for each target area, Filling power is the change of surrounding target value within the scope of tolerance.For this type of embodiment, to depend on that the mode of ink, nozzle, drive waveforms and other factors measures droplet size particularly.For this reason, reference number 1223 represents optional droplet size measuring system, wherein, for each nozzle and for each drive waveforms measurement droplet size 1225, and is then stored in memory 1227.This type of drops measuring system can be incorporated into optics stroboscopic camera in commercial printing device or Laser Scanning Equipment (or other volume measurement tool) as previously mentioned.In one embodiment, this equipment use non-imaged technology (such as using simple fluorescence detector but not the image processing software operated pixel) is to realize individual drops volume, the measuring in real time in real time or almost of deposition flight angle or track and liquid drop speed.。These data during printing or disposable, interval or periodic calibration operation during be provided to (multiple) processor 1203.Indicated by numeral 1229, one group of transmitted waveform of arranging in advance can also be made alternatively to be associated with each nozzle, for using when producing the drop combination of specific each target area after a while; If this type of one group of waveform is used to the present embodiment, then advantageously use the drops measuring system 1223 being used for each nozzle between alignment epoch, calculate droplet size measurement result for each waveform.There is provided real-time or nearly droplet size measuring system in real time greatly enhances expecting reliability when providing target area volume to fill in marginal range, because measurement result row relax (such as, being averaging) of going forward side by side can be obtained as required to be minimized to make Statistical Volume measure error.

Numeral 1231 refers to the use of the printing Optimization Software run on processor 1203.More specifically, this software based on droplet size 1225 statistical model (In situ Measurement or provide in addition) and use this information suitably droplet size combination is planned printing in the mode obtaining the specific packing volume in each target area.In one embodiment, according to above embodiment, although drop measurement device can have the lower precision associated with independent drop measurement, polymerization volume can be planned to 0.01pL or better resolution ratio, in certain error margin; That is, by the statistical model using technology used herein to build the droplet size of every nozzle and every nozzle/waveform combination, statistics precision can be derived, but not by the accuracy representing of drops measuring system.Once plan printing, then (multiple) processor has calculated print parameters, the number of times such as scanned and sequence, drop size, relative drop emission time and similar information, and builds the printed drawings picture of the nozzle transmitting being used for determining each scanning.In one embodiment, this printed drawings similarly is half tone image.In another embodiment, printhead has multiple nozzle, nearly 10,000.As will be described below, according to time value and transmitted value, each drop (such as, describe the data of transmitted waveform or indicate whether " in a digital manner " to launch the data of ink droplet) can be described.Depend on geometric pace and binary nozzle wherein to launch and judge to change in the embodiment of the droplet size of each trap, and drop can be indicated to be placed on positional value where to define each drop by a data, stride value (or scanning times).Scanning wherein represents in the embodiment of motion continuously, can be worth the equivalent as positional value service time.No matter be time/distance or absolute position, this value describes position relative to accurately specifying the position that nozzle should be made to launch and the reference of time (such as, sync mark, position or pulse).In certain embodiments, multiple value can be used.Such as, in an embodiment specifically imagined, generate lock-out pulse in the mode corresponding to the opposed print heads/basement movement of every micron of scan period for each nozzle; Relative to each lock-out pulse, with the following, each nozzle is programmed: (a) describes the deviant of the integer clock cycle delay made before nozzle transmitting, (b) 4 digit wave form select signal, to describe one in being programmed in the memory being exclusively used in specific nozzle driver 15 waveform selection (namely, the "Off" of a given nozzle in 16 probable values or non-emitting states), and (c) repeatability value, its appointment should make nozzle launch only once, for each lock-out pulse once or for every n lock-out pulse once.In this case, be used in the address of each nozzle by (multiple) processor 1203 and waveform selection is associated with the certain droplet volume data be stored in memory 1227, the transmitting from the specific waveforms of specific nozzle represents and the planning using specific corresponding droplet size to carry out based specific target site supply polymerization ink is judged.

Figure 13 A-15D by be used for introducing can be used for by the combination of different droplet sizes with obtain be used for each target area precision tolerances in other technology of packing volume.In the first technology, can (such as, between scans) each row nozzle be optionally made relative to each other to offset in print head assembly during printing.This technology is introduced with reference to figure 13A-13B.In the second technology, nozzle drive waveforms can be used to adjust PZT (piezoelectric transducer) and launch and the attribute (comprising volume) of therefore each liquid droplets.Figure 14 A-14B is used for multiple option is discussed.Finally, in one embodiment, precalculate multiple replacement drop emission waveform of a group and make it can be used for each printing nozzle.With reference to figure 15A-15B, this technology and interlock circuit are discussed.

Figure 13 A provides the planning chart 1301 through the printhead 1303 of substrate 1305 on the scanning direction indicated by arrow 1307.See that substrate will be made up of many pixels 1309 here, each pixel has trap 1309-R, 1309-G and 1309-B of being associated with each color components.Again please note that this description is only example, namely technology as used in this article can be applied to any layer (such as, be not limited to independent color components and be not limited to color imparting layer) of display; These technology can also be used to manufacture the thing except display device.In this case, intention is that printhead deposits an ink at every turn, and supposes that ink is that color components is specific, and each trap for display is performed independent print processing, each in color components.Therefore, if using the first process, to deposit ruddiness, the specific ink of institute occurs, then will the first trap of each pixel only had to receive ink in the first print processing, the trap 1309-R of such as pixel 1309 and the similar trap of pixel 1311.In the second print processing, only have second trap (1309-G) of pixel 1309 and the similar trap of pixel 1311 will receive second ink etc.Therefore various trap is shown three the different overlapping arrays (being fluid container or trap in this case) for target area.

Printhead 1303 comprises many nozzles, such as uses represented by numeral 1313,1315 and 1317.In this case, each numeral refers to independent a line nozzle, and each row extends along the row axle 1318 of substrate.See that nozzle 1313,1315 and 1317 will form the nozzle of first row relative to substrate 1305, and nozzle 1329 represents the nozzle of secondary series.As with described by Figure 13 A, nozzle is not aimed at pixel, and along with printhead is in a scan through substrate, some nozzle will pass through on target area and other nozzle can not.In addition, in the drawings, although the center of one-row pixels that printing nozzle 1313,1315 and 1317 will accurately be registered to from pixel 1309, and simultaneously printing nozzle 1329 also passes through at the pixel column from pixel 1311, the aligning of printing nozzle 1319 non-precision are to pixel 1311 and the center of row of being correlated with thereof.The aiming at of the row of this nozzle and the row of trap/misalignment is described by the straight line 1325 and 1327 at center of the printing trap representing ink to be accepted respectively.In numerous applications, at this, to be in target area the exact position depositing drop unimportant, and this type of misalignment be acceptable (such as, certain group of multiple nozzle can be expected to aim at roughly with each row, as in conjunction with Figure 1B and Fig. 4 D discuss).

Figure 13 B provides the second view 1331, wherein sees that whole three row nozzles (or independent printhead) rotate about 30 degree relative to axle 1218.Previously used numeral 338 with reference to this optional capabilities in figure 3b.More specifically, owing to rotating, nozzle changes now along the spacing of row axle 1318, and often row nozzle is aimed at trap center 1325 and 1327, or otherwise adjusted, thus be increased in the nozzle density directly perceived in scan period every target print region.But, note that due to such rotation and scanning motion 1307, from the nozzle of every row nozzle by different relative times through a row pixel (such as,, and therefore there is different position transmitting datas (such as, for launching the different timing of drop) potentially 1309 and 1311).Below with reference to Figure 15 A-Figure 15 B, the method for adjusting the transmitting data for each nozzle is discussed.

As represented in Figure 13 C, in one embodiment, the print head assembly being endowed multiple printhead or rows of nozzles alternatively can make this type of each row optionally offset from each other.That is, Figure 13 C provides another plane, and wherein, each in printhead (or nozzle row) 1319,1321 and 1323 relative to each other offsets, represented by skew arrow 1353 and 1355.These row represent the use of alternative motion mechanism, often one, row nozzle, to allow corresponding line relative to the selective skew of print head assembly.This scans along with each and therefore combine (such as, via numeral 1307) for different certain droplet and provide the various combination of nozzle (with the certain droplet volume associated).Such as, in this type of embodiment, and as with Figure 13 C describe, this type of skew allows both nozzles 1313 and 1357 to aim at center line 1325, and therefore its each droplet size is combined in once-through.Please note, the present embodiment is regarded as the particular instance of the embodiment changing geometric pace, such as, even if print head assembly 1303 relative to substrate 1305 continuous sweep between geometric pace size be fixing, this type of scanning motion each of the nozzle of given row also uses the locomotory mechanism relative to the position of given row and is effectively positioned at variable offset or stride place in other scanning.Additionally or alternatively, such skew can be performed, to adjust effective print grid, to provide the spacing of the change between deposited each drop.Consistent with the principle introduced before, use optional skew to allow for each trap specifically to combine (or drop set) by independent each nozzle droplet size polymerization, but with the scanning of decreased number or pass through.Such as, be used in the embodiment described in Figure 13 C, three drops can be deposited along with each scanning in each target area (such as, the trap for red parts), and in addition, this skew allows the planning change of droplet size and/or Spatial Coupling.

Figure 13 D illustrates the cross section of the finished product display for a trap (such as, from the trap 1309-R of Figure 13 A) intercepted in a scanning direction.Especially, this view illustrates the substrate 1352 of flat-panel monitor, particularly OLED device.The cross section described shows active region 1353 and will receive the signal of telecommunication to control the conducting terminal 1355 of display (comprising the color of each pixel).See that the little elliptical region 1361 of view is exaggerated to illustrate the layer in the active region on substrate 1352 at the right side place of figure.These layers comprise anode layer 1369, hole injection layer (" HIL ") 1371, hole transmission layer (" HTL ") 1373 respectively, launch or luminescent layer (" EML ") 1375, electron transfer layer (" ETL ") 1377 and cathode layer 1378.Extra play can also be comprised, such as the polarizer, barrier layer, priming paint and other material.In some cases, OLED device only can comprise the subset of these layers.When final operate the heap described after the fabrication time, electric current causes reconfiguring of the electronics in EML and " hole ", causes the transmitting of light.Anode layer 1369 can comprise for multiple color components and/or pixel one or more transparency electrodes of sharing; Such as, anode can be formed by tin indium oxide (ITO).Anode layer 1369 can also be reflection or opaque, and can use other material.Cathode layer 1378 forms to provide selective control to the color components for each pixel by patterned electrodes usually.Cathode layer can comprise reflective metal layer, such as aluminium.Cathode layer can also comprise opaque layer or hyaline layer, the thin metal layer such as combined with one deck ITO.Negative electrode and anode one are used to be supplied and collects the electronics in entering and/or being piled by OLED and hole.HIL1371 is generally used for hole to be sent to HTL from anode.HTL1373 is generally used for hole to be sent to EML from HIL, the transmission in simultaneously also stoping electronics from EML to HTL.ETL1377 is generally used for electronics to be sent to EML from negative electrode, the transmission in simultaneously also stoping electronics from EML to ETL.These layers thus one be used from supplies electrons and hole in EML1375, and by those electronics and hole constraint in this layer, make it to reconfigure and to produce light.Usually, EML is made up of the active material of the independent control for each in three primary colors, redness, green and blueness of each pixel for display, and as described in, represent with producing the material of ruddiness in this case.

