3D Printing Halftone Dither Matrix Variation for Surface Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in achieving surface image quality that accurately represents the intended three-dimensional data, often resulting in noticeable color inconsistencies and granular feelings due to the dithering process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a halftone processing technique with varying dither matrix patterns across cross-sectional slice information, dispersing the arrangement of coloring materials to enhance surface image quality by preventing successive alignment of the same color, and incorporating a deformed matrix with position-dependent pattern shifts to improve color representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same dither matrix pattern is used for each layer in the dithering process, then the processing is simple and efficient, but the coloring material arrangement becomes regular and causes visible stripes and poor surface image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the dither matrix pattern variable across layers. Specifically, the pattern shift amount is dynamically adjusted based on the layer position in the stacking direction, causing the coloring material arrangement to change progressively from one layer to the next. This dynamic variation eliminates the regularity that causes visible stripes while maintaining processing efficiency through a systematic pattern generation approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dither matrix pattern is varied for each layer to improve surface image quality, then the coloring material arrangement becomes more dispersed, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the dither matrix pattern shift amount based on layer position. The pattern shift is not arbitrary but follows a specific relationship with the layer index, creating a progressive variation that disperses coloring materials effectively. This parameter-based approach achieves improved surface image quality without requiring complex processing, as the pattern variation is generated through a systematic rule rather than intricate algorithms.
3Ease of manufacture
If coloring materials are arranged in successive layers with the same pattern alignment, then the layering process is straightforward, but color inconsistencies and granular feelings become prominent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dither matrix pattern application into layer-specific segments. Each layer receives a dither matrix pattern with a unique shift amount determined by its position in the stacking direction. This segmentation approach maintains layering simplicity through a systematic assignment rule while ensuring that coloring materials do not align perfectly across layers, thereby reducing color inconsistencies and granular feelings.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object shaping method for shaping a three-dimensional object by layering a unit layer formed using a colored ink of one or more colors, the method including a slice information calculating process of calculating a plurality of pieces of cross-sectional slice information from three-dimensional data including color data, a halftone processing process of carrying out a halftone process using a dither matrix on at least one part of the color data with respect to each layer of the plurality of pieces of cross-sectional slice information and carrying out the halftone process so that a pattern of the dither matrix used with respect to at least two of the plurality of pieces of cross-sectional slice information differs, and a unit layer forming process of forming the unit layer based on the cross-sectional slice information subjected to the halftone process.