3D Printing Dot Shaping for Uniform Color Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional (3D) printers face issues with varying color density due to non-cubic dot shapes, leading to differences in color appearance when viewing the object from different directions, despite using the same amount of ink.
Innovation Solution
A 3D object modeling device with a system that includes nozzles for modeling and coloring ink, a model data generator, and a color region determiner to ensure uniform depth and dot distribution, reducing color density variations by determining the number of dots in the length, width, and height directions based on the three-dimensional shape and integer ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dots are formed using the same amount of ink regardless of shape, then the ink usage is consistent, but the color density varies depending on the viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the dot shape parameters (length, width, height) according to the specific viewing direction and surface orientation. Each dot's dimensions are locally optimized to compensate for viewing angle effects, ensuring uniform color density across different directions while maintaining consistent ink usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the dots (length, width, height) based on the viewing direction and surface normal. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform color appearance from different angles while using the same amount of ink, resolving the contradiction between ink consistency and color uniformity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dot shape is non-cubic to match specific viewing angles, then color density is improved for those angles, but color density varies when viewed from other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the dot shape parameters variable rather than fixed. The length, width, and height of each dot are dynamically determined based on the local surface orientation and viewing direction, allowing the system to adapt to multiple viewing angles simultaneously and maintain color uniformity across diverse observation perspectives.
3Ease of manufacture
If the color region is determined without considering dot depth variation, then the processing is simpler, but the color appearance varies with viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal dot dimensions and color region boundaries before actual ink deposition. The system determines the required dot shape parameters and color region extent in advance, based on the desired viewing angles and surface geometry, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring color appearance consistency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces color density variations across different viewing angles by ensuring uniform depth and dot distribution, maintaining consistent color appearance regardless of the viewing direction.
Implementation Method 1
uses ink which is solidified after being discharged and becomes part of a three-dimensional object as a three-dimensional dot
Data Source
AI summary
A method of molding a three-dimensional object, the method including: generating modeling data for the three-dimensional object; determining a region to be modeled by layering the dot using the modeling ink based on the modeling data; determines a color region to be colored by discharge of the coloring ink on a surface of a set of the layered dot with the modeling ink, based on the modeling data to reduce a difference in depth in a normal direction of a surface of the three-dimensional object; generating modeling ink discharge data for discharging the modeling ink, and coloring ink discharge data for discharging the coloring ink; and causing the modeling ink and the coloring ink to be discharged in accordance the discharge data of the modeling ink and the coloring ink, and performing modeling and coloring of the three-dimensional object.