Can by being exposed to oxygen and/or moisture and making the degraded layer in active region.Therefore expect by these layer of sealing being strengthened the OLED life-span on the face of those layers relative with substrate and side (1362/1363) and transverse edge.The object of sealing is to provide resistance to oxygen and/or moisture barrier.This type of sealing can completely or partially be formed via the deposition of one or more thin layer.

Technology discussed in this article can be used for depositing the combination of any one and this type of layer in these layers.Therefore, in an imagination application, technology discussed in this article is provided for the ink volume of EML layer for each in three primary colors.In Another Application, use technology discussed in this article to ink volume being provided for HIL layer etc.In Another Application, technology discussed in this article is used to provide the ink volume for one or more OLED sealant.Printing technique discussed in this article can be used for the organic or inorganic layer (situation depending on treatment technology) of deposition and for the display of other type and the layer of non-display equipment.

Figure 13 A is used for introducing the adjustment of nozzle drive waveforms and each nozzle from printhead is provided the use of replacement nozzle drive waveforms of different liquid droplets volume.First waveform 1403 is regarded as individual pulse, is lied prostrate by stationary intervals 1405(0), the rate of rise 1413, voltage pulse or the signal level 1407 that be associated with by the judgement making nozzle launch at time t2 and forming at the descending slope 1411 of time t3.By effective pulsewidth that numeral 1409 represents, there is the duration being approximately equal to t3-t2, depend on the difference between the rate of rise of pulse and descending slope.In one embodiment, any one in these parameters (such as, the rate of rise, voltage, descending slope, pulse duration) can be changed to change the droplet size spray characteristic for given nozzle potentially.Second waveform 1423 is similar to the first waveform 1403, and just it represents the larger driving voltage 1425 for the signal level 1407 of the first waveform 1403.Due to larger pulse voltage and the limited rate of rise 1427, this high voltage be reached and will spend the longer time, and similarly, descending slope 1429 is usually delayed for the similar slope 1411 from the first waveform.3rd waveform 1433 also the first waveform 1403 similarly, just can use in this case the different rates of rise 1435 and or different descending slope 1437 to replace slope 1413 and 1411(such as, the adjustment by the impedance of nozzle transmission path).Different slopes can be made steeper or more shallow (in described situation, more suddenly).On the contrary, when the 4th waveform 1443, make pulse longer, delay circuit (such as, voltage controlled delay line) is such as used to increase the time (as with represented by numeral 1445) of the pulse under Setting signal level and both trailing edges (represented by numeral 1447) of delay pulse.Finally, the 5th waveform 1453 represents the use of the multiple discrete signal level also providing pulse shaping means.Such as, see that this waveform will comprise the time being in signal level 1407 described in first, but be applied with the slope being raised to secondary signal level 1455 in the halfway then between time t3 and t2.Due to larger voltage, see that the rear edge of this waveform 1457 lags behind trailing edge 1411.

Can with any embodiment discussed in this article combined use in these technology any one.Such as, after planning scanning motion and nozzle transmitting, drive waveforms adjustment technology can be used alternatively to come to change droplet size, to alleviate line effect among a small circle.Facilitate to plan that nonrandom or planning change at random carries out the deposition of high quality layer to design waveform change in the mode making the second tolerance limit meet specification.Such as, turn back to wherein TV manufacturer and specify the supposition of the foregoing descriptions of the packing volume of 50.00pL ± 0.50%, can at 50.00pL ± 0.25%(49.785pL-50.125pL) the first scope in calculate each area filling volume, nonrandom or stochastic technique are applied to waveform change, wherein this change statistically contributes each drop to be no more than the ± Volume Changes (given 5 drops reached needed for polymerization filling volume) of 0.025pL.Alternatively or cumulatively, drive waveforms can be used to change the speed or the track (flight angle) that affect sprayed drop.Such as, in a process, require that drop meets the predetermined set of the criterion about volume and/or speed and/or track; If drop drops on outside accepted standard, then can adjust nozzle drive waveforms, until realize compliance.Alternatively, the set of predetermined waveform can be measured, wherein, select the subset of these waveforms based on the compliance for desired standard.Clearly, there is many changes.

As mentioned above, in an embodiment represented by the 5th waveform 1453 from Figure 14 A, multiple signal level can be used to carry out paired pulses and to form.With reference to figure 14B, this technology is discussed further.

That is, in one embodiment, waveform can be predefined as and such as define discrete signal sequence of levels by numerical data, drive waveforms is generated by digital to analog converter (DAC).Numeral 1451 in Figure 14 B refers to the waveform 1453 with discrete signal level 1455,1457,1459,1461,1463,1465 and 1467.In the present embodiment, each nozzle driver comprises and receives and store the circuit of nearly 16 unlike signal waveforms, and each waveform is defined a series of nearly 16 signal levels, is eachly expressed as multidigit voltage and duration.That is, in this type of embodiment, effectively pulse width can be changed by defining the various durations being used for one or more signal level, and to be selected as providing the mode of fine droplet change in size to carry out waveform shaping to driving voltage, such as, droplet size is determined as the level increment of the designated volume such as in units of 0.10pL is provided.Therefore, use this type of embodiment, waveform shaping provides the ability be trimmed to by droplet size close to object droplet bulking value; When combining with other certain droplet volume, such as use illustrational technology above, these technology promote the precise filled volume of each target area.But in addition, these waveshaping techniques further promote the strategy for reducing or eliminating line effect; Such as, in one alternate embodiment, the drop of designated volume is combined, as discussed above, but to provide the mode of change to select last drop (or multiple drop) relative to the border of expectation marginal range.In another embodiment, predetermined waveform can be applied when suitably applying optional waveform shaping further or regularly to adjust droplet size, speed and/or track.In another example, the use of spray group drive waveforms alternative provides to plan volume, makes not need the mechanism of further waveform shaping.

Usually, the effect of the droplet size that different driving waveform and result obtain is measured in advance.For each nozzle, then nearly 16 different drive waveforms are stored in the 1k synchronous RAM (SRAM) of each nozzle optionally to use when providing the discrete volume change selected by software after a while.When having different driving waveform at one's fingertips, then order each nozzle via the data programing realizing specific drive waveforms one by one about which waveform will be applied drop.

Figure 15 A illustrates usually by this type of embodiment that numeral 1501 represents.Especially, for will, by the specific material layer printed, make purpose processor 1503 receive the data of the predetermined filling volume defining each target area.Represented by numeral 1505, these data can be topology file or bitmap file, and it defines the droplet size of each mesh point or location address.A series of PZT (piezoelectric transducer) 1507,1508 and 1509 produces and depends on respectively and perhaps multifactorially associate liquid droplets volume 1511,1512 and 1513, and described many factors comprise between nozzle drive waveforms and printhead and manufacture change.During calibration operation, for each in one group of variable, the impact of droplet size is tested it, comprise the use of change and different driving waveform between nozzle, assuming that will specific ink be used; If desired, this calibration operation can be made to be dynamic, such as, to respond variations in temperature, spray nozzle clogging or other parameter.Represent that this calibrates with drop measurement device 1515, its to processor 1503 provide measurement data for managing printing planning and follow-up printing time use.In one embodiment, computation and measurement data during the operation expending almost several minutes (such as several thousand nozzles 30 minutes and preferably less (such as several thousand print-head nozzles and tens possible nozzle firing waveform potentially) far away).In another embodiment, as described, this measurement can be performed iteratively, that is, upgrade the different subsets of nozzle in different time points.Non-imaged (such as interferometer) technology can be used alternatively as mentioned above, cause every nozzle tens drops to measure potentially, covering tens to a hundreds of per second nozzle.These data can be stored in memory 1517 to use when processing it when receiving layout or data bitmap 1505 with any statistical model (and mean value) be associated.In one embodiment, processor 1503 is parts of the computer away from actual printer, and in this second embodiment, processor 1503 and the maker (such as, for the manufacture of the system of display) or integrated with printer for product.

In order to perform the transmitting of drop, receive one or more timing of a group or synchronizing signal 1519 so that with for referencial use, and make these by Clock Tree 1521 to distribute to each nozzle driver 1523,1524 and 1525 to generate the drive waveforms for specific nozzle (respectively 1527,1528 and 1529).Each nozzle driver has one or more register 1531,1532 and 1533 respectively, and it receives multidigit programming data and timing information from processor 1503.Each nozzle driver and associated registers thereof are for receiving one or more special write enable signal (we to the object that register 1531,1532 and 1533 is programmed respectively _n).In one embodiment, each in register comprises a large amount of memory, comprises and will store the 1kSRAM of multiple predetermined waveform and the programmable register in order to carry out selecting between those waveforms and the generation of other control waveform.The data and the timing information that carry out self processor are described to multidigit information, and but via the connection of serial or parallel position, this information can be supplied to each nozzle (as will be seen in Figure 15 B, discussed below, in one embodiment, this connection is serial, represents contrary with the parallel signal seen in Figure 15 A).

For given deposition, printhead or ink, processor can be selectively used for for each nozzle selection one group of 16 drive waveforms producing drop; Note that this numeral is arbitrary, such as, can use four waveforms in a design, and 4,000 can be used in another.These waveforms are chosen advantageously to provide for each nozzle the expectancy changes exporting droplet size aspect, such as provide the intentional Volume Changes of certain limit for each nozzle with at least one waveform selection causing each nozzle to have to produce nearly desired drop volume (such as, the mean drop volume of 10.00pL).In various embodiments, same group 16 drive waveforms are used for all nozzles, but in the embodiment depicted, defining 16 individually for each nozzle in advance may each in unique waveform, and each waveform brings each droplet size characteristic.

During printing, in order to control the deposition of each drop, then the data of selected in predefined waveform are programmed in each register 1531,1532 or 1533 of each nozzle one by one nozzle.Such as, the target volume of given 10.00pL, can configure nozzle driver 1423 to set in 16 corresponding waveforms of in droplet size different from 16 one by data to the write in register 1431.Will measure the volume produced by each nozzle with drop measurement device 1515, wherein, nozzle connects nozzle (and waveform welding wave) droplet size and association distribution is deposited by processor 1503 and stores in memory, fills to assist producing expectation target.Processor can define one that whether it wants the processor selection in specific nozzle driver 1523 outputting ten six waveforms by programming to register 1531.In addition, register can be programmed for each nozzle had for nozzle transmitting for given scan line by processor to postpone or offsets (such as, with the grid alignment each nozzle and printhead crossed, correct the error comprising speed or trajectory error, and for other object); This skew is realized by the counter making specific nozzle depart from the commutator pulse of (or transmitted waveform) programmable number for each scanning.In order to provide example, if the result that drop is measured indicates a certain droplet to tend to have lower than expectation speed, then can earlier (such as by reduced before the useful signal level that piezoelectric excitation is used Dead Time and advanced in time) trigger corresponding nozzle waveform; Otherwise if the result that drop is measured indicates a certain droplet to have relatively high speed, then can trigger waveform later, the rest may be inferred.Other example is obviously possible---such as, in certain embodiments, intensity (namely for driving the signal level of the piezoelectric actuator of given nozzle and associating voltage) can be driven to resist slow liquid drop speed by increasing.In one embodiment, in order to synchronous object, the synchronizing signal distributing to all nozzles with the time interval of definition (such as, one microsecond) occur, and in another embodiment, relative to printer motion and substrate layout adjust this synchronizing signal, such as every micron between printhead and substrate increment relative motion and launch.High-frequency clock ( φ _hs ) operating ratio synchronizing signal thousands of times soon, be such as in 100 megahertzes, 33 megahertzes etc.; In one embodiment, multiple different clock or other timing signal (such as, gating signal) can be used in a joint manner.This processor is also programmed to the value of definition mesh spacing; In one embodiment, mesh spacing is that the whole pond of nozzles available is common, but not for each embodiment, needs situation like this.Such as, in some cases, can definition rule grid, wherein " every five microns " are launched by each nozzle.This grid can for print system, substrate or the two be unique.Therefore, in one alternate embodiment, grid can be defined for the particular printer that there is synchronizing frequency or launch pattern in order to effectively convert grid with the nozzle of the substrate geography and use that mate priori the unknown.In another contemplated example, across all nozzle shared storages, its allow processor prestore across all nozzles share many different mesh spacing (such as, 16), make processor (on demand) new mesh spacing can be selected, then it be read out to all nozzles (such as, to define irregular grid).Such as, each color components trap for OLED carries out launching in the embodiment of (such as to deposit non-color certain layer) by nozzle wherein, can apply three or more different mesh spacing in a circulating manner continuously by processor.Clearly, many design alternatives can be had.Please note, processor 1403 can also dynamically reprogram the register of each nozzle during operation, namely application of synchronized pulse as trigger to be enabled in any programming waveform pulse set in its register, and if received new data asynchronously before next lock-out pulse, then will apply new data along with this next lock-out pulse.Except the parameter that setting is used for lock-out pulse generation (1536), processor 1503 goes back initiation and the speed (1535) of gated sweep.In addition, processor controls the rotation (1537) of printhead for various object mentioned above.Like this, each nozzle can at any time (namely, with any " next " lock-out pulse) for each nozzle concomitantly (or side by side) use in 16 different wave any one launch, and can with in 16 different wave any other dynamically, switch between transmitting, during single sweep operation selected by transmitted waveform.

