3D Print Data Generation Curvature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
When printing on three-dimensional surfaces like spheres or hemispheres, the density of the printed image appears uneven due to varying print band lengths and rotation speeds, causing distortion as the image is denser near the equator and less dense near the poles.
Innovation Solution
A print data generating apparatus that calculates relative curvature for each print band and thins out image data accordingly, ensuring a consistent image density by adjusting the degree of thinning based on the curvature, thereby maintaining uniform image resolution across the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant rotation speed is used for all print bands, then printing process is simple, but image density becomes uneven across the spherical surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the rotation speed according to the specific position on the spherical surface. Different print bands at different latitudes use different rotation speeds proportional to their respective circumferences, ensuring uniform dot spacing locally at each position while maintaining overall image density uniformity across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotation speed parameter dynamically based on the print band position. The rotation speed is adjusted proportionally to the circumference at each latitude, transforming from a constant parameter to a position-dependent parameter, thereby resolving the density uniformity issue while maintaining process simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If rotation speed varies for each print band, then image density becomes uniform, but printing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the complexity of variable rotation speed control by using a straightforward proportional relationship: rotation speed at each print band is directly proportional to the circumference at that latitude. This simple mathematical relationship avoids complex control systems while achieving uniform image density.
3Device complexity
If print bands are processed sequentially, then device structure is simple, but printing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the otherwise sequential printing process. By enabling continuous rotation of the spherical object and coordinating inkjet head movements with the rotation, the system transforms static sequential printing into a dynamic concurrent process, reducing total printing time without requiring complex multi-head configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print data generating apparatus 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention generates print data for a 3D printer that prints on the surface of a medium that has a three-dimensional shape print band by print band. The print data generating apparatus 40 includes a relative curvature calculating means 41 for calculating a relative curvature for each print band relative to a reference print band among the print bands, and an image data thinning means 42 that generates the print data by thinning out image data in each print band according to the relative curvature of the print band.