Color Separation for Multi-Layer Ink Recording on Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording technologies struggle to appropriately record images on recording media depending on the viewing position or surface shape due to variations in surface properties.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes a combination of inks and reaction liquids with different reactivities to form multiple layers on the recording medium, including a surface layer and an undercoat layer, to enhance image visibility and consistency across different viewing angles and surface textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single reaction liquid is used for recording images, then the recording process is simple, but the image visibility and consistency vary depending on viewing position and surface shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording process into two distinct stages using two different reaction liquids: a first reaction liquid applied initially, and a second reaction liquid applied subsequently. This segmentation allows each reaction liquid to perform specific functions - the first provides initial color development while the second enhances image consistency across different viewing angles and surface shapes, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple process and reliable image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different reaction liquids with different reactivities to different layers of the recording medium. The first reaction liquid is applied to the base layer while the second reaction liquid is applied to the surface layer. This local differentiation ensures that each layer contributes specific properties - the base layer provides structural support while the surface layer optimizes image visibility and consistency, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reaction liquid reactivity is increased to improve image visibility, then image quality improves, but visual inconsistencies appear on surfaces with different shapes and textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes two reaction liquids with different reactivity parameters. The first reaction liquid has higher reactivity to ensure strong color development and image visibility, while the second reaction liquid has lower reactivity to provide uniform coverage and consistency across different surface shapes and textures. By changing the reactivity parameter between the two reaction liquids, the system achieves both high image quality and broad surface adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite recording system combining two reaction liquids with different chemical properties and reactivities. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the high reactivity of the first liquid for image visibility while utilizing the low reactivity of the second liquid for surface adaptability, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and surface versatility.
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 ensures improved image visibility and reduced visual inconsistencies by adjusting the reactivity of the reaction liquids to match the surface properties of the recording medium, resulting in enhanced image quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by applying thereto a recording material such as ink is known. Such a recording apparatus records an image using a reaction liquid that reacts with a colorant contained in the ink to aggregate the ink.
Implementation Method 2
a reaction liquid that reacts with a colorant contained in the ink to aggregate the ink
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor, that upon execution of the stored instructions, is configured to operate as an acquisition unit configured to acquire data of an image; and a generation unit configured to generate color separation data based on the data of the image, the color separation data being used to record the image using a first ink for forming a surface layer of the image, a first reaction liquid that reacts with the first ink, a second ink for forming an undercoat layer of the image, and a second reaction liquid that has a different reactivity from the first reaction liquid and reacts with the second ink.