Figure 15 B shows in this type of embodiment, to be used for the additional detail of the circuit (1541) generating delivery nozzle drive waveforms for each nozzle; In Figure 15 B, output waveform is expressed as " nzzl-drv.wvfm".More specifically, circuit 1541 receive the input of synchronizing signal, the unit line carrying serial data (" data "), special write enable signal (we) and high-frequency clock ( φ _hs ).Register file 1543 provides data at least three registers, and it passes on initial offset, mesh definition value and drive waveforms ID respectively.This initial offset be adjustment each nozzle with the programmable value aimed at the starting point of grid, as described in.Such as, given such as multiple printhead, rows of nozzles, different printhead rotate, the embodiment variable of nozzle emission rate and pattern and other factors and so on, initial offset can be used to aim to the starting point of the droplet patterns with grid that make each nozzle, to take into account delay and other factors.Skew differently can be applied such as rotate grid or checker plate pattern relative to substrate geography or correct substrate misalignment across multiple nozzle.Similarly, as mentioned, skew also can be used to correct abnormal speed or other effect.This mesh definition value is the number of the number of the lock-out pulse representing before programming waveform is triggered " counting "; At printing flat-panel monitor (such as, oled panel) embodiment when, the target area carrying out wherein approximately printing has one or more regular spaces relative to different print-head nozzles, corresponds to rule (constant space) or irregular (many spacing) grid.As discussed previously, in one embodiment, processor keeps its oneself 16 entry SRAM to define nearly 16 different mesh spacings of the register circuit that can read into when needed for all nozzles.Therefore, if mesh spacing value is configured to two (such as, two every micron), then each nozzle will be launched with this interval.Drive waveforms ID represents the selection in the pre-stored drive waveforms of each nozzle, and can programme in many ways according to embodiment and store.In one embodiment, drive waveforms ID is four selective values, and each nozzle has its oneself special 1k byte SRAM to store nearly 16 predetermined nozzle drive waveforms, is stored as 16 × 16 × 4B entry.Briefly, comprise four bytes representing programmable signal level for each in 16 entries of each waveform, these four byte representation two byte resolution voltage levels and two byte programmable-duration time, be used for calculating the umber of pulse of high-frequency clock.Therefore each waveform able to programme can be made up of to reaching 16 discrete pulses (zero to one) discrete pulse, and each have programmable voltage and duration (such as, having the duration of 1-255 pulses equaling 33 megahertz clocks).

Numeral 1545,1546 and 1547 specifies display how can generate an embodiment of the circuit of specifying waveform for given nozzle.First counter 1545 receives lock-out pulse, to initiate the countdown of the initial offset triggered by new scan line; First counter 1545 carries out countdown with micrometer increments, and when reaching zero, exports triggering signal from the first counter 1545 to the second counter 1546; This triggering signal starts the transmitting process for each nozzle for each scan line in essence.Second counter 1546 is then with the incremental implementation programmable trellis spacing of micron.Reset the first counter 1545 in conjunction with new scan line, next edge being simultaneously used in the high-frequency clock after its output trigger resets the second counter 1546.Second counter 1546 activation waveform circuit generator 1547 when being triggered, it generates the selected drive waveforms shape being used for specific nozzle.Represented by the dash line square frame 1548-1550 seen below generator circuit, after this circuit be based on according to high-frequency clock ( φ _hs ) high-speed A/D converter 1548 of timing, counter 1549 and high-voltage amplifier 1550.Along with the trigger received from the second counter 1546, Wave form generator circuit retrieves drive waveforms ID to represented numeral to (signal level and duration), and generating given output analog voltage according to this signal level value, counter 1549 keeps DAC output to reach certain duration effectively according to counter.Then correlation output voltage levvl applied to high-voltage amplifier 1550 and export as nozzle drive waveforms.Then latch from register 1543 and export next numeral to define next signal level value/duration etc.

The circuit described provides the effective means defining any expectation waveform according to the data provided by processor 1503.If the nozzle that grid geometry or mitigation have abnormal speed or flight angle must be obeyed, then can adjust the duration and/or voltage level that associate with any particular signal level (such as defining the first " zero " signal level relative to synchronous skew).As described in, in one embodiment, processor judges one group of waveform (such as in advance, 16, each nozzle possibility waveform), and then the definition of each be used in waveform selected by these is written in the SRAM for the drive circuit of each nozzle by it, then judge by four drive waveforms ID being written to " launch time " that realize waveform able to programme in each nozzle register.

Figure 15 C provides the flow chart 1551 of the method that waveform and the different config option using each nozzle different is discussed.As with represented by 1553, a kind of system (such as, according to one or more processors that the instruction from suitable software is taken action) selects one group of predetermined nozzle drive waveforms.For each waveform and for each nozzle (1555), such as use such as laser measuring equipment or CCD camera to measure droplet size and to set up statistical model particularly.These volumes are stored in the addressable memory of processor, such as memory 1557.Again, measurement parameter can change according to the selection of ink and many other factorses; Therefore, calibration is performed according to those factors and planning deposition activity.Such as, in an embodiment 1561, can perform calibration at the place of factory manufacturing printhead or printer, and can by this data programing to sale equipment (such as, printer) or make it can be used for download.Alternatively, for having the printer of optional drop measurement device or system, these cubings (1562) can be performed, such as, when original equipment configures when first time uses.In another embodiment, perform measurement (1563) along with each power cycle, such as whenever printer is unlocked or wake up from low power state or enter in addition wherein its be ready to print state time.As previously mentioned, for the embodiment that wherein liquid droplets volume is subject to temperature or the impact of other dynamic factor, can intermittently or periodically perform calibration (1564), such as after definition time interval expires, when errors are detected, under the state of each new substrate operation (such as at substrate loading and/or loading duration), every day or with certain alternate manner.Other collimation technique and dispatch list (1565) can also be used.

Collimation technique can be performed alternatively, represented by process defiber 1556 in processed offline or during calibration mode.As described in, in one embodiment, associate nozzle firing waveform for thousands of printing nozzle with one or more potentially, be less than in 30 minutes complete this type of process.During managing the on-line operation that represents of defiber 1556 below herein (or during printing model), when selecting each group of drop of each target area based on specific measurement droplet size, droplet size is measured in use, the droplet size for often organizing is made to amount up to specific aggregation volume, via 1567 in definition marginal range.The volume in each region can be selected, represented by numeral 1568 based on topology file, data bitmap or certain other expression.Combine based on these droplet sizes with for the permission of the droplet size of each target area, select to launch pattern and/or scanning pattern, effectively represent and will be used to the particular combination being used for the drop of each target area of deposition processes (namely, one in acceptable each group of combination), represented by numeral 1569.Select as this or plan a part for process 1569, optimizational function 1570 can be adopted alternatively, such as the number of times average droplet number be reduced by least in each target area scanned or pass through is multiplied by the product of the number of the row (or row) of target area (such as, be less than a line nozzle of forwarding 90 degree to by needs, make it possible to all nozzles used in each scanning for each affected target area in this row, and in Multiple through then out, deposit drop, a line of at every turn advancing for every row target area).For each scanning, can mobile print head, and each nozzle Wave data can be programmed in nozzle to realize droplet deposition instruction according to bitmap or topology file; These functions are differently represented in figure 15 c by numeral 1571,1573 and 1575.After each scanning, repeat this process for follow-up scanning, via numeral 1577.Alternatively, these technology and implementation thereof can be embodied in after a while tried to achieve or at special time in the ejection controlling ink in reusable printer control documents 1579.

Again note that and be described above multiple different embodiment, it is relative to each other optional.First, in one embodiment, do not change drive waveforms, but keep constant for each nozzle.As required, droplet size combination is produced by using the variable-geometry stride of expression printhead/substrate skew to cover different nozzles with different each row target areas.When the high confidence level of any droplet size change can be held in expectation tolerance limit, use each nozzle droplet size measured, this process allows the combination of certain droplet bulk averaged value to realize the very specific packing volume (such as, reaching 0.01pL resolution ratio) of each target area.Can plan that this processes, make to use along with passing through at every turn multiple nozzle to carry out ink deposition in different each row target areas.In one embodiment, printing solution is optimized to produce possible minimum scanning and the fastest possible time-write interval.Secondly, in another embodiment, again can use the droplet size of concrete measurement and use different drive waveforms for each nozzle.Print processing controls these waveforms, and certain droplet volume is polymerized by with particular combination.Again, use each nozzle droplet size measured, this process allows the combination of certain droplet bulk averaged value to realize the very specific packing volume (such as, reaching 0.01pL resolution ratio) of each target area.Can plan that this processes, make to use along with passing through at every turn multiple nozzle to carry out ink deposition in different each row target areas.In these two embodiments, the nozzle of single file can be used or the nozzle of multirow can be used, be arranged as one or more printheads of print head assembly; Such as, in an imagination embodiment, can use 30 printheads, each printhead has the nozzle of single file, and often row has 256 nozzles.This printhead can also be organized into various different grouping; Such as, these printheads can be organized into the print head assembly all had by five printheads be mechanically installed together, and six components apart that these results can be obtained be installed in print system.In another embodiment, the polymerization print head assembly with the rows of nozzles that can mutually offset in position is further used.The present embodiment is similar to above-mentioned first embodiment, because variable active position skew or geometric pace can be used to be combined by different droplet sizes.Again, use each nozzle droplet size measured, this process allows the combination of certain droplet bulk averaged value to realize the very specific packing volume (such as, reach 0.05pL or even 0.01pL resolution ratio) of each target area.This not necessarily means that measurement result does not have statistical uncertainty, such as measure error; In one embodiment, this type of error is little and is taken into account in target area filling planning.Such as, if droplet size measure error is ± a%, then the packing volume change across target area can be formulated for the marginal range of filling in target ± (b-an ^-1/2 ) %in, wherein, ± (b) %represent specification marginal range, and n ^1/2 represent the square root of the average of the drop of each target area or trap.Unless otherwise indicated, can planning the scope being less than specification tolerance limit, making when expection measure error being taken into account, the polymerization filling volume that it is expected to obtain for the result of target area will drop in specification marginal range, such as, described by above composition graphs 8A-Fig. 8 B.Naturally, can alternatively the techniques described herein and other statistical disposition be combined.

