Clear Ink Application Estimation Using Specular Reflection Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate color tone due to differences in ejection characteristics among recording heads, particularly when using clear ink without colorant, where measurement accuracy of patch patterns for ejection characteristics is low.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus that records a test pattern with a clear recording material on top of a color recording material layer, using a multi-purpose sensor to acquire reflection intensity of specular reflection light and generate information for determining the application amount of clear recording material based on this intensity and a target value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clear ink calibration is performed using interference color measurement from specular reflection light intensity ratios, then the ejection characteristics of clear ink can be estimated, but the measurement accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a color recording material layer as an intermediary substrate beneath the clear ink layer. This mediator provides a stable reference background that enhances the measurability of clear ink ejection characteristics. By measuring specular reflection light from the combination of color layer and clear ink layer, the system achieves more accurate calibration data compared to measuring clear ink directly on a white background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the color properties of the underlying color recording material layer to improve measurement accuracy. The color layer creates distinct optical characteristics when combined with clear ink, allowing the measurement system to detect ejection variations more reliably through changes in specular reflection light patterns.
2Reliability
If clear ink is used to increase image quality and add glossiness, then the visual quality of recorded images is improved, but the difference in ejection characteristics among recording heads becomes more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurement and generates correction information before actual image recording. By预先 (in advance) measuring the ejection characteristics of clear ink using the test pattern method with color layer background, the system creates correction data that compensates for recording head variations, ensuring consistent quality in subsequent production recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measurement results from the test pattern are used to generate correction information that is then applied to adjust clear ink ejection. This closed-loop approach ensures that variations in recording head performance are continuously compensated, maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving image quality enhancements from clear ink.
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
This approach allows for more accurate correction of ejection characteristics of clear ink, improving the quality and glossiness of recorded images by providing a precise method to determine the application amount of clear ink, thereby addressing the low measurement accuracy issues in existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition unit configured to acquire a reflection intensity of specular reflection light of the test pattern for the clear recording material
Data Source
AI summary
With a conventional method of estimating an application amount of a clear recording material from a color of a patch, it is difficult to realize high accuracy, similar colors are sometimes exhibited in measurement results even if there is a significant difference in the application amount of a clear ink. In contrast, with a disclosed configuration of estimating an application amount of a clear recording material from a reflection intensity of a patch, measurement results that exhibit a one-dimensional increase of a relationship between the application amount of the clear recording material and the reflection intensity are acquired, so that the accuracy of application amount estimation increases.