Color density based thickness compensation printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies face challenges in achieving precise control over color thickness and structural thickness on three-dimensional objects, particularly on substrates like fabric, which affects the surface profile and perceived color intensity of printed articles such as apparel and footwear.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine target thickness for regions of a three-dimensional object, assign color densities based on perceived color intensity, and calculate structural thickness to achieve a combination of color and structural layers with specific thicknesses, allowing for precise printing of color and structural layers independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If color density is increased to enhance perceived color intensity, then color thickness increases, but structural thickness control becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into two independent components: color layer printing and structural layer printing. The color layer is printed first with controlled color density, then the structural layer is printed separately with precisely controlled thickness. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both color intensity and structural thickness without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by printing the structural layer on top of the color layer, creating a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. This dimensional separation allows the color properties to be controlled in the horizontal plane while structural thickness is controlled in the vertical direction, resolving the trade-off between color intensity and thickness precision.
2Illumination intensity
If color layer thickness is increased to achieve desired color intensity, then surface profile control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into sequential stages: first printing the color layer to achieve desired color intensity, then printing the structural layer to establish the final surface profile. This segmentation allows independent control of color properties and surface geometry without mutual compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The color layer is printed first as a preliminary step before the structural layer is applied. This preliminary action establishes the color foundation while leaving the surface profile control to the subsequent structural layer, enabling independent optimization of both attributes.
3Manufacturing precision
If structural thickness is increased to maintain target thickness, then color thickness variability is masked but color intensity suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by determining color density and color thickness on a regional basis, allowing different areas to have optimized color properties. The structural layer thickness is then calculated locally to compensate for color thickness variations while maintaining the target overall thickness, preserving color intensity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including color density, color thickness, and structural thickness based on regional requirements and measured color layer properties. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain both color intensity and target thickness achievement simultaneously by optimizing the combination of color and structural layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing a three-dimensional object includes printing a first color layer having a first color in a first region of a three-dimensional object, printing a second color layer having a second color in a second region of the three-dimensional object, printing a first structural layer directly onto the first color layer, the first structural layer having a first structural thickness which in combination with a first color thickness forms a first target thickness, and printing a second structural layer directly onto the second color layer, the second structural layer having a second structural thickness which in combination with a second color thickness forms the first target thickness. The first color thickness and the second color thickness are different, and the first structural thickness and the second structural thickness are different.