Droplet deposition can be planned alternatively, make to use along with passing through at every turn multiple nozzle to carry out ink deposition in different each row target areas, optimize alternatively and print solution to produce possible minimum scanning and the fastest possible time-write interval.As discussed previously, can also adopt these technology mutual and/or with any combination of other technology.Such as, in a situation specifically imagined, variable-geometry stride and each nozzle drive waveforms are changed the very specific volume using to realize planning each target area together with each nozzle, each drive waveforms cubing and combine.Such as, in a situation specifically imagined, fixing geometric pace and each nozzle drive waveforms are changed the very specific volume using to realize planning each target area together with each nozzle, each drive waveforms cubing and combine.

Maximizing by making the number of the nozzle that can side by side use in each scan period and passing through the combination of planning droplet size makes it necessarily meet specification, and these embodiments ensure high-quality display; By also reducing the time-write interval, these embodiments help to promote that ultralow per unit prints cost, and therefore reduce to the price point of ultimate consumer.

Figure 15 D provides the flow chart relevant with nozzle qualification.In one embodiment, perform drop to measure and be used for each nozzle and the statistical model (such as distribution and mean value) for each waveform of being applied to any given nozzle to produce, in droplet size, speed and track any one and/or each.Therefore, such as, if there are two options of the waveform of each be used in 12 nozzles, then exist and reach 24 waveform Nozzle combinations or pairing; In one embodiment, the measurement for each parameter (such as volume) is taked for each nozzle or the pairing of waveform nozzle that are enough to try to achieve Robust Statistics model.It is noted that for deposition planning, conceptually possible, given nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform can produce distribution wide exceptionally or its enough abnormal mean value that should process particularly.Figure 15 D conceptually represents this specially treated of applying in an embodiment.

More particularly, label 1581 is used to represent group method.The data that drop measurement device generates are stored in memory 1585, for using after a while.During application process 1581, from these data of memory re invocation, and extract and process the data (1583) being used for each nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform individually.In one embodiment, as mentioned, for each variable that will be endowed qualification, build as described by the mean value of the drop (n) measured, standard deviation and quantity or the normal state random distribution that uses equivalence to estimate.Again note, other distribution mode (such as Student's-T, Poisson etc.) can be used.Measured parameter compares (1587) with one or more scope, to determine whether to use proper drop in practice.In one embodiment, at least one range applications is in making drop Disqualify (such as, if drop has enough large or little volume relative to expectation target, then this nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform can be excluded from short-period used) in use.In order to provide example, if expect 10.00pL drop, be then linked to and be greater than the nozzle of the drop mean value (such as <9.85pL or >10.15pL) of such as 1.5% away from this target or nozzle waveform can be excluded in use.Can also to use or the alternative scope of application, standard deviation, variance or another expansion are estimated.Such as, if expect the drop statistical model had with narrow ditribution (1.005% of such as 3 σ < mean values), then the drop with the measurement not meeting this criterion can be got rid of.Also likely use the exquisiteness/complex set of the criterion considering multiple factor.Such as, the abnormal mean value combined with very narrow expansion can be good, such as, if be in 1.005% away from the expansion (such as 3 σ) of measured (such as abnormal) average value mu, then can use the drop of association.Such as, if expect that use has the drop of 3 σ volumes in 10.00pL ± 0.1pL, then can get rid of generation to have the ± nozzle waveform pairing of the 9.96pL mean value of 0.8pL3 σ value, but produce have ± it can be acceptable that the nozzle waveform of the 9.93pL of 0.3pL3 σ value matches.Obviously, a lot of possibility is possible (1589) according to the refusal/abnormal criterion of any expectation.Note, the process of this identical type can be applied to every droplet flight angle and speed, that is, expect will represent statistical distribution by the flight angle of every nozzle waveform pairing and speed, and depend on the measurement and statistical model of deriving from drop measurement device, some drops can be got rid of.Such as, have normal value 5% outside average speed or the drop of variance of speed outside flight path or specific objective can suppose to be excluded from use.Different range and/or estimation criterion can be applied to the measured and each drop parameter provided by memory bank 1585.

Note, depend on refusal/abnormal criterion 1589, can process and/or dispose drop (and nozzle waveform combination) by different modes.Such as, as mentioned, the certain droplet (1591) not meeting desired standard can be got rid of.Alternatively, likely additional measurement is performed selectively for next measurement iteration of specific nozzle waveform pairing; Exemplarily, if statistical distribution is too wide, then likely additional measurement is distinguishingly performed for the pairing of specific nozzle waveform, thus measure by additional the tightness (such as variance and standard deviation depend on the quantity of measured data point) improving statistical distribution.By label 1593, also likely adjust nozzle drive waveforms, such as, to use higher or lower voltage level (such as to provide greater or lesser speed or more consistent flight angle), or shaping is again carried out to waveform, thus produce the nozzle waveform the adjusted pairing meeting specified standard.By label 1594, the timing (such as, to compensate to match with specific nozzle waveform the abnormal average speed associated) of waveform also can be adjusted.As (previously) example, slow drop can be launched in the time more early relative to other nozzle, and drop can be launched, in time later to compensate the flight time faster fast.Much such replacement is possible.Finally, by label 1595, any adjusted parameter (such as launch time, waveform voltage level or shape) can be stored, and alternatively, if expected, then adjusted parameter can be applied to and remeasure one or more association drop.Make the pairing of (amendment or other) each nozzle waveform qualify (by or refusal) after, by label 1597, then described method continues the pairing of next nozzle waveform.

As should be understood, just described nozzle drives structure provides the flexibility of the drop aspect printing different size.Use and make it possible to use by the precision packing volume of every target area, droplet size, liquid drop speed and droplet trajectory the advanced techniques making for changing packing volume and planning about nozzle/waveform and/or drop according to defined criterion (in specification).The further quality improvement of the method relative to routine is provided like this.

The further details now will Figure 16-Figure 18 B being used to provide the drop measurement device (or system) (namely predicting about echo and interferometric method respectively) about two expections.By the embodiment using Figure 16-Figure 17 that the printer with drops measuring system is shown, and use Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B is discussed echo and interferometric method respectively.

As mentioned previously, this instruction openly comprises each embodiment of the industrial inkjet film print system of the drop measurement mechanism be integrated in print system.Each embodiment of the inkjet films print system of this instruction can utilize imaging technique (such as echo) or non-imaged technology (such as Phase Doppler analysis (PDA) (technology based on interferometric method)), it can provide obvious advantage for the Quick Measurement of multiple nozzles of ink jet-print head, wherein, multiple printhead can be had according to each embodiment of the print head assembly used in the film ink-jet print system of this instruction.This Quick Measurement can during print processing at any time original place perform, and the data of the volume of each drop that can comprise for each nozzle from each printhead, speed and track can be provided.The associating data obtained from the drop measurement mechanism be integrated into inkjet films print system can be utilized to provide the uniformity of the ink volume of each in millions of the pixels be transported on oled panel display.

When in the manufacture at oled panel during deposited film, general expectation has the membrane material of uniform thickness across panel deposition, because the thickness General Influence of the membrane material deposited is to panel performance, and good display uniformity is the important attribute of good oled panel.When using inkjet printing methods to carry out deposited film, the drop of ink is ejected into panel substrate from printing equipment, and the thickness of the film deposited in each district of panel is typically relevant with the volume of the ink that this district of panel distributes, its volume further with drop on panel surface and place relevant.Therefore generally the volume distributing ink across oled panel display about the volume of distributed drop and position is equably expected.

As mentioned above, ink-jet print system typically can have at least one printhead with multiple inkjet nozzle, and each nozzle can by the liquid droplet distribution of ink on panel surface.Typically, there is the change of the volume about distributed drop of the multiple nozzles across printhead, track and speed.This change can come from multiple source, includes but not limited to the change of nozzle operation condition, comprises the aging intrinsic change of nozzle activator behavior of piezo nozzles driver, the change of the change of ink and intrinsic jet size and shape.The impact of these changes may cause the inhomogeneities of the volume load aspect across panel.Such as, the change of droplet size directly may cause the change of deposited volume, and the change of liquid drop speed and track can cause the change of the deposition volume of ink indirectly by causing the change of the placement of drop on oled panel surface.In theory, these can be avoided to change by only using when printed single-nozzle, but utilize single-nozzle to carry out printing too slow and be unpractiaca in real world manufacture application.According to these changes of the droplet of ink of distributing from different spray nozzles and when use uses multiple nozzle to obtain the design necessity of rational processing speed for the manufacture of during the inkjet printing applied, expect to have for providing the method for distributing the volume of uniform ink across oled panel district and the device associated, and regardless of drop change between these nozzles.

Can use and be integrated into measurement mechanism in film ink-jet print system to be provided for the actual measurement of the volume of each nozzle of ink jet-print head, speed and track at the run duration of print processing or any time when the interruption of the operation for print processing according to this instruction.Such measurement can provide the mitigation of the change of drop between nozzle, thus use ink ejecting method realize membrane material evenly deposition.In certain embodiments, such measurement can be used to carry out tuning printing head performance by adjustment for the drive waveforms of each in single nozzles, thus directly reduce drop change between nozzle.In certain embodiments, such measurement can be used as the input to print pattern optimization system, print pattern optimization system can be used for the nozzle selection of droplet deposition by adjustment and reduce between nozzle and change, thus on average falls drop change between the nozzle in deposited film.Each embodiment being integrated into the measurement mechanism in the film ink-jet print system of this instruction can utilize various imaging technique (such as echo) or non-imaged technology (such as PDA).PDA particularly can provide the obvious advantage of multiple nozzles of rapid analysis ink jet-print head, is particularly useful for the system with a lot of nozzle and/or printhead.

In this, can comprise according to the inkjet films print system of each embodiment of this instruction and allow droplet of ink to be reliably placed into the some equipment on suprabasil ad-hoc location and device.These equipment and device can comprise print head assembly, ink delivery system, kinematic system, substrate support (such as floating or chuck), substrate compression and decompression system, head maintenance system and printhead measurement mechanism by the mode of non-limiting example.Additionally, inkjet films print system can be arranged on and can comprise on the stable support assembly of such as granite or metab.Print head assembly can comprise at least one ink jet-print head, and wherein, at least one hole can spray the drop of ink with controllable rate; This sprayed drop is characterized by their volume, speed and track further.

Owing to printing the relative motion required between print head assembly and substrate, therefore print system can comprise kinematic system (such as stand or declutch shaft XYZ system).Print head assembly can move (stand style) in anchoring base, or printhead and substrate can such as be moved in declutch shaft configuration.In another embodiment, printing station can be fixing, and substrate can be moved in X-axis and Y-axis relative to printhead, wherein, provides Z axis to move in substrate or printhead place.Along with printhead moves relative to substrate, the drop of ink sprays in orthochronous to be deposited on suprabasil desired locations.Substrate compression and decompression system is used to insert from printer and remove substrate.Depend on printer configuration, the robot that can utilize mechanical conveyor, floating of substrate or have an end effector (effector) is to complete this operation.Printhead is measured and maintenance system can comprise the some subsystems allowing measurement (such as droplet size checking, droplet size, speed and trajectory measurement) and the head maintenance process wiping of the such as inkjet nozzle surface (, for ink being ejected into the substrate of refuse basin).The given various parts that can comprise inkjet films print system, each embodiment according to the inkjet films print system of each embodiment of this instruction can have various footprint and formative factor.

As non-limiting example, Figure 16 describes the inkjet films print system according to each embodiment, and it may be used for printed substrates (being such as such as but not limited to oled panel).In figure 16, inkjet films print system 1600 utilizes declutch shaft kinematic system.Inkjet films print system 1600 can be arranged on print system supporting component 1610, and print system supporting component 1610 can comprise the dish 1612 carried by carriage 1614.Base 1616 is arranged on dish, and wherein, base can construct alternatively from granite or metal.Inkjet films print system can comprise kinematic system 1620, such as indicated declutch shaft kinematic system.

Kinematic system 1620 is visible as and comprises bridge 1622, and it supports X-axis stand 1624, X-axis stand 1624 and then installation Z axis installing plate 1626.Z axis installing plate and then support are installed and clamp assemblies 1628 for the printhead installing interchangeable print head assembly 1640.For declutch shaft kinematic system 1620, Y-axis track 1623 can be arranged on base 1616, thus provides support for Y-axis stand 1625, Y-axis stand 1625 and then bearing basement supporting component 1630; These all parts provide the Y-axis of the substrate be installed on substrate support assembly 1630 to advance.As shown in figure 16, for each embodiment of film print system, substrate support assembly 1630 can be chuck.Substrate support assembly can provide by floating, such as, as U.S. Patent No. 8, and 383, that describes in detail in 202 is such, and it is merged into this by reference.Inkjet films print system 1600 can utilize the system component supporting one or more modularization inkjet printhead assembly (being such as arranged on each the shown print head assembly in instrument rotating disk 1645).The flexibility that the selective exchange of each print head assembly can provide the various ink about (such as during the printing of oled panel substrate) each formula during print processing to print in suprabasil efficient order for end subscriber is provided.Note, and not all embodiments requires like this, that is, other embodiment can be characterized between different print processing and immovable single print head assembly.Such as, the embodiment desired by characterizes all (such as using corresponding ink) and performs the assembly line of multiple printers of corresponding print processing; Technology described herein can be applied to each such printer.

Print head assembly can comprise flow control system, and it has the ink storehouse be communicated with at least one ink jet-print head fluid, for being such as transported in substrate by OLED film formation material.In this, as shown in figure 16, print head assembly 1640 can comprise at least one printhead 1642.In various embodiments, print head assembly can the Flow Control comprised alternatively for each printhead be connected with electronics.Each printhead so can have can with measurable droplet size, speed and track by controlled speed to spray multiple nozzle or the hole of droplet of ink.Each embodiment of print head assembly 1640 can have between every print head assembly about 1 to about 30 printheads.Printhead 1642 can have between about 16 to about 2048 nozzles, and wherein each can discharge the droplet size of about 0.10pL extremely between about 200.00pL.

The performance measuring each nozzle of given printhead can comprise: check that nozzle is launched, and measure droplet size, speed and track.As previously mentioned, have such measurement data can be provided in print before tuner, to provide for each nozzle evenly performance, or use measurement data can the print algorithms of compensated differences or the combination of these methods during printing to provide.Obviously, have reliably and the data acquisition system reaching measurement data can provide the various method that measurement data can be used to carry out droplet size change between compensating jet, and allow combination (from use different driving waveform same nozzle or from respective nozzle) print processing planned of the drop of different volumes.As mentioned above, advantageously collect measurement data, in the hope of representing the population of the measurement of the distribution being used for each nozzle, thus when the understanding of the good formation that the expectation for each this drop parameter changes, the expectation of mean drop volume, track and speed can be tried to achieve and is used in and be printed in planning.

In this, the inkjet films print system described can comprise drop measurement device or system 1650, and it can be arranged on supporter 1655.Be contemplated that each embodiment of drops measuring system 1650 can based on mentioned imaging or non-imaged technology (such as based on the method for echo or interferometric method).Utilize the embodiment of non-imaged PDA technology can provide the obvious advantage (such as, it is than typical imaging technique more approximate 50 times) of the rapid analysis between about 16 of each printhead (such as printhead 1642) to about 2048 nozzles.Recall print head assembly and can comprise such as that 30 printheads are (namely, wherein, print system uses more than 10, the nozzle of 000), this with every 2-24 hour or frequently drop recalibrate the rapid in-situ kinetic measurement in the printer allowing all nozzles (and if proper for embodiment, then the drive waveforms of all replacements).In addition, can utilize to be integrated into according to each embodiment of the system and method for this instruction and can hold the gas inclusion assembly of printing equipment and the PDA measurement device of system.Utilize these system and methods being integrated into the accommodation gas inclusion assembly of printing equipment and the PDA measurement device of system that the rapid in-situ of the multiple nozzles in printhead can be provided to measure.This such as has the large suprabasil uniform deposition volume of one or more OLED device for guaranteeing and is reducing any spot effect and be particularly useful.

Label 1617 is used to specify the district of the inkjet-printing device associated with drops measuring system 1650.With the details of amplifying, this region is shown in fig. 17.

As shown in figure 17, the printheads self carried by the Z axis installation 1726 of kinematic system again install and clamp assemblies 1728 can keep print head assembly 1740 during printing.In this, kinematic system is used to be positioned at by the print head assembly 1740 being used for measuring near drops measuring system 1750 (in such as coverage or service station).As previously mentioned, drops measuring system 1750 can be designed to selective joint while print head assembly 1740 is in this position and disengaging.When (such as there are several thousand nozzles) large print head assembly, this structure allows drops measuring system to perform test while print head assembly 1740 " berthing ", wherein, other test or calibration cartridge is standby or process (not shown) performs other test simultaneously.Such as, contributing to making any downtime of whole ink-jet print system minimizedly to process by using to be applied to simultaneously, can clear up, clean or managing printing head nozzle in addition; This contributes to making to manufacture productivity and maximizes.As previously mentioned (and as following relative to Figure 19 explain), while transmission, drying, solidification, load or unload substrate, drop can be performed measure (and other service), minimize to make any system downtime further by for other the inevitable task stacking drop measurement associated with printing/manufacturing operation.Each nozzle of the printhead 1742 of print head assembly 1740 can be adjusted to measurement zone 1756, measures for use drops measuring system 1750 drop sprayed from each nozzle.Note, in this embodiment, independent printhead 1742 can move relative to other printhead, and for analysis, but again, and not all embodiments requires so.Such as, also possible, make to install each printhead statically during measuring, wherein, drops measuring system is advanced to each nozzle location in each print head position and given printhead; As previously mentioned, allow like this to process or " stacking " while multiple service operations while print head assembly berths.It is also possible that use multiple drops measuring system to measure the different spray nozzles of the printhead that such as different spaces is separated independently.

For illustrative purposes, should suppose that drops measuring system is the PDA device (namely based on the equipment of interferometric method) with light source (such as lasing light emitter and Transmission light optical device wave beam divider and transmission lens).Additionally, such PDA device also can have the reception optical device comprising receiver lens and multiple photoelectric detector.Such as, first optical side 1752 of drops measuring system 1750 can rise for the one or more light beam measured, and converged light on measurement zone 1756, as indicated by the dashed lines, and the second optical side 1754 can be sent to from the measurement light of the drop scattering measurement zone 1756 and receives optical device and one or more photodetector.

Drops measuring system 1750 can directly or remotely interface to computer or computing equipment (not shown).Such computing equipment can be configured to the signal receiving measured droplet size, speed and the track representing each drop produced for nozzle (or nozzle waveform combination) from each printhead 1742 of print head assembly 1740.Again, the repetitive measurement of a lot of drops from each nozzle/nozzle waveform pairing is advantageously performed, in the hope of representing the statistics population of each producible drop.

As before in conjunction with as described in Figure 11 and Figure 12, each embodiment of print system can be housed inside in the gas inclusion providing the low particle environments of inertia, and wherein, drop measurement preferably occur in such environment.In one embodiment, in the normal atmosphere for printing, (such as in identical common (closing) chamber) performs drop measurement.In a second embodiment, as the part in region, service station, for measuring the chamber using the flow control type isolation be separated.

Figure 18 A illustrates the layout being configured to the drops measuring system 1801 using shadowgraph particularly.Particularly, printhead 1803 is visible as and is in it and drop 1805 will be ejected into position in vessel (not shown in Figure 18 A).During the flight of drop 1805, drop crosses drop by the measurement zone of light source irradiation; In Figure 18 A, light source is visible as and comprises: strobe light 1807; And optional light source light device 1809, for such as light being directed to measurement zone (such as from composition graphs 2A-Fig. 2 E or Figure 16-Figure 17 as under the measurement plane as illustrated in previously) from strobe light 1807.Optical device guides light to irradiate the relatively large region represented by focusing or redirected path 1811, repeatedly to expose drop rapidly in succession at diverse location place, for catching in single image frame.Therefore Figure 18 A illustrates together three diverse locations of the same droplet of the difference flicker of the expression stroboscopic of jointly imaging.Therefore, such as, the picture frame under analyzing will illustrate the multiple drops (namely by the Multi-instance of label 1805) be revealed as at diverse location place, but these are actually along the same droplet of flight path at diverse location place.Second set of optical device 1813 provides light to collect and focuses on, thus the image of catching clearly is described by image processing software for calculating the drop profile of droplet size and representing the shade of variable of liquid-drop diameter.As should be understood, by be in its flight in multiple position during, carry out imaging to same droplet, drops measuring system can use the image got to calculate droplet size, speed and track; Use Shadow Parameters to calculate drop mass, and therefore, use the volume of drop and relative position to come computational speed and track.Such as, significantly just advance towards light-receiving optical device 1813 at the drop diametrically increased in " more lower position " place in caught picture frame, and on the contrary, the drop diametrically reduced just advancing away from.Light-receiving optical device 1813 so caught light is transported to the high resolution CCD camera that drop profile that camera 1815(such as describes figure 1817 and shade carry out imaging).Drops measuring system provides about the reception zoom/focus (1819) of optical device and/or the control of XY position (1821) alternatively, the instruction all stored on management and control computer system 1823(and the non-transient state machine readable media that uses at one or more processors of the computer system for this control) control under.In one embodiment, as mentioned before, receive optical device be installed to common chassis with light source and by together with transmit, fixing focal length path is provided, but not each embodiment is needed so.In the image procossing application software 1825 then run by computer system 1823 to while calculating drop parameter, the system described catches advancing of each drop in a few microsecond.Exemplarily, computer can provide the display of drop and/or measured parameter and visual (1827), and can calculate the value for parameters (such as volume, speed and track (1829,1831 and 1833) or other parameter).Note, computer system 1823 can be the part of ink-jet print system, or it also can be long-range (such as being connected by LAN " LAN " or wide area network " WAN " (such as internet), to collect data on long-range basis); Similarly, still display and visual 1827 can be provided via LAN or WAN in the position long-range apart from computer system 1823.Indicated by label 1835, computer system 1823 compiles measured parameter, to form the survey quantitative statistics population of the given nozzle (and if the specific embodiment of print system use the drive waveforms of replacing, then for the pairing of given nozzle waveform) for generation of drop.Computer system 1823 stores independent measurement itself and/or statistical summary (if the mean value such as when normal distribution and standard deviation or variance and support other distribution pattern, then comparable tolerance) alternatively in database 1837.Utilize the measured population of enough robusts, so database can be applied in above-mentioned print processing planning and/or optimize in, the particular combination of drop mean value is such as used to fill with the synthesis obtaining every target area, wherein, synthesizing filling can based on (such as from different spray nozzles and/or drive waveforms) different droplet size.

Figure 18 B illustrates and is configured to particularly use PDA(interferometric method) layout of the drops measuring system 1851 of technology.Printhead illustrate be in that label 1853 refers to in the position measured.Printhead will drop (such as using specific drive waveforms) from specific nozzle Jet with downward flow direction to drop measurement zone, indicated by label 1855.As for embodiment above, drops measuring system can be designed to the three-dimensional transmission relative to berthed printhead alternatively, thus drop measurement zone " is brought into " the droplet flight path of specific nozzle effectively.Light source (in the case laser 1857) generates light beam 1859, and it is directed incident to become in wave beam divider 1861.Wave beam divider produces in two or more light beam 1863 and 1864(Figure 18 B and only illustrates two), then optical device 1865 is redirected it with the ethod of remittance, that is, thus wave beam intersect as represented in label 1866 and 1867 in the position inciding aloft drop.Note, optical device 1865 provides the laser 1857(that will be installed under measurement plane to see the discussion of above Fig. 2 D and Fig. 2 E alternatively), and redirecting light path 1859 or 1863/1864 alternatively, thus (such as by the peripheral redirecting light path around of vessel one or more) arrival measurement zone place.Note, use label 1869 to represent the general continuous dimension (such as light path 1866 and 1867) of irradiating optical device.As described above, utilize the technology based on interferometric method, catch diffraction pattern from the orientation angle offset for this continuous print dimension 1869, as represented by angular surveying 1873.This angle deviating 90 degree typically, but other also can be used to catch direction.Correspondingly, measure light 1871 be labeled as " optical device 2 " by optical device 1875() second set receive from incident light with this angle deviating, and by non-imaged detector 1877 about under deposition plane measure and be redirected.These detectors produce the data representing diffraction pattern, as shown in figure 1879; As should be understood (such as, by this figure 1879 is contrasted with the figure 1817 from Figure 18 A), the spacing of the line in diffraction pattern provides estimating of droplet size, wherein, this gap ratio is far processed to measure droplet size when the imaging technique represented by Figure 18 A more fasterly.Note, although Figure 18 B illustrates the use of a light source 1857 and two incident wave beams 1866 and 1867, other embodiment uses more than one light source and more than one incident wave beam, such as, to catch liquid drop speed, track and other parameter.As for the embodiment of Figure 18 A, in Figure 18 B, computer (1881) provides the zoom/focus (1883) and XY transmission of measuring optical device alternatively, runs suitable software (1887) to calculate each drop parameter, and provides display and visual (1889).Just as before, these each elements can with printer or manufacturing equipment integrated, or can to disperse across WAN or LAN, to be controlled by the processor of multiple separation of corresponding computer or server.As before, measured parameter can comprise droplet size (1891), speed (1893) and track (1895), and wherein, data representation is in order to scan the object of planning and the statistics population (1897) be stored in database (1899).The drop parameter that can combine again from different spray nozzles and/or waveform is planned in this scanning, to perform intentionally based on the accurate filling of the target area of multiple different droplet size.

Should be mentioned that before, drop parameter can such as according to systematic parameter, ambient conditions or ink characteristics along with the time change.Therefore Industrial printing systems advantageously upgrades not only single drop but also measures for the drop of the statistics population of each drop (and the expectation average external volume/speed of each drop and track) on the basis of related frequency; This always contributes to guaranteeing accurately and up-to-date accurate drop data, allows the drop the planned combination of reliably observing the Maximum tolerance of filling for the synthesis of ink.Have been found that drop parameter in fact such as changes a little lentamente with the detectable change of every 2 to 12 hours.Original place drop measurement is used to make kinetic measurement and the structure of the new statistics population likely repeatedly performing measured parameter in this time range; Note, when routine techniques, a lot of hours may be expended and measure extensive printhead or print head assembly; By using rapid technology (such as above-mentioned PDA), even when relating to several thousand printing nozzles, on basis very fast (such as 30 minute leading time or less) upgrade all statistical measurements and become possibility.Utilize the system of some or all of above-mentioned technology therefore promote the industrial printer with the drop measurement parameter of recalibration of Corpus--based Method distribution in mentioned 2 to 12 hours frames and make it become possibility, and therefore promote that being used for target area fills printing more accurately in the Maximum tolerance of change.

As previously described, in the embodiment of an expection, printer is controlled intermittently or continuously, with at printer and any time that anon-normal initiatively prints perform drop parameter measurement.This under-stream period contributing to making to manufacture line maximizes.As described, in one embodiment, in any time that the print head assembly of printer is not in use, print head assembly can turn to, for drop parameter measurement.Such as, be loaded in substrate or unload, advance between each chamber or any time that is dried, that solidify or be additionally processed, print stand and print head assembly can be sent to service station, measure and/or other service operations for drop.Such operation contributes to frequently dynamically updating of the drop statistics population being provided for each nozzle further, just as described; Be adopted as the drop measurement device (such as based on the technology of interferometric method) based on PDA alternatively, drop can be measured task by such control program, and to be rendered as any expectation printing be transparent.Note, in desired system, this control is realized by the control software design run at least one processor of managing printing process; Note, in addition, this software can reside in printer, one or more computer or server or the two on.

Figure 19 illustrates an example 1901 of the flow process for this control treatment.As mentioned, this process can be realized by the instruction that non-transient state machine readable media stores alternatively, and it causes at least one processor to perform/provide cited step when running.

Figure 19 is divided into three general area 1903,1905 and 1907 representing startup and off-line initialization process, online printing and off-line special operational respectively.Along with system is energized, system typically stands initialization process 1909, wherein, takes new measurement for each nozzle, in the hope of statistics population, as already described above.Meanwhile, also can call calibration process (not shown) with select for each nozzle multiple nozzle firing waveform (such as, use aforementioned iterative processing with selects generation object droplet volume ± 10.0% in 16 waveforms of droplet size).Statistics population therefore must be in the hope of, for comprising mean drop volume and expecting each such waveform and/or the nozzle of expansion.As described above, in one embodiment, each drop is performed to the measurement of fixed qty, and in another embodiment, quantity can change, to realize enough strict statistics expansion along with (or by every nozzle waveform pairing) between nozzle; In addition, in one embodiment, can application verification or qualification process alternatively, wherein, can make not produce there is the drop expecting parameter nozzle (or the pairing of nozzle waveform) for the use Disqualify printed in planning.As applicable, then store and measure and/or statistical measurement (1911), for each nozzle and for each nozzle waveform pairing.Note, can just when connecting system first (or on basis once) perform this startup and calibrate, and in other embodiments, every subsystem again powers up and just performs calibration.Such as, maybe advantageously (if production line only runs during the part of every day), previous calculated drop parameter (and then upgrading these parameters according to process discussed below) is stored.Alternatively, each power cycles can be utilized to recalculate new parameter.

System also receives parameter and the floor parameter (1913) of definition print processing alternatively, and automatically plans drop combination and scan process (1915) as previously described.In the implementation of other expection, such as, when printer is the part for the assembly line of specific OLED display product, these parameters and planning can be constant.But, if drop parameter can change, then print planning also can change, and therefore re-execute process 1915(alternatively indicated by label 1917 in any time that statistical parameter changes (such as, each drops measuring system engages just as automation background process)).

Utilize system print parameter and the mean value for available drop parameter (namely for each nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform), by label 1919, so system can enter line model, wherein, it performs printing like that by expectation.That is, substrate can be loaded or send it in printer, and then can according to expecting the printing performing one or more OLED device thin layer like that.But in order to make the equipment downtime minimize, print stopping (such as with load or unload substrate), the drop that each print-head nozzle just stands to upgrade is measured, at interrupted or periodic basic upper Pleistocene series drop population at every turn.Such as, expectation can complete the typical print processing for large HDTV substrate (representing the TV screen of some large sizes) in about 90 seconds, wherein, the substrate completed is then unloaded during the process expending such as 15-30 second or proceed to another chamber (1920).At this 15-30 tempus intercalare second, printer is also not used in printing, and correspondingly, can perform drop measure at this time durations.Such as, control software design for printer controls substrate transport mechanism and old substrate is shifted out outside the limit (reach) of printhead stand, and meanwhile, print head assembly is moved to service station by control software design, measure and/or other service function for drop.Once print head assembly berths (1921), by label 1923, control software design just engages drops measuring system selectively, measures to perform drop.As described above, measuring can in the hope of for being matched the statistics population of the drop produced by different spray nozzles or different spray nozzles waveform.In order to supplement any previously stored measurement, making drops measuring system cycling, wherein, adopting drop as much as possible to measure, until load next substrate, or additionally arrived the time restarting to print.Such as, by functional block 1925,1927,1929 and 1931, drops measuring system: (1) measures the multiple drops being used for given nozzle or nozzle/waveform pairing; (2) store in memory or upgrade result (that is, or store new additional measurement data as initial data, or the mean value of storage update or statistical summary, or carry out both); (3) the nozzle address nozzle waveform identifier of subsequent measurement cycles (or for) is identified; And (4) then suitably continue another nozzle or the pairing of nozzle waveform, for another measuring assembly.The process of load/unload substrate likely may can expend variable time quantum, and therefore, when system prepares new printing interval, control software design sends interruption or funcall (1933), suitably to depart from service operations (1935) (such as comprising drops measuring system), and print head assembly is turned back to effective printing (1919).As mentioned, control software design also upgrades pellucidly or recalculates the drop combination that possibility is no longer valid owing to the renewal of every nozzle drop mean value.Note, because drop is measured circulation and is stored the address or position (1930) that are used for subsequent measurement cycles, measuring so system performs drop effectively for the wicket of nozzle/drop, the basis of circulation continuing through for producing several thousand different spray nozzles/nozzle waveform pairing available for the use in drop.Then perform printing, until complete next substrate iteration, now, substrate is unloaded, and measures/seeervice cycle continuation.By stacking drop measurement after other printer operation as described, these technology contribute to reducing in fact any system downtime, make manufacture throughput-maximized again.Note, although the method described engages drops measuring system at each loading cycle, but and not all embodiments needs so, namely may expect that upgrading drop by special speed (such as every 8 hours) measures, and therefore, if use the stack operation mentioned to build drop statistics population quickly, then may be desirably in substrate and load and/or transmit and/or alternatively run different service operations during Curie's operation.Figure 19 also illustrates the special maintenance frame 1937 associated with special ad-hoc action such as needing to change printhead or another processed offline.

As should be understood, the technology mentioned promotes to manufacture the high evenness in process (especially OLED device manufacture process), and therefore strengthens reliability.The drop measuring technique made it possible to by using dissimilar Nozzle combination and droplet size combination to carry out the combination of accurate drop and spot suppression promotes these technology in some embodiments at least in part.In addition, by the mode to be calculated as the minimizing overall system downtime, the speed particularly measured about drop and such measurement provide control efficiency for the stacking of other system process, and instruction set forth above contributes to providing the manufacture process more cheap faster in order to provide both flexibility and precision in preparation process and design.

In aforementioned description and accompanying drawing, elaboration particular term and drawing(s) symbol are the thorough understanding in order to provide disclosed embodiment.In some cases, term and symbol can imply and implement the unwanted specific detail of those embodiments.Term " exemplary " and " embodiment " are used for representing example instead of preference or requirement.

As indicated, various modifications and changes can be carried out to the embodiment proposed herein when not departing from more broader spirit of the present disclosure and scope.Such as, can at least when gearing to actual circumstances with other embodiment any combined or replace its counterpart feature or in and apply any embodiment feature or in.Therefore such as not all features are all shown in each figure, and such as the feature according to the embodiment of a figure or technology should be assumed to be element or the combination of the feature that can be used as other figure any or embodiment alternatively, even if do not indicate particularly in this manual.Therefore, this description and accompanying drawing should be considered in illustrative instead of restrictive, sense.

Claims (amendment according to treaty the 19th article)

1. the control data generating the nozzle being used for printhead is with the method for the polymerization volume of ink deposition at least one target area of substrate, described polymerization volume is in predetermined volume marginal range, each in described nozzle generates at least one corresponding droplet size, and described method comprises:

Receive the information representing statistics population, statistics population represents each corresponding droplet size;

Calculating drop combines, and represents that the mean value of corresponding droplet size adds up to the value be limited in described predetermined marginal range to it; And

Depend on that described combination is to generate control data, described control data is enough to order printhead with the relative motion between substrate to make the first object district in each and at least one target area described of the nozzle be associated with described combination close, and orders each the carrying out of the nozzle be associated with described combination to launch in first object district, deposit each droplet size be associated with this combination.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein, described predetermined marginal range comprises the scope centered by target volume, wherein, described scope by represented by target volume scope plus-minus target volume 2 percent contain, and wherein, generating control data comprises being suitable for using the mode of the combination of the drop from least two in nozzle to generate control data to produce the polymerization target volume for the target area of at least one target area described.

3. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described method is embodied as the method controlling ink jet printing mechanism, and wherein, described method comprises control ink jet printing mechanism further to depend on described control data to perform transmitting and the relative motion of the nozzle be associated with described combination.

4. method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described ink-jet printer structure comprises drop measurement device, and wherein, receive this information and comprise that to engage drop measurement device each with what determine in droplet size by rule of thumb, and wherein, reception information comprises and utilizes drop measurement device from the multiple measurements for each nozzle to receive information.

5. the method for claim 1, is embodied as following method: the control data generating the nozzle being used for printhead, to be deposited on the polymerization volume of the ink in described predetermined marginal range in the corresponding target area of described substrate, wherein:

For each calculating performing combination in corresponding target area; And

Perform the generation of control data, described control data is generated in the mode relevant to each combination, described control data is enough to printhead described in order and the relative motion between described substrate, with side by side make at least one nozzle of being associated to each combination and corresponding target area close, and be enough at least one nozzle that order is associated with each combination launch, with side by side deposit fluid drop volume in corresponding target area.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein:

Described method comprises further: the set identifying predetermined Jet control waveform, and each predetermined Jet control waveform produces corresponding ink drop volumes when being applied to nozzle; And

Be associated with the integer of drop for each combination in corresponding target area, and the Jet control waveform that at least two different spray nozzles being suitable for containing in nozzle and described predetermined Jet control waveform at least two are different.

7. the method for claim 1, wherein, at least one target area described comprises each target area, each in order to realize predetermined volume marginal range in each target area, wherein, each target area offsets from each other on the direction of the first axle, wherein, relative motion comprises each at least twice sweep substantially on the direction vertical with the first axle, described at least twice sweep offsets from each other according to the sequence of at least one geometric pace, wherein, each in described nozzle relative to each other has position relationship, and wherein:

Described method comprises further: at least one combination calculating drop, and droplet size mean value corresponding for it adds up to and is limited to for the value in each predetermined marginal range in each target area;

With to combine relevant mode for each certain droplet in each target area and perform generation control data; And

Described method comprise further with variable-size and each geometric pace of the way selection relevant to particular combination.

8. the method for claim 1, wherein:

Described printhead has and is no less than 128 printing nozzles;

Described method is embodied as a kind of method controlling declutch shaft ink jet printing mechanism further, and declutch shaft ink jet printing mechanism comprises printhead, printhead motion control mechanism and basement movement controlling organization; And

Generate control data to comprise further and cause apparatus control ink jet printing mechanism to perform the relative motion between printhead and substrate, to make basement movement controlling organization make substrate move relative to printhead in a first direction, and printhead motion control mechanism makes printhead move relative to substrate independent of in the second direction of first direction.

9. the method for claim 1, is embodied as the method for a kind of formation for the organic luminous layer of electronic equipment, and wherein, described ink comprises at least one in the organic material carried by solvent, organic monomer or organic polymer.

10. a printer, comprising:

There is the printhead in order to the nozzle of pad-ink on based target area array;

At least one motion, in order to provide the relative movement between printhead and substrate, comprises each scanning in the motion of continuous print substantially between printhead and substrate;

Holder, is used for the data of each droplet size mean value in nozzle in order to storaging mark; And

Be stored in the instruction on non-transient state machine readable media, this instruction causes printer when being performed

Receive e-file, its definition is used for the expectation packing volume of each target area, and the expectation packing volume of each target area will realize in association volume marginal range, and

Controlled motion mechanism and printhead are used for the droplet size mean value of each nozzle data based on mark are come for each target area from the one or more printed droplets combinations nozzle with the file of definition for the packing volume of each target area, wherein, corresponding droplet size mean value adds up to the Filling power in the volume marginal range of association;

Wherein, controlled motion mechanism and printhead are deposited Filling power, to fill all target areas for corresponding target area by described instruction.

11. printers as claimed in claim 10, comprise further: in order to comprise the gas inclusion of described printhead and described substrate and the atmosphere control system in order to inject controlled atmosphere during printing in gas inclusion.

12. printers as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described substrate will form display device, and there are three arrays of the target area of substrate, the target area of each array represents the corresponding color components of the pixel of array, and wherein, described printer comprises at least three printheads, each color components comprises at least one, to print corresponding ink on the target area of of the correspondence in three arrays.

13. printers as claimed in claim 10, comprise further: drop measurement device, described instruction causes described printer to engage described drop measurement device further when being run, with for each given nozzle repetitive measurement droplet size in described nozzle, in the hope of the statistics population for the given nozzle in described nozzle, this Data Identification carries out measuring and the droplet size mean value obtained from described drop measurement device for each described nozzle.

14. printers as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described instruction causes described printer on interrupted basis, engage described drop measurement device further when being run, to upgrade for each droplet size mean value in described nozzle.

15. 1 kinds of controls have the method for the ink-jet printer of the printhead of the nozzle with the corresponding drop being controlled as ejection ink, and described method comprises:

Measure the parameter associated to the multiple corresponding drop from described nozzle, to obtain the statistics population of the parameter for described in described nozzle;

Duplicate measurements is used for each parameter in other nozzle, to obtain for each corresponding statistics population in described nozzle; And

Process each statistics population, with for described parameter corresponding mean value and represent that the respective extension of distribution of described parameter is estimated and be associated.

16. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described parameter is one in droplet size, liquid drop speed or droplet trajectory angle.

17. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described ink-jet printer is applicable to the transmitting drive waveforms using multiple replacement for each nozzle, wherein:

For specific one the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the multiple replacements used together with the nozzle of in described nozzle, the measurement of described parameter is performed, to obtain the statistics population corresponding to the transmitting drive waveforms of the described nozzle in described nozzle and described specific replacement for the described nozzle in described nozzle; And

Described method comprises further: the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing for each another one that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together with the nozzle of in described nozzle, parameter described in duplicate measurements, adds up population accordingly to obtain;

Comprise for parameter described in each duplicate measurements in other nozzle: the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing for each another one that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together with each another one nozzle in described nozzle, parameter described in duplicate measurements, to obtain each statistics population; And

For each waveform that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together to each corresponding nozzle in described nozzle, performing process to each statistics population, being associated so that the mean value for described parameter is estimated with the expansion for distributing.

18. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described method comprises further: control to print, to deposit the multiple drops selected from corresponding nozzle in given substrate target area, described in multiple drops of selecting be selected as producing the synthetic ink packing volume for described target area equaling the mean value sum associated to the drop produced by the corresponding each nozzle in described nozzle.

19. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, perform described measurement and repetition, and to obtain the threshold value population of the measurement for each nozzle in described nozzle, and wherein, the threshold value population of described measurement represents at least 24 measurements.

20. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, has the nozzle of the corresponding drop spraying ink;

Drop measurement device, in order to the light by collecting passed through measurement zone of advancing from the drop of ink, measures the parameter associated to the drop of the ink sprayed by corresponding nozzle;

Wherein, described ink-jet printer comprises service station and the parts for selecting described printhead to move to service station; And

Wherein, described ink-jet printer comprises the parts for moving described measurement zone in each selectively in three dimensions independently further.

21. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, has the nozzle of the corresponding drop spraying ink;

Coverage and the printhead connecting gear for selectively described printhead being moved to described service area; And

Drop measurement device, in order to engage described printhead selectively when described printhead is in described coverage, described drop measurement device is in order to the light by collecting passed through measurement zone of advancing from the drop of ink, measure the parameter associated to the drop of the ink sprayed by corresponding nozzle, described drop measurement device comprises travel mechanism further, be operable as in each in three dimensions and link described measurement zone, thus described measurement zone is orientated as adjacent with any one in described nozzle after described printhead has been moved to described coverage.

22. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one fluorescence detector and in order at least one in the hardware of measuring the interference figure of light detected by least one fluorescence detector described or software.

23. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one imageing sensor and in order to measure at least one in the hardware of shade or software that are detected by least one fluorescence detector described.

24. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described printhead is positioned in parking place when being moved to described coverage, wherein, the described nozzle of described printhead is applicable to relative to the drop spraying ink in the distance h of parking place, wherein, described travel mechanism is applicable to selectively at the described measurement zone that substantially moves up with the side of the dimension parallel of described distance h, be in described distance h to make described measurement zone, measure to perform drop, and wherein, described travel mechanism is operable as in each selectively in two parallel with the nozzle load-bearing surface of described printhead and substantially orthogonal with the dimension of described distance h dimensions and moves described measurement zone independently, to measure the drop from corresponding nozzle.

25. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 24, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one light path routing mechanisms, in order to the measurement light from the drop being advanced through described measurement zone is directed to being away from described nozzle load-bearing surface the fluorescence detector of the distance being positioned at the dimension along distance h being greater than distance h, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one light path routing mechanisms, in order to source light to be directed to the drop being advanced through described measurement zone from light source, described light source is also positioned at the distance of the dimension along distance h being greater than distance h, and wherein, each light path routing mechanisms comprises mirror, one in prism or Connectorized fiber optic cabling.

26. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, in order to by ink print in substrate, described printhead has nozzle;

Coverage and the printhead connecting gear in order to selectively described printhead to be sent to described coverage;

Drop measurement device; And

Controlling organization, on a continuous basis ink is printed in described substrate as film in order to cause described printer, and when cause described printhead by ink print to described substrate time day part between, cause described printhead connecting gear that described printhead is sent to described coverage, and cause described drop measurement device to measure corresponding droplet size from each described nozzle;

Wherein, described controlling organization for controlling described drop measurement device, thus builds the statistics population of each corresponding droplet size between the substrate in succession in the described substrate of expression, and calculates the statistical parameter representing each drop population at least thus.

27. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 26, wherein, described ink-jet printer is embodied as and is applicable to be integrated into the process units one or more layers of like products preparing by the corresponding substrate in described substrate according to public print command, and depends on that the statistics population after from the renewal of the droplet size from described drop measurement device measured middle between the substrate in succession in described substrate is to adjust described public print command set.

28. 1 kinds of controls have the method for the ink-jet printer of the printhead with nozzle, comprising:

The drop measurement device of described ink-jet printer is used to build the statistical distribution of the drop parameter for each in described nozzle via the duplicate measurements to the drop produced by each in described nozzle;

At least one statistical measurement associated with the described statistical distribution for each in described nozzle and threshold value are compared;

Depend on comparative result, the drop that checking or refusal are produced by the corresponding each nozzle in described nozzle; And

The print processing of the use to the drop produced by the corresponding each nozzle in unaccepted described nozzle is got rid of in planning.

Claims (27)

1. the control data generating the nozzle being used for printhead is with the method for the polymerization volume of ink deposition at least one target area of substrate, described polymerization volume is in predetermined volume marginal range, each in described nozzle generates at least one corresponding droplet size, and described method comprises:

Receive the information representing statistics population, statistics population represents each corresponding droplet size;

Calculating drop combines, and represents that the mean value of corresponding droplet size adds up to the value be limited in described predetermined marginal range to it; And

Depend on that described combination is to generate control data, described control data is enough to order printhead with the relative motion between substrate to make the first object district in each and at least one target area described of the nozzle be associated with described combination close, and orders each the carrying out of the nozzle be associated with described combination to launch in first object district, deposit each droplet size be associated with this combination.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein, described predetermined marginal range comprises the scope centered by target volume, wherein, described scope by represented by target volume scope plus-minus target volume 2 percent contain, and wherein, generating control data comprises being suitable for using the mode of the combination of the drop from least two in nozzle to generate control data to produce the polymerization target volume for the target area of at least one target area described.

3. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described method is embodied as the method controlling ink jet printing mechanism, and wherein, described method comprises control ink jet printing mechanism further to depend on described control data to perform transmitting and the relative motion of the nozzle be associated with described combination.

4. method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described ink-jet printer structure comprises drop measurement device, and wherein, receive this information and comprise that to engage drop measurement device each with what determine in droplet size by rule of thumb, and wherein, reception information comprises and utilizes drop measurement device from the multiple measurements for each nozzle to receive information.

5. the method for claim 1, is embodied as following method: the control data generating the nozzle being used for printhead, to be deposited on the polymerization volume of the ink in described predetermined marginal range in the corresponding target area of described substrate, wherein:

For each calculating performing combination in corresponding target area; And

Perform the generation of control data, described control data is generated in the mode relevant to each combination, described control data is enough to printhead described in order and the relative motion between described substrate, with side by side make at least one nozzle of being associated to each combination and corresponding target area close, and be enough at least one nozzle that order is associated with each combination launch, with side by side deposit fluid drop volume in corresponding target area.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein:

Described method comprises further: the set identifying predetermined Jet control waveform, and each predetermined Jet control waveform produces corresponding ink drop volumes when being applied to nozzle; And

Be associated with the integer of drop for each combination in corresponding target area, and the Jet control waveform that at least two different spray nozzles being suitable for containing in nozzle and described predetermined Jet control waveform at least two are different.

7. the method for claim 1, wherein, at least one target area described comprises each target area, each in order to realize predetermined volume marginal range in each target area, wherein, each target area offsets from each other on the direction of the first axle, wherein, relative motion comprises each at least twice sweep substantially on the direction vertical with the first axle, described at least twice sweep offsets from each other according to the sequence of at least one geometric pace, wherein, each in described nozzle relative to each other has position relationship, and wherein:

Described method comprises further: at least one combination calculating drop, and droplet size mean value corresponding for it adds up to and is limited to for the value in each predetermined marginal range in each target area;

With to combine relevant mode for each certain droplet in each target area and perform generation control data; And

Described method comprise further with variable-size and each geometric pace of the way selection relevant to particular combination.

8. the method for claim 1, wherein:

Described printhead has and is no less than 128 printing nozzles;

Described method is embodied as a kind of method controlling declutch shaft ink jet printing mechanism further, and declutch shaft ink jet printing mechanism comprises printhead, printhead motion control mechanism and basement movement controlling organization; And

Generate control data to comprise further and cause apparatus control ink jet printing mechanism to perform the relative motion between printhead and substrate, to make basement movement controlling organization make substrate move relative to printhead in a first direction, and printhead motion control mechanism makes printhead move relative to substrate independent of in the second direction of first direction.

9. the method for claim 1, is embodied as the method for a kind of formation for the organic luminous layer of electronic equipment, and wherein, described ink comprises at least one in the organic material carried by solvent, organic monomer or organic polymer.

10. a printer, comprising:

There is the printhead in order to the nozzle of pad-ink on based target area array;

At least one motion, in order to provide the relative movement between printhead and substrate, comprises each scanning in the motion of continuous print substantially between printhead and substrate;

Holder, is used for the data of each droplet size mean value in nozzle in order to storaging mark; And

Be stored in the instruction on non-transient state machine readable media, this instruction causes printer when being performed

Receive e-file, its definition is used for the expectation packing volume of each target area, and the expectation packing volume of each target area will realize in association volume marginal range, and

Controlled motion mechanism and printhead are used for the droplet size mean value of each nozzle data based on mark are come for each target area from the one or more printed droplets combinations nozzle with the file of definition for the packing volume of each target area, wherein, corresponding droplet size mean value adds up to the Filling power in the volume marginal range of association;

Wherein, controlled motion mechanism and printhead are deposited Filling power, to fill all target areas for corresponding target area by described instruction.

11. printers as claimed in claim 10, comprise further: in order to comprise the gas inclusion of described printhead and described substrate and the atmosphere control system in order to inject controlled atmosphere during printing in gas inclusion.

12. printers as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described substrate will form display device, and there are three arrays of the target area of substrate, the target area of each array represents the corresponding color components of the pixel of array, and wherein, described printer comprises at least three printheads, each color components comprises at least one, to print corresponding ink on the target area of of the correspondence in three arrays.

13. printers as claimed in claim 10, comprise further: drop measurement device, described instruction causes described printer to engage described drop measurement device further when being run, with for each given nozzle repetitive measurement droplet size in described nozzle, in the hope of the statistics population for the given nozzle in described nozzle, this Data Identification carries out measuring and the droplet size mean value obtained from described drop measurement device for each described nozzle.

14. printers as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described instruction causes described printer on interrupted basis, engage described drop measurement device further when being run, to upgrade for each droplet size mean value in described nozzle.

15. 1 kinds of controls have the method for the ink-jet printer of the printhead of the nozzle with the corresponding drop being controlled as ejection ink, and described method comprises:

Measure the parameter associated to the multiple corresponding drop from described nozzle, to obtain the statistics population of the parameter for described in described nozzle;

Duplicate measurements is used for each parameter in other nozzle, to obtain for each corresponding statistics population in described nozzle; And

Process each statistics population, with for described parameter corresponding mean value and represent that the respective extension of distribution of described parameter is estimated and be associated.

16. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described parameter is one in droplet size, liquid drop speed or droplet trajectory angle.

17. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described ink-jet printer is applicable to the transmitting drive waveforms using multiple replacement for each nozzle, wherein:

For specific one the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the multiple replacements used together with the nozzle of in described nozzle, the measurement of described parameter is performed, to obtain the statistics population corresponding to the transmitting drive waveforms of the described nozzle in described nozzle and described specific replacement for the described nozzle in described nozzle; And

Described method comprises further: the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing for each another one that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together with the nozzle of in described nozzle, parameter described in duplicate measurements, adds up population accordingly to obtain;

Comprise for parameter described in each duplicate measurements in other nozzle: the transmitting drive waveforms of replacing for each another one that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together with each another one nozzle in described nozzle, parameter described in duplicate measurements, to obtain each statistics population; And

For each waveform that can be used in the transmitting drive waveforms of the described multiple replacement used together to each corresponding nozzle in described nozzle, performing process to each statistics population, being associated so that the mean value for described parameter is estimated with the expansion for distributing.

18. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described method comprises further: control to print, to deposit the multiple drops selected from corresponding nozzle in given substrate target area, described in multiple drops of selecting be selected as producing the synthetic ink packing volume for described target area equaling the mean value sum associated to the drop produced by the corresponding each nozzle in described nozzle.

19. methods as claimed in claim 15, wherein, perform described measurement and repetition, and to obtain the threshold value population of the measurement for each nozzle in described nozzle, and wherein, the threshold value population of described measurement represents at least 24 measurements.

20. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, has the nozzle of the corresponding drop spraying ink;

Drop measurement device, in order to the light by collecting passed through measurement zone of advancing from the drop of ink, measures the parameter associated to the drop of the ink sprayed by corresponding nozzle;

Wherein, described ink-jet printer comprises service station and the parts for selecting described printhead to move to service station; And

Wherein, described ink-jet printer comprises the parts for moving described measurement zone in each selectively in three dimensions independently further.

21. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, has the nozzle of the corresponding drop spraying ink;

Coverage and the printhead connecting gear for selectively described printhead being moved to described service area; And

Drop measurement device, in order to engage described printhead selectively when described printhead is in described coverage, described drop measurement device is in order to the light by collecting passed through measurement zone of advancing from the drop of ink, measure the parameter associated to the drop of the ink sprayed by corresponding nozzle, described drop measurement device comprises travel mechanism further, be operable as in each in three dimensions and link described measurement zone, thus described measurement zone is orientated as adjacent with any one in described nozzle after described printhead has been moved to described coverage.

22. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one fluorescence detector and in order at least one in the hardware of measuring the interference figure of light detected by least one fluorescence detector described or software.

23. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one imageing sensor and in order to measure at least one in the hardware of shade or software that are detected by least one fluorescence detector described.

24. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described printhead is positioned in parking place when being moved to described coverage, wherein, the described nozzle of described printhead is applicable to relative to the drop spraying ink in the distance h of parking place, wherein, described travel mechanism is applicable to selectively at the described measurement zone that substantially moves up with the side of the dimension parallel of described distance h, be in described distance h to make described measurement zone, measure to perform drop, and wherein, described travel mechanism is operable as in each selectively in two parallel with the nozzle load-bearing surface of described printhead and substantially orthogonal with the dimension of described distance h dimensions and moves described measurement zone independently, to measure the drop from corresponding nozzle.

25. ink-jet printers as claimed in claim 24, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one light path routing mechanisms, in order to the measurement light from the drop being advanced through described measurement zone is directed to being away from described nozzle load-bearing surface the fluorescence detector of the distance being positioned at the dimension along distance h being greater than distance h, wherein, described drop measurement device comprises at least one light path routing mechanisms, in order to source light to be directed to the drop being advanced through described measurement zone from light source, described light source is also positioned at the distance of the dimension along distance h being greater than distance h, and wherein, each light path routing mechanisms comprises mirror, one in prism or Connectorized fiber optic cabling.

26. 1 kinds of ink-jet printers, comprising:

Printhead, in order to by ink print in substrate, described printhead has nozzle;

Coverage and the printhead connecting gear in order to selectively described printhead to be sent to described coverage;

Drop measurement device; And

Controlling organization, on a continuous basis ink is printed in described substrate as film in order to cause described printer, and when cause described printhead by ink print to described substrate time day part between, cause described printhead connecting gear that described printhead is sent to described coverage, and cause described drop measurement device to measure corresponding droplet size from each described nozzle.

27. 1 kinds of controls have the method for the ink-jet printer of the printhead with nozzle, comprising:

The drop measurement device of described ink-jet printer is used to build the statistical distribution of the drop parameter for each in described nozzle via the duplicate measurements to the drop produced by each in described nozzle;

At least one statistical measurement associated with the described statistical distribution for each in described nozzle and threshold value are compared;

Depend on comparative result, the drop that checking or refusal are produced by the corresponding each nozzle in described nozzle; And

The print processing of the use to the drop produced by the corresponding each nozzle in unaccepted described nozzle is got rid of in planning.